Tahoe rocks, I used to live in San francisco and rent a ski house for the season. If you want the party atmosphere South lake tahoe, near heavenly is probably what you want, but I always preferred the north lake round truckee/tahoe city.
Steeps and power, and some awesome tree runs at Norhtstar and also check out Homewood, one of the lesser known resorts, its one of my favourites.
Not that keen on heavenly, but I am a boarder and it has lots of flat bits, amazign views though, but defo more of a skiers resort.
Squaw valley and sugarbowl also worth a look.