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The Ski Resort of Kirkwood

Kirkwood

Perhaps the most impressive thing about Kirkwood is the mountain itself—the massive rock face of thimble peak at 9,800 feet (2,987 m) dominates and leads to a forest of gully trails dropping down to allow a massive vertical fall-line. Here you’ll find the deepest and best snow quality in the Lake Tahoe region.
 


Once a simple way-station for weary trans-Sierra travelers, then a humble ski resort founded in the early 1970s, the Kirkwood Mountain Resort is now a favorite for those who enjoy the best snow and some of the best skiing and riding in the western states.

Here’s home to America’s deepest snow sprinkled with luxurious accommodations, shopping and fine dining, all within the confines of a brand new mountain village. Kirkwood is famous for deep snow. In fact the resort has boasted the deepest snow in North America for seven of the past 10 seasons and measurements are verified against those taken by government agencies in the surrounding areas.

But forget the statistics, Kirkwood is all about powder—deep, dry, and a delight for boarders and free-skiers riding the horseshoe-shaped, cornice-lined mountains, filling in steep chutes and wide open bowls. Add to that a vast surround in every direction of endless miles of protected Wilderness and Forest Service Land, and you have a unique balance of a world-class mountain with all the creature comforts in a pristine sanctuary. No wonder the resort attracts a  variety of enthusiasts, but unlike many other resorts with similar natural attributes, such as Jackson Hole, the atmosphere at Kirkwood is definitely low-key.

Kirkwood, CA at a glance
 

On the mountain

Ski area

Because Kirkwood is at a much higher elevation than the rest of the South Shore resorts—its base elevation begins at 7,800 feet (2,377 m)—it consistently receives the most and the best snow. more...

 

Lift system

Kirkwood’s ski area is served by two high speed quads,eight chairlifts, and two handle tows, with a capacity for 17,905 skiers per hour. more...

 

Ski schools & guiding

Even with the emphasis on powder, the resort can still offer innovative First-Time Skier and Snowboarding programs on its wide, gentle slopes. more...

 

Beginner

The Timber Creek area is the best place to be if you are a beginner skier. more...

 

Intermediate

Intermediates have 50 percent of the total terrain to carve up. Elevator Shaft is the steepest intermediate run. more...

 

Advanced

The best area is accessed from chairs #6 and 10 and Thunder Saddle (off chair #4) while the toughest skiing is Look Out Janek; Steep and Deep Wagon Wheel Bowl and Thunder Saddle. more...

 

Boarding & freestyle

Kirkwood is a favorite among freestyle skiers and boarders. more...

 

Mountain restaurants

There are eight restaurants on and (mostly) off the mountain offering cafeteria and deli-style refreshment as well as more upscale dining at the resort’s main full-service restaurant, Off the Wall Bar & Grill. more...

 

Ski Map

open Kirkwood Ski map

Off the mountain

Village

The small resort is currently undergoing a US$250 million metamorphosis from a day skier’s mountain to a year-round destination resort. more...

 

Accommodation

Four new, luxury lodges opened in the village significantly increase overnight accommodations for visitors to the valley, and lodgings will be increased from the current overnight capacity of 2,000 to approximately 6,500. more...

 

Après-ski

Kirkwood has six bars and Bub’s Sports Bar and Grill is the most popular bar and evening hangout for all age groups. Bub’s boasts a full-service bar, big- screen T.V.s, pool tables, and a warm, inviting atmosphere. more...

 

Other activities

If you seek other snow thrills, sample some of the 50 miles (80 km) of scenic cross-country skiing, or try a horse-drawn sleigh ride. more...

 

Getting there

Kirkwood lies 35 miles (56 km) south of South Lake Tahoe, and 80 miles (128 km) west of the Reno Tahoe International Airport—approximately a 90-minute drive. more...

 

 

Navigation

Quick access

Resort shortcuts

Kirkwood facts

Ski Area

Base7,800 ft
2,377 m
Summit9,800 ft
2,987 m
Elevation2,000 ft
610 m
Area size2,300 a
931 ha

 

Trails/runs

Number of trails65
Advanced35 %
Intermediate50 %
Beginner15 %

 

Lifts

Surface lifts2

 

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