Kirkwood 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.So its 2,300 acres (932 ha) of wide-open terrain promises something for everyone-from gentle groomed trails through hair-raising steeps and chutes, but most of the skiing is for intermediates and above with only 15 percent of the ski area suitable for beginners. Artificial snowmaking covers 5% of the resort (115 acres). From the base elevation of the village the highest point of 9,800 feet (2,987m) allows a maximum vertical descent of 2,000 feet (610 m).