Getting to Kirkwood ski resort isn't always easy given that the resort receives 600" of snow a winter, but it's worth the trip. Kirkwood lies 35 miles (56 km) south of South Lake Tahoe, and 80 miles (128 km) west...
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.
At Kirkwood skiers will find America’s deepest snow (600″+ annually) 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, in the 2000’s the resort boasted the deepest snow in North America for seven of the 10 seasons. And lest one think the measurements are pure PR bluster, the resort verified its measurements against those taken by government agencies in the surrounding areas.
But forget the statistics, Kirkwood is all about powder. When it snows, Kirkwood can pile up snow totals that are so high they are almost unskiably deep. All this snow is put to good use at Kirkwood filling in horseshoe-shaped, cornice-lined mountains dotted with 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. However, unlike many other resorts with world-class expert terrain, such as Jackson Hole, the atmosphere at Kirkwood is definitely low-key. Nightlight and restaurant options are limited. Kirkwood is a place where people gather for one purpose – skiing.
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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. The village plaza will connect to the Red...
Even with the emphasis on powder, the resort can still offer innovative First-Time Skier and Snowboarding programs on its wide, gentle slopes. Mighty Mountain Children's Center makes skiing more convenient for families and fun for kids, and is located at...
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...
Kirkwood Ski Lifts & Lift Passes 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. The lift system is graded to match level of difficulty of...
Kirkwood Beginner Skiing Kirkwood's beginner skiing choices are somewhat limited. The Timber Creek area is home to the bulk of Kirkwood's green trails. Most of the green trails are located in the Timber Creek, and because the area does not...
Kirkwood Intermediate Skiing Intermediates have 50 percent of the total terrain to carve up. Elevator Shaft is the steepest intermediate run. A classic ski itinerary might be to warm up on chair #7 for a couple runs then take it...
Kirkwood Expert Skiing Kirkwood's expert skiing is on par with anywhere in North America. 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...
Kirkwood Snowboarding Kirkwood is a favorite among freestyle skiers and snowboarders because of its big mountain terrain. With the varied terrain, especially the number of steep shoots and gullies, the entire resort is a bit of a natural terrain park....
Kirkwood 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. Located in the Lodge...
Kirkwood Resort The small resort is currently undergoing a US$250 million metamorphosis from a day skier’s mountain to a year-round destination resort. It's already showcasing a new ski-in, ski-out Mountain Village with numerous stores and restaurants and an ice rink...
Kirkwood Bars & Restaurants 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...
Kirkwood 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. But you don't have to be skiing to enjoy your time at Kirkwood....