Kirkwood Mountain Ski Getaways

Kirkwood is located only 45 minutes away from the bright lights, large resorts and "mini Las Vegas" feel of South Lake Tahoe, but is light-years away in altitude and ambiance, and depending on what you are looking for that might be a good thing. Make no mistake about it, you'll still find a large resort with all the amenities when you go Kirkwood. We are talking about a big mountain here with a 2,000 foot vertical, 2,300 acres of terrain and, thanks in part to its high altitude, an average snowfall of over 600 inches that's over 50 feet! You combine that with on-site lodging, dining, and a host of off-slope activities and you have pretty much everything you need to enjoy your time at Kirkwood.

Kirkwood is probably one of the most balanced resorts in the Tahoe region in terms of terrain for each ability level. The beginners will want to stick, almost exclusively to the terrain off of the Snowkirk and Bunny lifts. Both lifts offer up some excellent easy slopes and Bunny has a beginner terrain park as well. The best part is that these areas are more-or-less out of the main flow of traffic so you won't have to worry about people flying past you or dodging a lot of other skiers and riders. Intermediate terrain makes up the majority of the mountain. Head up the east-facing Sunrise lift early in the morning for a run down the Elevator Shaft or Happiness Is. Or maybe head for the Cornice Express if you're feeling daring and go for Look-out Janek or Olympic. If you are looking for some good powder after a storm you can't go wrong with the Palisades Bowl. Are you the expert in the group looking for the steepest stuff Kirkwood has to offer? Try The Wall off of the Wagon Wheel lift. Freeriders there is plenty of features at Kirkwood for you as well, including a great Superpipe.