You are:

• Overall Rating
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5

• Snow
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
• Uncrowded
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
• Lifts
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
• Piste Trails
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
• Off-Piste
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
• Child Friendly
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
• Value
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
• Nightlife
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5

• Recommend
  0%
• Would Revisit
  0%

 

Kirkwood

Kirkwood ski resort in the Lake Tahoe region is nirvana for powderhounds and advanced skiers and boarders. You might not get the great views experienced at other Lake Tahoe resorts, but Kirkwood has one of the highest resort snowfalls in the world, and there is an extensive selection of tricky terrain.

Ski and Snowboard TerrainWith plenty of ridgeline at the top, Kirkwood has many opportunities to launch off cornices. If that’s not your thing, Kirkwood has a great balance of terrain for all abilities.Of course there is something for those who want terrifying chutes and 60-degree steeps. There is a designated beginner area away from the hoons, and tons of skiing terrain for skill levels between the two extremes. Kirkwood is also a playground for park and pipe riders for children as well as the big kids.

The 930 hectare ski area is horse-shoe shaped and features giant bowls that fill with powder. Whilst neighbouring resorts may suffer from wet powder unaffectionately called Sierra cement, thanks to the altitude, Kirkwood receives better quality snow and masses of it. The ski resort also uses a little of the man-made stuff to top up the cover and ensure a long season.Two of the fourteen chairlifts are high speed quads but you’ll need to dress warmly because some of the other lifts are painfully slow.

Where is Kirkwood Ski Resort?Kirkwood ski resort is located at the southern side of Lake Tahoe in California. It is contained within the Eldorado National Forest, less than an hour from Heavenly ski resort, and about 45 minutes (56km) from the glitz and noise of South Lake Tahoe. Kirkwood is 128km west of the Reno Tahoe International Airport.

Kirkwood Accommodation and FacilitiesThe resort has been undergoing a major metamorphosis from a day hill to that of an all-inclusive holiday destination. The new ski-in ski-out village includes shops, restaurants and other facilities including an ice skating rink. Developers have also been busy building luxury slopeside accommodation in the form of condos. Hotels are probably still on the way. If you want a cheaper option you can stay in one of the South Lake Tahoe hotels, or go for the casinos on the Nevada side.

Why Ski or Snowboard at Kirkwood?Considering that Kirkwood resort is still evolving, don’t expect too much pampering or glitz or glamour. However this low-key peaceful attitude of Kirkwood, and the absence of the noise of the ker-ching is probably a plus for the ski area. The main highlight of the resort remains the skiing and boarding terrain and all that snow - powderhound heaven.

View Larger Map



Helpful Links