Kirkwood Ski Experience
Upon entering Kirkwood guests will be greeted with short lift lines and some of the friendliest staff of any ski area. This secluded resort about 35 miles from South Lake Tahoe is close enough to all the action yet far enough away that it maintains a secluded and private feel even in the midst of the hubbub typical of the Lake Tahoe Region. Touted as the hidden gem of the Sierras, Kirkwood offers epic Tahoe-style skiing for a fraction of the prices found at other resorts. While it’s been a fiercely guarded secret by locals for ages, recently word of mouth has made this ski area a popular destination.
Kirkwood is by no means a massive resort, but its 2,300 acres and well over 2,000 feet of vertical are wildly diverse and skiers and boarders of all ability levels will find plenty of terrain that is suitable. 15% of the mountain is ideal for beginners and younger skiers. Half of the mountain is perfect for intermediate skiers. The remaining 35% is designated for advanced and expert skiers. For adventure-seekers Kirkwood accesses some of the most challenging backcountry terrain in the Tahoe Basin and also offers backcountry and avalanche safety courses, taught by highly trained professionals.
A quarter mile east of Kirkwood in Alpine Valley sits the resort’s very own 80km of spectacularly groomed cross country trails. At 7,800 feet above sea level these paths offer some of the most breathtaking scenery in the entire Lake Tahoe region. Visitors will be delighted to hear that dogs are allowed on two trails, the High Trail located behind the Kirkwood Inn and the Outer Loop on the meadow. After the day is over feel free to sip on hot cocoa beside wood burning stoves in the day lodge or warm up and relax in one of three trailside huts.
There are plenty of great activities around the area. Snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice skating, ice fishing, hiking, and boat rides. There are also an array of fabulous indoor activities like shopping, gambling, swimming, theatres or have a pampering day at the spa at Body Slopes Massage at Kirkwood.
Kirkwood is a great destination for couples, families and groups for many reasons. The best reason being the incredible value found at the resort, the already reasonably priced lift tickets and lodging are further supplemented with utterly fantastic ski and stay deals at their slope side accommodations. Kirkwood’s genuine Western charm coupled with a great mountain and amenities have helped shape its reputation as one of the best resorts you’ve never heard of, that is, before now.
