Kirkwood Ski Vacation Guide

Upon entering the resort guests will be greeted with short lift lines and some of the friendliest staff of any ski area. This resort, about 35 miles from South Lake Tahoe, is close enough to all the action, yet far enough away that it remains secluded and private. Touted as the hidden gem of the Sierras, the mountain offers epic Tahoe-style skiing for a fraction of the price. While it’s been a fiercely guarded secret by locals for ages, recent word of mouth has made this ski area a popular destination.

Ski Levels

By no means a large resort, 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. Fifteen percent of the mountain's trails are ideal for beginners and younger skiers. Half of the mountain is perfect for intermediate skiers. The remaining 35 percent is designated for advanced and expert skiers. For adventure-seekers some of the most challenging backcountry terrain is in the Tahoe Basin.

A quarter mile east in Alpine Valley sits the resort’s very own 80 kilometers 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. Dogs are allowed on two trails, the High Trail located behind the Kirkwood Inn and the Outer Loop on the meadow.

Après Ski

After the day is over, 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. The area's genuine Western charm coupled with a great mountain and amenities have helped shape its reputation as one of the best resorts around.

Kirkwood Snowboard Vacation Guide

Rider’s Guide

A warm, friendly resort that focuses its energies on providing the greatest trails and backcountry and less on unnecessary, superfluous amenities. Located 35 miles from South Lake Tahoe, the resort is close to major ski areas, yet secluded. The entire mountain has 2,300 skiable acres, 2,000+ vertical feet, 65 named trails, miles of back country and more than a dozen lifts. Speed junkies will have a skier/boarder x course for racing.

Parks and Pipes

Burton Adventure Land is the perfect spot for beginners and has smaller features for children and novice park riders. Burton Progression Park has intermediate level, mid-sized rails, jumps, and even has a mini-halfpipe. Seasoned terrain park riders and freestyle skiers should head to the K2 Stomping Grounds where riders will find larger features including a collection of bigger jumps and kinked rails that vary throughout the season.

Out of Bounds

Snowmobiling, ice skating, snowshoeing, ice climbing, hiking, and stunning boat rides around Lake Tahoe are just a few of the options available. In addition to great wintertime activities, enjoy fantastic indoor entertainmentl. The casino hotels in the area have a lively bar scene, gambling, and an impressive assortment of live entertainment. The area also has theatres, museums, shopping, and exquisite dining options.

Hangout & Hookup

The Kirkwood Inn is a gorgeous, rustic and historic inn that serves a full menu and bar. There are two additional bars located slope side that offer calm and relaxing après ski atmospheres. In and around the area, all types of nightlife can be found whether it be crowded sports lounges or classy wine bars.