Kirkwood Reviews, Ratings and Stats
Ranked 49th of 277 Ski resorts
Overall Rating
Value for Money
Après Ski
Off Piste
Eating Out
Accommodation Options
Overview
Kirkwood Mountain Resort in California is known for its deep snowfall and challenging terrain, attracting serious skiers and snowboarders. The resort offers a variety of advanced and expert runs, with limited beginner terrain. Kirkwood's high elevation and unique location result in excellent powder conditions. The resort is less crowded than some of its Tahoe neighbors, providing a more serene skiing experience. Kirkwood's backcountry access is a draw for adventure seekers. The on-site facilities include a range of accommodations and dining options. Kirkwood is perfect for those looking for a challenging skiing experience in a stunning, natural setting.
Main Stats
93Total Runs
2300 acresSkiable Terrain
7800 feetBottom Elevation
9800 feetTop Elevation
Reviews
STony - expert skier
Feb, 2 - 2025
Kirkwood is my favorite and most often skied resort near Tahoe, but it has some limitations. Only two high-speed lifts: Timber Creek serving low intermediate and Cornice serving advanced. Best lifts are slow and often closes during storms: The Wall, advanced and expert, and Sunrise aka Backside, intermediate to advanced and expert on some returns to frontside. Kirkwood runs more lifts during storms than Heavenly or Palisades so if you can get there during storm, you should get powder. Access from W on CA-88 often closes due to avalanche control when there is 12" of more new snow and sometime can close for a few days. Kirkwood is about 45 minutes from South Lake Tahoe with no traffic, but can be double that if it's storming and you get stuck behind line of vehicles going 25 mph or less with chains on. $3 beers at 7800. Free parking (reservations required) on weekends requires you to be early or you will have a long walk to lifts. Many great advanced to expert runs.
Gabrielle - intermediate snowboarder
Jan, 19 - 2025
Love that Kirkwood is its own little village. Restaurant, slopes and shops are all within a short walking distance from accommodations. Scenery is gorgeous, employees are super friendly and overall one of the best atmospheres
Dylan - expert skier
Jan, 18 - 2025
Short but steep runs, chutes, and natural drops. Not recommended for beginners and challenging for intermediate skiers and boarders.
