Kirkwood Resort Guide - Real Reviews From Real Skiers
Snomad LogoSnomad Logo
220,849 resort ratings from real skiers
Expert Analysis & Reviews

The Skiers' Guide to Kirkwood

Top Rated for
4.70 (10 Ratings)
Intermediates
4.69 (13 Ratings)
Snowboarders
4.66 (35 Ratings)
Off-Piste
4.53 (38 Ratings)
Powder Zones
4.51 (39 Ratings)
Overall Rating
4.50 (16 Ratings)
Experts
Ranked
35th
of 230 ski resorts
Overall Rating
4.51
From 39 Reviews
93
Total Runs
7800
Bottom Elevation
9800
Top Elevation
2300
Skiable Terrain

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.

Ranked Highly For
icon for Off-Piste
Off-Piste
12th of 226 worldwide
icon for Powder Zones
Powder Zones
16th of 235 worldwide
icon for Intermediates
Intermediates
3rd of 118 worldwide
icon for Snowboarders
Snowboarders
8th of 91 worldwide

Recent Reviews

I really loved this place. We did over a week in Southern Tahoe so hit here (twice), Heavenly, Sierra & even made the run to Palisades Tahoe (the old Squaw Valley) 1 day & I think Kirkwood was my favourite. The terrain was good with lots of diversity & we had great snow which never hurts.

I highly recommend it as well as the other 3 places I mentioned above. The drive along the lake to Palisades alone makes it all worth it. The drive up to Kirkwood was pretty impressive in its own right.
Family Friendliness
Off-Piste
Snow Parks
Eating Out
Après-Ski
Value for Money
Groomed Runs
Tree Skiing
Mogul Fields
Powder Zones
Quiet Slopes
Lift Efficiency
Accommodation Options
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.
Family Friendliness
Off-Piste
Snow Parks
Eating Out
Après-Ski
Value for Money
Groomed Runs
Tree Skiing
Mogul Fields
Powder Zones
Quiet Slopes
Lift Efficiency
Accommodation Options
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
Family Friendliness
Eating Out
Value for Money
Groomed Runs
Tree Skiing
Powder Zones
Quiet Slopes
Lift Efficiency
Accommodation Options

Kirkwood Resort Stats

Ski Terrain
93Total Runs
2.5 milesLongest Run
2300 acresSkiable Terrain
200 hectaresSnow making
Elevation
9800 feetTop
7800 feetBottom
2000 feetVertical Drop
Lifts
5Chairlifts
Lift Pass Costs
$599Season pass
$10437 days
$1591 day
Weather
377 inchesAverage annual snowfall

Kirkwood Travel Information

Airports
100min drive80KMsReno-Tahoe International (RNO)
150min drive120KMsSacramento International (SMF)
210min drive180KMsFresno Yosemite International (FAT)
Train Stations
150min drive161KMsSacramento Amtrak Station (Sacramento, CA)