The Skiers' Guide to Kirkwood

Kirkwood is by far my favorite local resort. With incredible views of the Carson iceberg wilderness and desolation, this small resort (compared to heavenly about an hour away)
Attracts locals interested in a varied technical ride. The backside is a bowl with a myriad of options for groomers and tree runs, as well as drop offs on the wave, chutes through volcanic rock, and routes into the frontside meadows. While the resort only has 2 express lifts and it can take a while to get to the top of a run, the resort boasts far less people than heavenly and time spent getting from bottom to top typically equals out. Plus they have a lifties lodge with a fireplace and 5$ beers which is an apres dream.

Kirkwood is my home mountain. It’s the best on powder days. It gets “Kirkwood deep.” This is mountain full of more locals than tourists on powder days. It has the best beginner runs in South Lake Tahoe area. It’s got steeps, chutes, and bowls. If you can handle a fast steep chute then Once is enough is for you.

Kirkwood is an awesome resort. The resort still has some of the small-resort feel despite being part of the Vail umbrella. Terrain and vibes at this resort are hard to beat and it’s the place to be when it fills in. It’s only downside is distance from civilization and lack of parking on busy days but both can be seen as positives to others (limited crowd and less shenanigans). All things considered, it’s a must visit if you’ve already hit some of the other Tahoe staples and are comfortable on expert terrain.