45-minute drive south of Lake Tahoe, crossing over two passes
Overall
4
Kirkwood is located south of Heavenly and offers Lake Tahoe’s most challenging skiing arguably. Kirkwood has the highest base elevation and boasts the deepest, driest snow on its double black diamond terrain. Experts crave Kirkwood's serious steep and deep including the legendary “Wall.” But Kirkwood has lower mountain terrain to satisfy families on their 2,300 ac. A modest base lodge and friendly local crowd are different than more ski resort-esque Heavenly, Squaw and Alpine and Northstar around Lake Tahoe. Kirkwood is now a sister resort to Vail and part of the Vail's Epic Pass, so you can combine a Lake Tahoe trip with other Vail Resorts, Heavenly and Northstar.
The place to go for challenging steeps, deep snow, laid-back atmosphere, and cold apres-ski beer. Enough out of the way to keep the posers at bay. Short on crowds, big on hidden treasures. ... More
Superb!4.8 / 5Nov 24, 2017
CFCole F.
advanced snowboarder
This resort is a very fun place to ski/ snowboard for riders of every level, it is one of my favorite resorts. This is the place my friends and I always choose to go to and will continue to go here.... More
Good!3.6 / 5Nov 24, 2017
DJDaniel J.
expert snowboarder
Kirkwood used to be the bastion for killer riding and the ability to avoid crowds, then Vail bought it. Not gonna start a rant, at least the mountain didn't die. A lot of money has been pumped into it since, which is nice, and since it is a bit of a haul from South Lake it is typically less crowded than other resorts it's size in the area. Lots of... More
Fabulous!4.4 / 5Nov 20, 2017
RIRichard I.
advanced snowboarder
The hidden gem of Tahoe. The most snow on average of all the resorts and enough of a drive to keep the lift lines shorter than most other places. Head for the wall to get your steep on.... More
Superb!4.9 / 5Nov 19, 2017
JSJacob S.
advanced skier
Riding the wood is not an experience you will br regretting, even if the excitement of the heaven like snow encourages past your capabilities and am injury ends your day. Not saying that happened to me!... More
Average!2.7 / 5Nov 17, 2017
RPRobert P.
beginner skier
Niceplace I would consider going back again. , last time I was there the transmission went out of my car. Has been over 40 years since I skied there. drive by it all the time it's still beautiful.... More
Superb!4.9 / 5Nov 17, 2017
MSManny S.
expert snowboarder
Mid week is the best time to ride...No crowd. Getting to Kirkwood could be a pain if it dumps.but then again worth the drive. The finger chutes are worthy of any powder day checking out.... More
Good!3.7 / 5Nov 12, 2017
TSTojz S.
expert snowboarder
Kirkwood is my jam it's kind of far out there but well worth the drive. The train is diverse and gnarly. Not for the faint of heart. Wax on Daniel son ... More
Average!3.4 / 5Nov 12, 2017
GBGarryl B.
intermediate snowboarder
best terrain in the tahoe area! getting to and from kirkwood is sometimes an issue when weather is challenging but the reward is absolutely worth it! it does not even compare to other resorts in the area.... More
Superb!4.9 / 5Nov 12, 2017
CConor
advanced skier
If you enjoy the feeling of nausea when you have to caterpillarflop yourself out feet of snow after your knees give out from endless carves or you like skiing backcountry and forgetting other people on the planet also ski, this is the resort for you. Try not to get lost walking across the parking lot to your lodge.... More
