Kirkwood website: http://www.skikirkwood.com

(call for shuttle: free door to door service))

Kirkwood has the  highest base in northern California, and is nearly 2000 higher at the base than most of the Tahoe resorts. So the snow quality is usually best here and late season skiing may have better snow. It is also a lot less crowded and there are many remote corners to discover (2000 acres) Only Squaw can equal it for advanced terrain.

Food is available at both day lodges (Red Cliff and Timber Creek) , Monte Wolfe’s, the off the Wall Bar, and on sunny weekends the Sunrise grill on the backside.

The beginner area  has its own lodge (Timber Creek) and fairly protected runs

Favorite areas:

Beginners: Snowkirk (Snowkirk chair, #1), All runs from Timber Creek Base area (basically a separate beginner area)

Intermediates: Buckboard ( the Reut chair, #11) , Elevator shaft (off the backside, Sunrise chair, #4), Mokolumne and Lower Monte Wolfe (Solitude chair, #5)

Advanced: Zachary’s (cornice express lift: chair #6), Sentinel bowl (cornice express lift)

Expert and Insane: Nearly all of the runs off of Wagon wheel chair (#10)

Map: http://www.skikirkwood.com/trailmap.shtml

Conditions: http://www.skikirkwood.com/conditions.asp

View from the top

Kirkwood has 80 km of marked, groomed cross country – in the meadow and most of it behind the on the other side of 88 – all the way up toward Carson Pass along the north side of Caples lake. If you are going to use the groomed track (including in the meadow right behind the house) you’ll need a trail pass from the Cross Country Center just across 88. They have maps there too. You can just ski over if you already have your equipment (or they have full rentals)

http://www.skikirkwood.com/xcountry.shtml

Above all the rest, with a base elevation of 7,800 feet and 80 kilometers of machine groomed trails, Kirkwood Cross Country offers the most spectacular scenery and the most exciting terrain in the west.

Nestled in a beautiful Alpine Valley, our 80 kilometers of diverse terrain provide excellent skiing for all abilities. You will climb to ridge tops, glide along the base of impressive lava cliffs and roll along creeks through picturesque meadows. It's the spectacular scenery that lingers in your mind after skiing at Kirkwood Cross Country.

We allow dogs on two trails, the High Trail located behind the Kirkwood Inn and the Inner Loop on the meadow.

For an adventurous way to spend the evening, try Night Walking. Headlamps and snowshoes are available for overnight rental.

During breaks from skiing, you can sip hot drinks by a wood burning stove in the cozy day lodge or warm-up in one of the many trailside warming huts. Our friendly staff is always happy to share local knowledge and/or ski tips with you. To reach us by phone call (209) 258-7248.

THE CROSS COUNTRY CENTER FEATURES:

Backcountry skiing (and snowshoeing)

There are several books of backcountry ski trips on the shelves. Most will have skier tracks to them. DO NOT venture into the wilderness unless you know what you are doing and are prepared. Watch for avalanche danger.

There are several marked trails for snowshoeing from the cross country center. You can rent snowshoes there.

Snowshoeing

Kirkwood Cross Country has everything one needs for a snowshoeing adventure, from snowshoe and headlamp rentals to guided hikes.

The entire 80 kilometers of groomed cross country terrain is open to those looking for a snowshoe adventure, from a gentle walk around the meadow to exploring the scenic beauty of Kirkwood's upper trails, there's something for everyone. Those who are feeling a little more adventurous can also venture off the trails for an all-terrain escapade.

For more information contact our Cross Country Center at (209) 258-7248.
 

Kirkwood builds a hill with a small lift for tubing when they get enough snow. It is near the red cliffs day lodge

Slide Mountain Tube Park

Last season, Kirkwood installed a family tubing park adjacent to Chair #1 (Snowkirk) offering fun for all ages in the afternoons and evenings. Serviced by a handle tow, the park takes the effort out of tubing as guests relax and enjoy the ride both up and down the hill. Tubes are provided. Hourly and all-day fun passes available.

Try the side of the lot for sledding

At Echo Summit (see directions for Sierra at Tahoe, watch for signs on your left before you get to Sierra, the old Echo Summit ski area is now a great (human powered) sledding hill.

Northstar has Tubing also

New ice rink at Kirkwood is done! Right at the base of chair 5 in the village.

At Squaw, take the Cable Car to the outdoor rink at 8000 feet – great views.

Sleigh Rides

Dog Sled Rides

For those of you looking to put your feet up and relax while still enjoying the outdoors, our dog sled rides are the perfect activity. Circling around the outer loop of the Kirkwood Meadow, rides allow 30 minutes to an hour of pure bliss. Running Creek Sled Dog Rides are offered on weekends and holidays with full moon tours available monthly.

Information or reservations can be made by calling (775) 266-4720.

 

Snowmobiling

There are numerous snowmobile trails within a short driving distance from Kirkwood. Those looking to rent snowmobiles can do so in Hope Valley which is just 15 minutes from Kirkwood.

Snowmobiling

Lake Tahoe Winter Sports Center (530) 577-2940
South Lake Tahoe, CA

Zephyr Cove Snowmobiling Center (775) 588-3833
Lake Tahoe, NV

 

Ice Fishing

There are two lakes within five minutes of Kirkwood, Caples Lake to the east and Silver Lake to the west. Both provide excellent ice fishing

Grover Hot Springs

Those looking for a good soak are encouraged to try Grover Hot Springs in Markleeville. This natural outdoor mineral pool is located just 45 minutes east of Kirkwood and is open throughout the winter.

 

Other South Shore Resorts

Heavenly

Go into South Lake Tahoe, turn right at the "y", follow the signs (45 minutes)

Heavenly skiing can be beautiful, no doubt about it. Some of the runs at the top of the California side have great views over the Lake. But it can be crowded and expensive. It is huge: about 4000 acres. Mostly an intermediate mountain. There is a new gondola that goes right down to the casinos at the lake.

Sierra at Tahoe

Take 88 and 89 toward Tahoe. But instead of turning right at highway 50, turn left and head back up Meyers grade. The resort is on the left past Echo summit. (45 minutes)

Smaller resort than the others, about 7000 foot base. Good intermediate skiing.

Other Alpine County

Bear Valley:

Don’t bother unless really dedicated: Ebbets pass is closed for the winter and it would take forever to get there via 49.

North Shore

Squaw Valley:

Squalleywood is on the north shore of Tahoe on 89, so it will take an hour and a half or so to get there. It is big (4000 acres), and does have some tough terrain. It’s also often crowded and windy. Lots of people love it: I have never understood why

Alpine Meadows

Squaw’s smaller (2000 acre), friendlier neighbor. Good skiing and nice lake views from some runs but a long drive.

Northstar

Also on the north shore – even further away. Commonly nicknamed "Flatstar". Easy mountain, good for the ego if nothing else ("Black diamonds? I scoff at black diamonds"). Well run and friendly.

Other Cross Country Areas

Hope Valley

Hope Valley Outdoor Center (just past Sorenson’s restaurant), rents skis. There are marked but ungroomed trails in Hope Valley.

Other: (North shore)

Diamond Peak

Northstar

Royal Gorge (biggest in USA)