Good!3.8 / 5May 01, 2018
Avradip M. advanced snowboarder
Overall
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. There is no slopeside lodging at Kirkwood, so make it a day trip while staying in South Shore Lake Tahoe and ski the 2,300 ac ski area.
Bear Mountain
| Kirkwood | Bear Mountain | |
|---|---|---|
| beginner | 12 % | 42 % |
| intermediate | 30 % | 39 % |
| advanced | 38 % | 3 % |
| expert | 20 % | 16 % |
| total runs | 86 | 38 |
| ski area | 2,300ac | 748ac |
| summit elevation | 9,800ft | 8,804ft |
| total lifts | 15 | 13 |
| child lift ticket | $82 USD (£63 GBP) | $40 USD (£31 GBP) |
| adult lift ticket | $112 USD (£86 GBP) | $99 USD (£76 GBP) |
| uncrowded | ||
| snow | ||
| back country | ||
| value for money | ||
| average total snowfall | 286″ | 58″ |
Kirkwood Reviews
Avradip M. Fabulous!4.5 / 5Apr 25, 2018
Isabelle T. intermediate snowboarder
Superb!4.5 / 5Dec 02, 2017
CSCraig S.
One of my favorite resorts in Tahoe. The snow is always awesome compared to many other resorts in the area. The terrain is for more advanced riders and the atmosphere is awesome. Lots of tree runs, and many great powder days.... Moreadvanced snowboarder
Good!3.6 / 5Dec 01, 2017
SHStephen H.
Only ridden kirkwood one but had loads of fun. Lots of wide open terrain great for lots of style riders. I found quite a few good runs for begginners all the way to runs i didnt get off the lift for lol. Definately an all around mountain.... Morebeginner snowboarder
Average!3.4 / 5Nov 28, 2017
KNKevin N.
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. ... Moreexpert skier
Superb!4.8 / 5Nov 24, 2017
CFCole F.
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.... Moreadvanced snowboarder
Good!3.6 / 5Nov 24, 2017
DJDaniel J.
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... Moreexpert snowboarder
Fabulous!4.4 / 5Nov 20, 2017
RIRichard I.
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.... Moreadvanced snowboarder
Superb!4.9 / 5Nov 19, 2017
JSJacob S.
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!... Moreadvanced skier
Average!2.7 / 5Nov 17, 2017
RPRobert P.
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.... Morebeginner skier