Kirkwood Mountain Resort

Welcome To “The Wood”

When remoteness beckons, Kirkwood sets the standard. Located along the Sierra Crest in the Eldorado National Forest, the terrain at Kirkwood offers skiers and riders everything from high-speed groomers to beautiful backcountry. The emphasis on an authentic skiing and snowboarding experience means riders will find a true mountain escape among a community of like-minded souls. With a base elevation of 7,800 feet, it’s no wonder Kirkwood resort averages 354 inches of annual snowfall. Boasting 2,000 feet of vertical drop and over 2,300 acres of terrain ranging from calm, groomed, beginner runs to hair-raising cornices and cliffs, there’s something for everyone at “the Wood.”

Timber Creek Family Learning Zone’s secluded location, natural fall lines, kids adventure zone, slow zones, and dedicated chairlift make it one of the top places to learn to ski. At Timber Creek, natural “enhanced teaching terrain” on green gullies helps learners advance, build skills, and grow confidence. The ideal location of Timber Creek naturally separates ability levels, as advanced skiers and riders do not use the dedicated base, and sets families and learners up to quickly rent gear, sign up for classes, and be on the mountain together. 

At Kirkwood’s Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoe Center, you can explore 37 miles of groomed trails on skis, snowshoes, and fat bikes. Diverse terrain and modes of exploring are available for all ability levels making it a perfect spot for winter adventures that can include anyone – even the dog.

The #TahoeTrifecta offers skiers and riders three world-class resorts with more than 10,000 combined acres of terrain to explore and endless possibilities for on-mountain fun. Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood are all available to Epic Pass holders and easily reachable from San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento, and Reno, offering up A++ winter escapes. Resorts are located in the Sierra Nevada near Lake Tahoe, making day and overnight trips to popular mountain towns like Truckee and South Lake Tahoe oh so doable.

Getting To Kirkwood Resort

Located just 177 miles from San Francisco, Kirkwood is a few hours drive from the Bay Area. Out-of-towners can fly into the Reno-Tahoe International Airport and be there in a matter of hours, and both skiers and riders can take advantage of several shuttle services. Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis and it should be noted that parking regularly reaches capacity during holidays and after fresh snows.

What makes Kirkwood the place to go for wide-open trails and powder unlike any other also makes for some adventurous road conditions. Located in between two mountain passes just off of Highway 88, visitors need to be prepared for winter driving conditions. Always check road conditions and be aware of any winter closures that may affect your trip.