Kirkwood Mountain Resort - Kirkwood, California

Kirkwood Mountain Resort: A Premier Destination in the Sierra Nevada

Kirkwood Mountain Resort, located at 1501 Kirkwood Meadows Dr, Kirkwood, CA 95646, and reachable at Phone: 2092586000, offers a world-class skiing and snowboarding experience in the heart of the Sierra Nevada. The resort’s website, kirkwood.com, provides comprehensive information for planning your visit. It’s a destination consistently praised for its expansive terrain, a local atmosphere combined with big mountain capabilities, and a family-friendly environment.

### Key Features and Amenities

Kirkwood stands out due to its substantial size, boasting over 3,600 acres of skiable terrain. This expansive area caters to a wide range of skill levels, from beginner slopes to challenging backcountry zones. The resort’s diverse trail network includes numerous black diamond runs, particularly renowned for their length and technical difficulty, attracting experienced skiers and snowboarders seeking a true test of their abilities. The back bowls are a particularly popular area, offering vast open spaces and a unique riding experience.

Beyond the slopes, Kirkwood offers a variety of amenities designed to enhance the guest experience. Onsite services include ski and snowboard rentals, lessons from certified instructors, and equipment tuning. Accessibility is a key consideration, with a wheelchair accessible entrance and wheelchair accessible parking lot ensuring inclusivity for all visitors. Restrooms are also wheelchair accessible, and a dedicated bar onsite provides a convenient spot for refreshments. For dining, the resort features a restaurant offering a range of options to satisfy different appetites. The resort is also known to be good for kids, with dedicated learning areas and activities geared towards younger skiers and snowboarders.

### Location and Accessibility

Kirkwood’s location in El Dorado County, California, offers a beautiful setting amidst the towering peaks of the Sierra Nevada. Reaching the resort requires a scenic drive, contributing to the feeling of escape and adventure. While the journey can be somewhat lengthy, many visitors find the drive to be well worth it, appreciating the stunning mountain views along the way. The resort’s commitment to providing accessible facilities ensures that individuals with mobility challenges can fully enjoy the experience.

### Guest Feedback and Reputation

Kirkwood Mountain Resort consistently receives high praise from its visitors, with a remarkable 3240 reviews on Google My Business, averaging a solid 4.6 out of 5 stars. Many reviewers highlight the resort's expansive terrain and the relative lack of crowds, allowing for enjoyable skiing and snowboarding experiences. Several comments specifically mention the challenging black trails and the rewarding feeling of conquering them. However, there are also observations regarding the speed of the lifts and occasional lines, though these are generally considered manageable given the size of the resort. A frequent theme in the reviews is the lively, local vibe combined with the scale of the mountain, creating a unique atmosphere. Notably, some guests have suggested improvements to lodge capacity, particularly during peak lunch hours at the Two Elk Lodge, where seating is often limited, leading to a crowded environment with people utilizing bar counters and the floor. Despite this, the overwhelming sentiment is one of satisfaction and enjoyment.

### Recommended Information for Visitors

Before planning your trip, it’s advisable to check the resort’s website (kirkwood.com) for the most up-to-date information on snow conditions, lift status, and trail closures. Reservations for lift tickets, lessons, and rentals are highly recommended, particularly during peak season. Consider staying at one of the resort’s resort hotel accommodations for convenient access to the slopes and amenities. Pack appropriately for mountain weather, including warm layers, waterproof outerwear, and sturdy footwear. Finally, be prepared for a potentially long drive to reach the resort, and allow ample time for travel.

👍 Reviews of Kirkwood Mountain Resort

Fiona

5/5

One of my fav ski resorts in North America. Very big mountain, a lot of trails and not too crowded. Back bowls are my favorite area. Very long challenging black trails. I just wish they had more lodges or bigger lodges at the top of the mountain. The two elk lodge is always super packed during lunch hours. Literally no single seat available, people were sitting on the floor and underneath the bar counters lol

Ben S.

5/5

One of the best mountains in the Tahoe area and absolutely worth the treck to get here. Local vibe but big mountain terrain. Slow lifts are a pain but lines are very rare.

Jyoti R. P.

5/5

Kirkwood Mountain Resort is a great spot for a snow day. The slopes are well-maintained, with options for all skill levels. Parking is simple and convenient, which makes getting there easy. The restaurant serves good food to warm you up, and the overall vibe is friendly. Definitely worth visiting!

Destined W.

5/5

We have had the epic pass for 3 years and this is our favorite place to go. I feel like it has chill vibe to the resort, it has runs that are for all levels, you won’t be disappointed if you visit. If it is open go to the back side it is awesome

Nonnie M.

5/5

Excellent beginner areas to help them learn while gradually increasing the length of the runs, chairlift or magic carpet, and steepness in one area. We came from South Lake Tahoe and the drive was easy. I highly recommend this resort for learning

Duane M.

5/5

I had a great day on the mountain, even with the hard pack conditions. I can only imagine how awesome this place is when there is fresh powder. Hopefully next time! Thanks to all the staff who made the experience so great!

Benjamin G.

4/5

Always a great place to ski. Base facilities are ok but the skiing is really good. Go mid week for no lines and great runs.

Davis M.

5/5

Amazing ski resort. I went in mid August when the weather was perfect. There is no A/C in any of the rooms because it never gets gets above 75 degrees there. Lots of available hiking with different skill levels and trails. There isn’t much in the way of restaurants or shops, but if you love the outdoors and seeing absolutely stunning views, this is the place for you!