Kirkwood Details

WHEN YOU GO:

Kirkwood, California

Getting There: The Reno/Tahoe International Airport is 90 minutes by car from Kirkwood. Depending on your departure city in the United States, airlines that service this airport include Reno Air, United, Alaska, America West, Continental, American, TWA, and Delta. The 1-800 phone numbers and Web links for these airlines are available at this magazine’s Airlines page. Most major car rental agencies service the Reno/Tahoe International Airport. The 1-800 phone numbers and Web links are listed in this magazine’s Autos page.

Kirkwood is an easy drive from Reno, Lake Tahoe, the San Francisco Bay Area, and California’s Central Valley. From the Reno/Tahoe International Airport (1-1/2 hours), drive U.S. 395 South and State Route 88 West. Kirkwood is just 35 minutes from Lake Tahoe. Travel State Routes 89 South and State Route 88 West. From the San Francisco Bay Area, (a 3-1/2-hour drive) take Interstate 580 to State Route 205 to Interstate 5 North, Route 4 East to Route 99 North and State Route 88 East. From Sacramento, Kirkwood is a 2-hour drive via State Routes 16 East to 49 South and 88 East through Jackson.

Staying There: Over 100 condominiums, located in your choice of six complexes, are all within walking distance to the slopes. Rented through Kirkwood Lodging Services, these privately owned slopeside condominiums offer fully equipped kitchens and fireplaces, many with mountain and meadow views. Call a vacation planner for lodging descriptions at 1-800-967-7500 or 1-209-258-7000. A description of all lodging properties, rates, and winter specials can be viewed in Kirkwood’s Web site listed below.

You won’t want for choices when it comes to dining. Mexican, Italian and other gourmet eateries are located on the slopes, at the base area, or within a short drive. For a description, click on Kirkwood’s Web site below.

Lake Tahoe, only 35 miles away, has live music, casino gaming action, over 100 dining establishments, and additional lodging choices. From mid-December to early April, Kirkwood provides daily transportation from various South Lake Tahoe lodging properties. Shuttle information is available by calling 1-209-258-6000.

Kirkwood’s resort facilities include two day lodges, seven eateries, two ski shops, a snowboard shop, children’s center, day care facilities, general store, post office, three rental shops, a medical clinic, conference facilities and cross-country skiing facilities. Kirkwood’s new $1 million Children’s Center will open at the Timber Creek Day Lodge. In addition, the $13 million, 43,000 square foot Lodge at Kirkwood will open this December. The lodge is the first phase of a decade of new development -- one of the anchor buildings in their planned new Mountain Village.

Artist rendition of the new Lodge at Kirkwood
Courtesy: Kirkwood Ski Resort

Kirkwood’s average season, mid-November into May, has an average snowfall of more than 450 inches. In their 2,300 skiable acres, 65 trails are dedicated to 15% beginner, 50% intermediate, 20% advanced, and 15% expert. Its base elevation of 7,800 feet is one of the highest in the state. Top elevation is 9,800 feet. Seven triple chairs, 3 double chairs, and 2 surface lifts operate from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m..

1997-98 Lift Prices: Adult full-day $43, half-day $32. Young adult (13-24) full-day $33, half-day $24. Child (6-12) $5. Children 5 and under ski free. Seniors (60+) full-day $21, half-day $15.

Kirkwood Ski Area: Comprehensive resort information including skiing and snowboarding packages, clinics, snow conditions, dining and lodging facilities, news.
Lake Tahoe Accommodations: Ski Cabins, condos and executive homes for rent.