# 4Overall in California
All ReviewsOverview
Kirkwood Mountain Resort is a year-round mountain destination located along the Sierra Crest in the Eldorado National Forest south of Lake Tahoe in California. The terrain at Kirkwood offers skiers and riders everything from long groomed trails to expert lines and chutes. The resort receives abundant snowfall each season coupled with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.
The village contains ski-in, ski-out accommodations with adjacent shops and restaurants. The resort also plays host to other activities, including cross country skiing, snowshoeing, dog sled tours and backcountry access.
Where Is Kirkwood Mountain Ski Resort Located?
Kirkwood Mountain Ski Resort is located about one and a half hours from Reno and two hours from Sacramento. If you’re driving, avoid the Mormon Emigrant Trail, Shake Ridge Road and Fiddletown Road. The Mormon Emigrant Trail is closed during the winter, and the other two are narrow, windy and steep.
The two closest airports are Reno/Tahoe International Airport and Sacramento International Airport. You can rent a car from the airport. There are also luxury shuttle buses from major areas like San Francisco, Walnut Creek, Oakland and more that run most weekends and some weekdays.
Inside Scoop
Kirkwood Mountain Resort offers Expedition: Kirkwood, which is for the avid adventurer looking to explore Kirkwood on a more intimate level. The unique terrain at Kirkwood offers lift access to backcountry opportunities within the resort boundaries and provides the perfect backdrop for specialty clinics, private guides and backcountry awareness offerings. Expedition: Kirkwood offerings include avalanche certification courses, women’s programs, private guides and specialty ski clinics.
Be sure to get to the mountain early since parking is first come, first served, and it packs up early.
Kirkwood is also a hiking and mountain biking destination during the summer. You can rent a bike on the mountain.
Restaurants
Breakfast Places
- If you’re looking for something fast like breakfast burritos, Monte Wolfe’s Mountain Kitchen is a cafeteria-style kitchen. 1501 Kirkwood Meadows Dr, Kirkwood, CA 95646
Our Favorite Lunch Spots
- The Kirkwood Inn and Saloon sits at 7,800 feet and is a California Historical Landmark, having been built in 1864. It also serves up your favorite comfort food. CA-88, Kirkwood, CA 95646
Dinner
- Cornice Pizza is located right on the mountain, but it’s only open during the season. 1390 Kirkwood Meadows Dr, Kirkwood, CA 95646
Apres/Nightlife
- Also located right on the mountain, 7800 Bar & Grill is the place to stop for some great sandwiches and burgers as well some tasty beverages. 1511 Kirkwood Meadows Dr, Kirkwood, CA 95646
Best Time for Snow
Average Snowfall
100"
63"
42"
21"
10"
37"
Nov
73"
Dec
83"
Jan
83"
Feb
81"
Mar
26"
Apr
Terrain Overview
Runs in Total
76
Longest Run
2.5 mi
Skiable Terrain
2300 ac
Snow Making
200 ac
Total Lifts: 13
High Speed Quads
2
Quad Chairs
2
Triple Chairs
5
Double Chairs
1
Surface Lifts
3
Elevation
Base
7800'
Summit
9800'
Vertical Drop
2000'
Important Dates
November 30, 20242024/11/30
Projected Opening
April 27, 20252025/04/27
Projected Closing
128
Projected Days Open
200
Days Open Last Year
52
Years Open
354"
Average Snowfall
Contact Information
Kirkwood
PO Box 1
95646 Kirkwood, California
United States
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