Scout loves
- The way that Kirkwood is specifically aimed at adventurers and those seeking something different from the mainstream.
- The variety of accommodation options that are available – from hotel rooms to condos.
- Some of the rooms provide fantastic views of the ski slopes.
- Flexible bedding option to suit most families.
- Good on-site amenities including guest laundry, hot tubs, and 24 hour reception
Scout tips
- Kirkwood Mountain Resort has a small base village area with basic facilities and a couple of dining options. Although there is a small general store that sells the basics (such as bread, eggs and beer), it would be best to shop for supplies before you arrive.
- Kirkwood is approximately 50 minutes drive from South Lake Tahoe. (The trip takes longer in bad weather).
- All of the condos are individually owned and individually furnished.
- The condos are spread among several different buildings throughout the base area. A shuttle bus runs in the morning and afternoon to take skiers the short distance to and from the base area.
- There is no daily room service, however it can be organized for a fee.
SCOUT REVIEW
So you’ve skied Aspen, survived Jackson Hole, partied at Heavenly and been pampered at Deer Valley – now it’s time to discover a new mountain that offers something unique, challenging and perhaps a little less damaging on the wallet. If this describes you, then look no further than Kirkwood, California’s ski resort in the middle of nowhere (well, 50 minutes from South Lake Tahoe).
There’s no airport nearby, no town, and it’s even 20 miles from the electricity grid (the resort generates its own power). Locals affectionately call the place ‘Kirkweird’. But Scout thinks that with an annual snowfall of 600 inches, no lift lines and terrain that’s on par with the most challenging resorts, it’s actually pretty awesome. And ever since Vail Resorts purchased Kirkwood, skiing is included if you have a full blown Epic Pass.
Some visitors come during the day to ski, and then head back to their accommodation in Lake Tahoe. But there are some great accommodation options in Kirkwood located right near the base of the mountain that will make most die-hard skiers more than happy.
Just to be clear, this isn’t the Four Seasons style of luxury. Like the mountain and the facilities, the rooms and condos are authentic and sometimes a little rustic. The condos are situated in buildings that are scattered around the base area.
The categories consist of ‘Slopeside’ hotel rooms, studios and two bedroom condos which are located in the Mountain Club building, right at the village base area. The second category is ‘Meadowside’ containing hotel rooms, studios and one and two bedroom condos that are in a variety of buildings a little walk or shuttle ride from the village and finally there are also several ‘luxury’ two bedroom condo options that are larger and newer. The newest property is the Snowcrest which has nice condos.
Facilities are basic, although some buildings do have their own hot tubs. (However all guests can access the KCA Recreation Centre which has a gym and two outdoor hot tubs).
Who should stay here
Kirkwood Mountain Resort is suited to down-to-earth adventure seekers who don’t mind being stuck out in the middle of nowhere.
Location
Kirkwood is 50 minutes drive from South Lake Tahoe. The closest airports are Reno (1.5 hours) or Sacramento (2 hrs 20 mins). All the condo buildings are located very close to the base area (a shuttle service can provide lifts) and there are hotel rooms in the Mountain Club, which is in the heart of the village area.
- <5 min walk to lifts
About Kirkwood
At Kirkwood Mountain Resort it’s all about the skiing. Some seriously great terrain, awesome backcountry, endless powder and an authentic spirit combine to create a ski resort with a difference. Unlike other resorts in Tahoe, Kirkwood feels a little small and underdeveloped, however, it's deep in tradition and slowly undergoing major changes to become a great destination resort. It might not have the great views of Lake Tahoe, but it does have incredible powder, one of the highest snowfall averages in the US, so how can we complain!
Read more about Kirkwood and other hotels in the area.
Hotel Amenities
- fitness facilities
- free parking
- full-service health spa
- gift shops or newsstand
- grocery/convenience store
- luggage storage
- ski shuttle (complimentary)
- ski storage
- snack bar/deli
Rooms
Available: This selection is currently available for this price. Once you submit an inquiry our agents will confirm your booking via email and send you an invoice for a deposit. You will need to pay a 25% deposit within 7 days (unless otherwise specified) to secure the booking.
On Request: Our agents need to confirm availability of this room. Once you submit a request we will endeavour to get back to you by the next business day to confirm availability (some properties may take longer). If prices are listed they are the exact prices for your dates, room selection and room occupancy. Where prices are not listed we will confirm the price when we confirm availability. In either instance, you are not committed to your selection until after we confirm availability and price. Once you agree to that confirmation, you will be sent an invoice and will need to pay a 25% deposit within 7 days (unless otherwise specified) to secure the booking. If your requested room is not available, we will present alternative options.
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