The following content is created in consultation with Kirkwood. It does not reflect the work or opinions of NBC Los Angeles' editorial staff. To learn more about Kirkwood, visit kirkwood.com.
Few ski resorts offer the extensive natural terrain and abundant snowfall of Kirkwood. Located just 45 minutes from South Lake Tahoe atop the Sierra Crest, the laid-back California resort receives the deepest, driest and lightest snow in the entire Tahoe region. Add a huge variety of trails, off-the-grid snowcat skiing, ski-in, ski-out lodging and the revolutionary EpicMix platform, and it's no wonder why Kirkwood is a favorite among hardcore locals and winter vacationers alike.
TERRAIN
With 2,300 acres of terrain at your tips (blanketed by 600+ inches of fresh powder each winter), Kirkwood might seem daunting to uninitiated skiers and riders. There's just so much to choose from! Do you sniff out the freshies in steep bowls and chutes or do you get airborne in the terrain parks? And what about all the undulating intermediate runs, where "high angle" grooming ensures you can cruise carefree all day?
Suffice to say, Kirkwood serves up a smorgasbord of skiing and riding, and now you can conquer it all thanks to the new EpicMix Guide. By drawing on over 350 unique itineraries, the EpicMix Guide generates a customized trail map so you experience Kirkwood like a long-time local.
EXPEDITION: KIRKWOOD
But why confine yourself to the ski area boundaries when Kirkwood is surrounded by such unparalleled terrain? Duck under the rope and explore the skiing and riding on a more intimate level with Expedition: Kirkwood. Designed for the avid adventurer, Expedition: Kirkwood brings skiers and riders into the backcountry for a full range of specialty clinics, private tours and awareness clinics. Hit terrain made famous by acclaimed ski flicks behind some of the region's most skilled skiers and riders while learning about avalanche awareness and more.
But it's not just for experts. New for this season is Expedition: Kirkwood's Discovery Series, a program designed to take intermediate skiers and rider's skills to the next level on the unique and challenging terrain found at Kirkwood. Staying in bounds, these camps -- which can be taken individually or as part of a series of three -- will help you hone your skills in the steeps, help you navigate Kirkwood's signature chutes and explore cornice-lipped bowls with confidence and style.
BEGINNERS
Luckily, the skiing and riding doesn't leave out first timers. Kirkwood is also a great place for beginners thanks to its Timber Creek base area facility housing everything a newcomer needs to get into the sports of skiing and snowboarding. Kirkwood’s professional instructors combined with the resort’s world-class learning terrain ensure a rapid learning curve and an enjoyable day on the slopes. Guests can also track their progress in Ski and Ride School with EpicMix Academy to view new skills, attain certified pins and even add family members to the account to view their progress.
LODGING
With so much skiing and riding on the agenda, your going to need a place to crash. Fortunately, Kirkwood's lodging options are as plush as the powder. Kirkwood offers a full spectrum of slope-side lodging options ranging from affordable family condominiums to luxurious ski-in, ski-out lodges. Value-minded skiers and snowboarders can take advantage of unbeatable deals including stay-and-ski free offers by booking online.
Kirkwood brings something for everyone, and thanks to the new EpicDay Lift Ticket -- a service that allows you to purchase tickets over the web, skip the line and save money -- there's never been a better time to hit this fantastic resort. Click here to start planning your winter getaway.
