City: Kirkwood, CA

Category: Parks & Recreation

Telephone: (209) 258-6000

Description: Base elevation: 7,800 feet Top elevation: 9,800 feetVertical drop: 2,000 feetNumber of runs: 65Capacity: 17,905 skiers per hourTerrain: 15 percent beginner, 50 percent intermediate, and 35 percent advancedSkiable acres: 2,300Longest run: 2.5 milesNumber of lifts: 12Average snowfall: 500 inchesLift tickets: $72Terrain parks: 3Snowphone: (209) 258-3000, (877) 547-5966Getting there: To reach Kirkwood from the Reno/Sparks area, take US 395 south to Minden, and then CA 88 west. It’s about a 90-minute drive when the roads are clear. From South Shore Lake Tahoe, take US 50 southwest to Myers, and then turn left onto CA 89. Go south for about 12 miles, then turn onto CA 88 west for another 14 miles. For shuttle information call (530) 541-7548 . Nestled in a box canyon ringed by jagged pinnacles at the end of gorgeous Hope Valley, Kirkwood is an impressive sight, even for the nonskier. Although it’s tricky to get to (over winding hairpin mountain passes), it’s well worth the effort. This resort is a skier’s and snowboarder’s joy. The diverse terrain presents challenges for all abilities, with heart-stopping chutes and cornices for advanced skiers and boarders, wide sweeping bowls for intermediates, and easy, gentle slopes for beginners. Kirkwood frequently has the distinction of having America’s deepest snow. During the 2004–2005 season it boasted 804 inches. With such awesome snow and scenery, you can’t go wrong at Kirkwood. One of the most appealing aspects of this resort is its isolation from crowds and traffic. Tucked away in a world of its own, it offers a total mountain experience, remote from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Even though the après-ski activities are sedate compared to some other resorts, the recently renovated Kirkwood Village has an interesting mix of watering holes, eateries, shops, and accommodations. Its picturesque alpine style is absolutely perfect in this pristine mountain setting. If you’re planning to settle down and stay for a few days in one resort, I highly recommend Kirkwood as an ideal escape for any skier or snowboarder.