South Lake Tahoe trails
Trail network · South Lake Tahoe · CA
Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride: ~6-mile technical descent · Jun – Oct
Free trail access
Kirkwood
4.6 on GoogleKirkwood, CA · South Lake Tahoe
Destination ski resort in Kirkwood, CA
2,000 ft vertical · 2,300 acres · 86 trails · 15 lifts
On the Epic pass
For the 2026–27 season. Check blackout dates on holiday weeks.
Season Dec 4 – Apr 11
Opens in 36 days
Opening day Dec 4 is announced. Usually closes mid-April.
1 Christmas and New Year’s event
Deep snow and steep lines off Carson Pass.
Remote, high and snowy, Kirkwood sits at 7,800 ft in a bowl of cliffs and chutes south of the lake. Over half the terrain is advanced or expert, crowds are thin, and the small base village has condos, a few bars and a nordic center. Best for strong skiers who don’t need nightlife.
Snow & weather
Loading the live forecast for 8,800 ft…
Last 7 daysnew snow
Next 7 daysforecast
Opening dayDec 4target
Past 7 daysToday and next 6 days
The mountain
- Vertical drop
- 2,000 ft
- Summit
- 9,800 ft
- Skiable terrain
- 2,300 acres
- Trails
- 86
- Lifts
- 15
- Average snowfall
- 354″ a year
- Longest run
- 2.5 mi
Terrain mix
- Beginner 12%
- Intermediate 30%
- Advanced 58%
What’s here besides skiing
- Terrain park
- Cross-country
- Snowshoeing
- Kids programs
Holidays and events
2026–27 dates where they’re posted. “Usually” means the date follows past years. Confirm before you go.
- New Year’sDec 31NYE Fireworks and Torchlight Parade
Fireworks, bonfires and Kirkwood’s torchlight parade.
Where to stay
- base villageKirkwood village lodging
Condos and lodges in the small base village, booked through the resort.
- hotelHotel Becket
Family-friendly boutique hotel in South Lake Tahoe, if you want town life.
- cabinCaples Lake Resort
Cabins and lodge rooms on Caples Lake with a restaurant and lounge. Opens for winter on Dec 17.
Rates are typical winter lows before taxes and fees, and change constantly. Book on the property’s own site.
Things to do
- Kirkwood Cross Country & Snowshoe · On site
Groomed nordic trails and snowshoe routes in the meadows below the resort.
- Grover Hot Springs State Park · 50 min drive
Mineral pool fed by hot springs near Markleeville. Check pool days before you go.
Après and nightlife
- The Cornice
Pizza and a weekday happy hour, 3–6 pm.
- K-Bar
The village bar, with drinks and mountain views.
- The Wall Bar & Grill
American bistro with local wine, spirits and beer.
4.6 on Google
read Oct 2, 2026What skiers love
- Deep, reliable snow and serious expert terrain
- Short lines compared with the North Shore resorts
- A quiet, old-school mountain feel
Heads-up
- Highway 88 can close or need chains in storms
- Few services and dining options once you’re there
These themes are our summary of recent skier reviews, not quotes.
Read reviews on Google MapsGetting there
- Reno-Tahoe International (RNO) · about 1 hr 50 min drive
- Sacramento · about 2 hr
- San Francisco · about 3.5 hr
Waypoint traveler reviews
No traveler reviews yet. Be the first.
Photo credits
glenngould (CC BY 2.0) · ilya_ktsn from Sunnyvale, USA (CC BY 2.0) · Gabeguss (CC BY-SA 3.0). Via Wikimedia Commons.
Beyond skiing
Bike parks, paddling, courts and campgrounds here or within about 30 miles.
Nearby mountains
Sierra-at-Tahoe
South Lake Tahoe · CA
2,212 ft vertical · 50 trails · 480″ snow/yr
Lift from $167Ikon
Bear Valley
Central Sierra · CA
1,900 ft vertical · 75 trails · 359″ snow/yr
Lift from $139Indy
Heavenly
South Lake Tahoe · CA
3,410 ft vertical · 111 trails · 251″ snow/yr
Lift from $265Epic
Homewood Mountain Resort
North Lake Tahoe · CA
1,650 ft vertical · 66 trails · 450″ snow/yr
Lift tickets online