The massive mountain boasts a base elevation of 7,800 feet and locals swear that it is in the prime position to catch the white stuff, with an annual snowfall average of 500 inches. Kirkwood tops out at 9,800 feet for a vertical drop of 2,000 feet and is distinguished by its two miles of ridgeline running along the summit, which makes for incredible cliff drops and cornice skiing. Kirkwood encompasses a staggering 2,300 skiable acres with more than 65 trails. Two high-speed quad chairs, one quad lift, six triple chairs, one double and four surface lifts provide access to the mountain’s terrain. Although Kirkwood’s steep slopes make for plenty of black diamond runs – 20 percent of the trails are designated advanced and an additional 15 percent are expert – there are plenty of friendlier runs too. Half of the mountain’s trails are designated for intermediate skiers and riders, and the remaining fifteen percent are for beginners. The longest run at Kirkwood stretches an exhilarating two-and-a-half miles.
Kirkwood Mountain Resort features no less than three terrain parks. Adventure Land is ideal for beginning shredders, filled with banked turns, whoop-de-doos and a ski-through tunnel. For an introduction to freestyle terrain, head over to The Playground. This park incorporates mini jumps, low snow boxes and rails and junior rollers. The Stomping Grounds is where more advanced skiers and riders will find serious jumps and rails, with a sound system that keeps the “go-big” mood going. And for the 2008-2009 season, Kirkwood will be one just a handful of western ski resorts offering a dedicated Skier/Boarder Cross Course, a sport that will be an Olympic medal event in 2010.
The resort makes learning to ski or snowboard a blast, thanks to its “Get Good Fast” approach to teaching. Professional instructors and coaches are available for group or individual lessons for both children and adults. Other amenities at this incredible resort destination include more than 100 condos within walking distance, a variety of retail shops and restaurants, rental and repair shops and activities including cross country skiing, tubing, ice fishing, snowmobiling, ice skating and more.