In Lake Tahoe, Kirkwood Ski Resort is well-known for having some of the lightest and driest snow in the entire area, making it the ideal place for skiers and snowboarders who want to have the most pristine conditions possible on which to let loose and have fun. The resort also offers the highest-angle grooming around and has over 2,000 feet of vertical drop encompassed within the course of 2,300 acres of skiable terrain.
Here, you can spend an exhilarating day reveling in the action on the slopes, then wind down and relax while checking out some of the great places and activities nearby! Continue reading on below to find out more about what Kirkwood Ski Resort has to offer for the interested skier or snowboarder. Those travelers that just can’t wait to hit the slopes and maximize every moment of fun at Kirkwood Ski Resort will find it easy to access at 1501 Kirkwood Meadows Drive in Kirkwood, California.
Entertaining Places to See and Things to Do Nearby
If you still want to check out the mountain without over-exerting yourself by Snowboarding and Skiing, you can always take a guided backcountry tour to Thunder Bowl or Emigrant, or embark on a sunset snowshoe tour of Kirkwood Meadow. If you’re not quite finished skiing yet, you can go on a cross country outing to Schneider’s Camp, or spend the day CAT skiing.
When you’re ready to wind down between sessions, you can sample the delightful lunch menu at Sunrise Grill. Alternatively, if you’re capping off your evening after a long day on the snow, you can indulge in a sunset dinner at The Wall Bar or a high-class meal at The Kirkwood Inn. For nightlife, Kirkwood Ski Resort has 7800 Bar & Grill nearby, where you can sample a delicious and eclectic menu and pair it with the wonderful live music and events that the bar hosts on a regular basis.
Gamblers should look no further than the several casinos that are located within an hour’s drive of Kirkwood Ski Resort. Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Harrah’s Lake Tahoe Casino, Harveys Hotel Resort Casino, Lakeside Inn and Casino, and Montbleu Resort Casino all have a variety of gambling and live entertainment offerings.
Where History and Hiking Adventure Collide
Down hill fun is most definitely a highlight for many visitors that make their way to Kirkwood Ski Resort each year. As the fresh powder falls, potential rises for adventures that are truly thrilling and one of a kind. However, many who come this way with a heart for skiing also have other motivations for getting out and exploring. If you’re the type of traveler that’s excited to explore the terrain beyond the slopes, the Kirkwood Ski Resort surrounding areas are filled with amazing trails, and landmarks that are well worth including on the itinerary. The following are just a few that highlight the best of local hiking, nature, and history.
Silver Lake
Rolling hills and scenic views are yours for the enjoying when you head towards nearby Silver Lake. This inviting body of water provides access to wonderful trails year-round that can be enjoyed and explored at your own pace. Bring your binoculars and keep your eyes open for birds and other wildlife that call this area home through varying seasons of the year.
Shealor Lake Trail Head
Off CA-88 in Pioneer, Shealor Lake Trail Head is another trek to add to your list. Just over a mile long, this trail is a wonderful choice when you’re looking for a midday journey that’s well-suited to hikers of all skill levels. Along the way, you’ll be able to savor the scenic surroundings as the elevation increase is gentle and takes you through towering trees and up towards Mountain and Lake Views that double as a delightful reward for your efforts. Once you reach the ridgeline, a connecting trail leads directly to the lake which has a child-accessible area if you happen to be Hiking with Little Ones. It is a Dog Friendly trail, as long as they remain leashed.
Tragedy Spring
Within the confines of Amador County, Tragedy Spring is a unique and historical stop that visitors can enjoy if they have time to search for a place where the past still lives on. This small spring links back to the discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill as routes were being cut through the mountains. Tragedy Spring marks the site of some of these gold hunters coming to an untimely end. To mark their passing, fellow scouts carved their names into a tree trunk which is preserved in a nearby museum, but today on the trail, those who visit Tragedy Spring can find these individuals commemorated with a plaque.
