Kirkwood

Kirkwood has the reputation of being an advanced rider's mountain, as proved by their hosting of the North American Freeride Championship. In 2005 Kirkwood boasted having "The biggest snow base in the WORLD"! With an array of double-black diamond trails, good back country access gates, and the highest base elevation in the area, this resort is a 'powder hounds' dream. Although Kirkwood has some rather long, slow chair lifts, it is far less crowded than any other resort in Tahoe, leaving fresh lines to be had all day long. In addition to its amazing 'fill-ya-pants' freeriding, Kirkwood has excellent pistes and some full-on freestyle terrain. It is located a little south of Lake Tahoe, along Highways 88 and 89, and is about a half-hour drive from the resort of Heavenly.