Things You'll Need:
- Skis or snowboard
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Step 1
Look at the map and make sure you know how to drive Highway 88 east to Kirkwood Ski Resort. From Sacramento and the Bay Area, the Kirkwood Ski Resort will be on the right. Before you take off, make sure Highway 88 is not closed due to avalanche control.
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Step 2
Once you are there, park at the Timber Creek Lodge if you have beginners or children in your party. If not, continue onwards to the main lodge.
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Step 3
Chair 7 and Chair 9 at Timber Creek Lodge are great for learning to ski or snowboard. The intermediate terrain there is very gentle and good for beginning snowboarders that know how to link turns on green runs.
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Step 4
If you are at the main lodge, you have to use chair 6 (Cornice Express). Most of the lifts at Kirkwood Ski Resort are very slow but this one is not. This chair leads to single and double black diamond terrain, of which some of it is groomed.
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Step 5
If you are an expert skier or snowboarder, take chair 10 up to The Wall. All of the terrain is difficult and very steep double black diamond. The skull and crossbones sign at the bottom of this chair should dissuade anyone who may not be skilled enough for this expert terrain.
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Step 6
Make sure you bring a huge dose of patience to Kirkwood Ski Resort, because nearly all of the lifts are slow. You will enjoy the resort more if you lower your expectations on the speed of the lifts.
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Step 7
Enjoy your day on the snow.
