Kirkwood
Kirkwood gets the heart drumming against the rib cage and has an energy that pulls in skiers and riders with a daring spirit. This resort has it all, from progressive trails in the learners area at Timber Creek to extreme steeps and Kirkwood’s signature “Drop-ins”. The terrain is diverse in the truest sense, a unique feature being a 3km ridgeline at the top providing cliff drops and cornices. There’s natural half pipes, tree lined runs, chutes and narrow gullies from top to bottom. From the top of the summits advanced riders can get amongst the back country landscape that rates as some of the best in Lake Tahoe. Guided tours can be arranged to tackle this off-piste untouched wilderness.
The resort has a secluded feel while still offering all the trimmings needed for the perfect winter escape. At the main base there’s ample dining options from casual to classy. Accommodation fits the bill with everything from condos to hotels and the town of South Lake Tahoe is only an hour away providing more options. At the end of a courageous day of taking on the steep pitch of “The Wall” or cruising the mellow lower mountain groomers visitors can kick back and enjoy a drink and the intensely beautiful landscape.
Northstar
Northstar embodies a first class family friendly ski resort. Hidden within the pines of the idyllic Martis Valley there’s over 3000 acres of rolling groomers and generous open runs through stunning scenery to enjoy. The varied terrain and progressive nature of Northstar allows families to adapt a riding adventure together. There’s exceptional intermediate areas resort wide and a bunny hill for beginners at the mid-mountain base. More extreme riding can be found on The Backside, there’s 400 acres of advanced terrain on Lookout Mountain, or get some mega thigh burn on Loggers Loop the longest run in Northstar. Where this resort really shines is in the freestyle realm. An entire mountain is dedicated to terrain parks, all with progressive features so all levels and rip it! There’s two Lil’ Stash parks, a Burton terrain park and two gnarly half pipes. The high speed state-of-the-art lifts move visitors around the resort easily ensuring short and quick queues – happy days.
Stay in the village to enjoy après skiing at the end of a fulfilling day’s play, dine, shop or stretch out with a yoga session. Try mixing up the holiday activities and add in some ice skating or cross country skiing, there’s a new discovery every day. This relaxed luxurious resort is the shining “star” of Lake Tahoe.
