Kirkwood — Snow comes by the feet, not inches

Publisher’s note: Lake Tahoe News is providing a glimpse into what skiers and boarders can expect at Lake Tahoe area resorts for the 2010-11 season.

Kirkwood Mountain Resort: The lines you experience are behind you in the powder

• Projected opening date: between mid-November and mid-December, conditions permitting

• Daily adult lift ticket price: TBA on opening date; last season’s was $74

Powder is easy to find at Kirkwood. Photo/Josh Otto

• What’s new?: As an expansion to the hailed Expedition Kirkwood program, New ZipTahoe Treetop Canopy Tour promises to deliver a one-of-a-kind experience that even the non-skier can enjoy. The combination of 10 ziplines, aerial spans and bridge networks whisks guests 1,100 feet to the base.

In addition, the ski resort features a season pass with no blackout dates.

• Why is Kirkwood special?: The resort’s location nestled against the spine of the Pacific Crest provides snow measured in feet when some resorts are reporting inches. It’s home to the North American Freeskiing Championships for expert skiers, yet also boasts recognition from USA Today as one of the Top 10 Places to Learn to ski or board.

• -Last year’s snow total: 537 inches

• Lift hours of operation: 9am to 4pm

• Skiable terrain: 2,300 acres

• Number of lifts: 15

• Vertical feet: 2,000

• Directions: Take Highway 89 south to Pickett’s Junction and head west toward Jackson to the Kirkwood Meadows Loop Road and turn left.

• Website

— Compiled by Susan Wood