Virgin Power Appreciation Society

Kirkwood, South of Lake Tahoe, California, USA

Kirkwood lies some 45 minutes South of South Lake Tahoe, and as such doesn't allow you any views of the lake. It has one of the highest base elevations around, which generally means that it gets better quality snow, and more of it. The week before I turned up, Kirkwood received over 5ft in 24 hours. Most spots were unrideable.

There's ample tree riding and off-piste from the Solitude and Cornice chairs, but sometimes you need to look hard for the untracked sections. We were lucky in that a friend is a season pass holder there, and turned up to show us the good spots. It certainly made life easier, as he knew all the spots to avoid getting trapped in, and we headed for the powder. It also made it hard work trying to keep up with someone that knows the local terrain so well.

Steeper runs can be had from Chair #4, or by going into the back bowl where you will find the only high speed chair. The bowl is pretty big and wide open, but doesn't have too much in the way of steeps, bar the odd semi-secret spot.

One disadvantage of riding with someone that knows the place so well is that you tend not to remember the places you've been to when you look back on it. If I go back, I'll find them, but sat here typing, it's difficult to recall. Suffice to say that it's a great place and definately worth going back to.

Kirkwood is kind of remote, and although they are building lots of condos and places to stay, you'd have nothing to do there if you did - people who want the quiet life will love it. Best option would seem to be to drive, and stay in South Lake Tahoe... although the 40 minute (in optimum road conditions) each way commute might get on your nerves.

Although these pages are dedicated to the persuit of powder, it's worth mentioning the terrain park. One day after a nights reshaping, it was in poor shape - the tables had nearly vertical launch ramps. My friend spoke to the "park warden", and by the next day a completely new park was built! Complete with multiple tables, spines and quarter pipe. Nice service.