The Kirkwood Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe Center provides the ultimate Nordic ski experience in the valley with panoramic mountain scenery, groomed trails and the serenity of being away from it all.

The Nordic Trails at Kirkwood

The 80 kilometers of groomed trails surrounding the Kirkwood Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe Center are some of the finest in the Sierra Nevada. The original course owner and designer was Glenn Jobe, who competed in the biathlon in the 1980 Winter Olympics at Lake Placid. It is 20 percent advanced, 20 percent beginner and 60 percent intermediate. All Nordic skiers from novice to professional will have a trail choice suitable to their skill level.

The Meadows

The Meadow trails are excellent for beginning skiers and snowshoers and can be accessed from vacation rentals from both the East and West Meadows. The Meadow System in Kirkwood Village is the first to open each season. The course is on mostly flat terrain, but there are a few fun and easy rolling hills. There are two 6-kilometer loops. Your dog is welcome to join you on the outside loop of the Kirkwood ski area.

Caples Creek

The Caples Creek System has something for everybody. It starts at the Kirkwood ski area, next door to the Kirkwood Inn. Winding along the creek, this is the best trail to look for wildlife. There are interpretive signs though out the resort, along with warming huts for food and drink breaks. There are several loops to explore, including Domelands, from which there is a great view of higher than 10,000 foot Round Top.

Schneider Trail

The Schneider Trial System has many trails that lead to the Schneider Cow Camp, which has an old barn equipped with lounge chairs. If you encounter other skiers, it will probably be here, a popular place to have lunch and take photographs. Skiers who make it to Cow Camp should take advantage of circling the Sierra Vista loop, which is connected to Coyote Pass, the favorite destination for many. The parking lot at Schneider Camp connects to the High Country trails that have spectacular views of the Coastal Range, Sierra Crest and Desolation Wilderness, which is highlighted by the iconic Pyramid Peak.

Agony and Ecstasy Trials

The Caples Creek and Schneider systems are connected by the famed Agony and Ecstasy trials, which are just that. Ecstasy offers the thrill of an extended high-speed descent, and Agony, of course, provides an excellent cardio workout. Wear layers of clothing, because some of it will be removed on the ascent. The “Agony” experience can be avoided by parking one car at the center and driving another vehicle up Highway 88 toward Caples Lake maintenance station and starting out from the parking lot at Schneider Camp.

Great Scenery and Wildlife

The cross country Kirkwood ski area provides the opportunity to get away from the crowds. The only sounds are rhythmic shushing of skis, flowing creeks and chirps and songs from birds. While exploring, look for the different animal tracks. Observant skiers might catch a glimpse of a bald eagle, hare, white pine marten, beaver or a river otter.

Nordic vs Alpine

Cross country skiing (Nordic) is a contrast to downhill skiing (Alpine). While downhillers maneuver on the edges of their skis, cross country skiers glide and slide from side to side. “One of the key differences is the goal is you want to always be gliding on a flat ski,” Waldear said, “and you use your upper body and your core.”
There are two styles to cross country skiing. Skate-skiing is a technique for intermediate and experts in which skiers shift their weight from ski to ski, pushing from side to side. In classic skiing, skiers’ legs move forward — easy is as glorified walking.

Looking for a Nordic ski center? The Kirkwood Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe Center is your best bet to not only build up skiing skills, but to also have tons of fun.

Ski Lessons

New cross country skiers quickly improve with a bit of instruction. Lessons are conducted by Waldear and her staff each day at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 a.m.

The Pro

Debbi Waldear has been the course pro for more than two decades. “Our trials are really fun,” Waldear said. “They follow the natural terrain. They have lots of turns, twists and climbing and really fun descents. There is (plenty) expert terrain.” Waldear won eight gold medals (which are displayed at the center) in four different international Masters World Cup events.

“The key to my success is that I have great turnover, which is tempo,” she said. “That means that I was quick in going from one ski to another.” What does it take to be a champion? According to Waldear, “It takes passion and being driven and determined.”

Kirkwood Ski Passes and Events

Check the Kirkwood website to find out about events at the cross country Nordic ski center, including monthly Full Moon Snowshoe Tours. A cross country season pass can be added to a downhill pass for $99. Ski and snowshoe rentals are available at the center. For more details, visit Kirkwood’s Cross Country & Snowshoe Center or call the center at (209) 258-7248.

Kirkwood Vacation Homes and Condos

Pyramid Peak Properties has enjoyed accommodating out-of-town Nordic and Alpine skiers since 2009 with the Kirkwood ski area, and we consider the good people at Kirkwood as friends and family. Let us know how we can enhance your ski experience by staying in one of our many vacation homes and vacation condos in the Kirkwood and South Lake Tahoe area. Please book ONLINE or give us a call today (888) 503-2588.