Cross Country & Snowshoe Center

Full Moon Snowshoe Trek

Trek our trails with us during the Full Moon! There is nothing more unique and beautiful than the reflected light of the moon on the snow. 

Date: 12/2/17, 12/29/17, 12/30/17, 1/29/18, 2/24/18
Time: Arrive at 6:00pm - Reservations Required at 209.258.7248 or KirkwoodXC@VailResorts.com
Cost: $35 per person (plus $5 snowshoe rental)

Scott Hudson Relay Race

The Scott Hudson Relay is a middle and high school team sports event for cross country ski teams.  The event takes place in the Kirkwood Meadow and is hosted by the Kirkwood Cross Country Center.  250+ athletes compete in memory of one of South Lake Tahoe's beloved teachers and coach.  This relay is open to public viewing. 

Date:1/12/18
Cost: Free

Winter Trail Weekend

Take advantage of our half off discounts during our Winter Trails Weekend!  We will be hosting this nationwide event to offer the opportunity to try out the Snowshoeing and XC skiing experience!  

Date: 1/6/18 - 1/7/18
Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm - Reservations Required at 209.258.7248 or KirkwoodXC@VailResorts.com
Cost: Our rentals and trail passes will be offered at a 50% discount during this weekend.

Sunset Snowshoe Trek

Come enjoy the colors of the sunset while hiking along our trails.  Experience a beautiful sunset to the West and Red Cliffs alpenglow to the East.

Date: 3/3/18, 3/10/18, 3/17/18
Time: Start time 4:30pm - Reservations Required at 209.258.7248 or KirkwoodXC@VailResorts.com
Cost: $25 per person (plus $5 snowshoe rentals)

Cancellation Policy

All reservations must be canceled or changed 48 hours before the scheduled reservation date to avoid a cancellation fee.  IN the event your reservation is impacted by a weather event, we will reach out to reschedule. 

CROSS COUNTRY TRAIL SYSTEMS

Our trails are divided into three different systems:
Meadow, Caples Creek, and Schneider Trail

The Meadow System

Located across the highway from the center, connects the cross country center to the Kirkwood Village and provides the best novice skiing in the region. The meadow itself is over two miles long is one of the last undeveloped high altitude meadows of its size in the Sierra.

The meadow has two five kilometer loops. One loop is the popular dog friendly, (or whatever one cares to travel on) loop. Another pristine loop is for skiers only.

The meadow is the perfect spot for children, elders, and those that just want an easy cruise. Few Sierra cross country centers offer such expansive skiing on such gentle terrain. The Meadow system is accessed at the north end at the cross country center or the south end, near Kirkwood Village, where most to the lodging is located.

The Caples Creek System

The Caples Creek system is directly adjacent to the center and provides the most diversity of the three systems. The System begins with a long rolling decent to Caples Meadow. This sheltered meadow offers a tranquil experience as one skis along the winding creek. Caples Creek is dotted with beaver ponds, birds of prey; ducks, heron, and all the small fur bearing critters that stay active in the winter.

Several side loops twist through forested areas, up and down granite domes making for exciting skiing. Further along the trail, one comes upon a spectacular view of Round Top looming over the area at 10,381 feet. An added feature to Caples Creek is that it has nature signs along the trail that point out information about the surrounding area and wildlife.

The Schneider Trail System

The Schneider Trail System is located at a higher elevation, climbing to over 9,000, feet affording phenomenal views of the surrounding wilderness areas including the Carson spur and Caples Lake. These trails can be accessed by car for those who wish to avoid the steep terrain of “ Agony and Ecstasy".

The Schneider Trail System is an elaborate system of interwoven trails in the high country of Kirkwood. Climbing to the crest of the Sierra, these trails afford views of the Desolation Wilderness, the Coastal Range and a panoramic view of the Sierra Crest.

The trails all lead up toward the famed Schneider Cow Camp. A wonderful old barn remains in the meadow, a great spot for basking in the sun (we provide the lounge chairs). Beyond the camp one climbs Sierra Vista and on to Coyote Pass. Coyote Pass sits high above the Kirkwood valley and Caples Lake. This is a perfect place to sit and ponder.

The return ski is exciting and mostly downhill. While descending the high ridge and crossing open bowls the views are so incredible that one must stop often to take it all in.

Bring Your Dog! 

For many, dogs are equally as part of the family as the rest!  Our XC center allows dog access on our High Trail located behind the Kirkwood Inn, as well as the Outer Loop on the Meadow.

Trail Systems Map

Cross Country Center Features:

• 60km of machine groomed trails with skating and snowshoe lanes
• Three interconnected trail systems
• Two trailhead facilities with parking areas
• Lessons in both classic and skating disciplines, private lessons and tours
• Standard ski, skate ski and snowshoe rentals
• Terrain: 20% beginner, 60% intermediate, 20% advanced - XC Trail Map
• Day tickets and season passes available

Ski, Snowshoe, and Demo Package Rentals

The Center features top of the line Rossignol ski, boots and poles, including lightweight backcountry skis and boots.  

Standard Waxless Package 

Featuring the new innovative Evo ski in both traditional and ski skate models.  

The Delta Skate Ski Package

This free and easy-skiing skate ski is for sport and citizen racers. It’s stable and quick with a smooth platform for push-off. It encourages good technique and long glide.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is a great alternative to cross country skiing. Snowshoeing allows you to enjoy our beautiful trails without the learning curve of skiing.  Several models of high-tech snowshoes are available for rent and sale at the Cross Country Center.