Kirkwood Cross Country Ski & Snowshoe Center

Located 1/4 mile east of Kirkwood on Highway 88 and nestled in a beautiful Alpine Valley offering diverse terrain and excellent skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking for all abilities.
A spectacular mountain backdrop for

Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, and much more!

  • Hours of Operation: Open 7 days a week (weather permitting) from 9am to 4pm
  • When you get here: Park at the Kirkwood Cross Country Center to check-in!
  • Lessons:10am Classic XC Group Lesson (Daily) / 1pm XC Skate Lesson (Sat & Sun) / Private Lessons available upon request – 24 hours in advance
  • Rentals: Classic, Skate, and Backcountry Nordic Ski equipment, Snowshoes, Fat Bikes (reserve bikes in advance), and Pulks (child tow sleds – day of rentals available). 
  • Terrain: Explore beginner & Intermediate terrain in the Kirkwood Meadow and Caples Creek Trail Systems

Email KirkwoodXC@vailresorts.com or call 209.258.7248 for more details and information.

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2022/23

Nordic Ticket

Come explore the beautiful and diverse terrain of the Kirkwood Cross Country Ski & Snowshoe Center! Ski, Snowshoe or Fat bike through the Kirkwood Meadow and explore High Trail and the Caples Creek network while taking in the breathtaking views and granite outcroppings of this scenic, alpine valley! See ticket details below! 

Full Day – 9am to 4pm / Daily (weather pending) 

**Available for Children (5-12), Junior/Teen (13-18), Adults (19-64), and Seniors (65+). Children under 5 are free!  

Half Day – 1pm to 4pm / Daily (weather pending) 

**Available for Adults (19-64) 

Full Day – Dog Pass 

**Available at the Kirkwood Cross Country Ski & Snowshoe Center for $5! See trail map for dog friendly trails and please pick up after your pet! 
2022/23

Nordic Season Pass

Join us for the 22/23 winter season by securing a Kirkwood Cross Country Ski & Snowshoe Season Pass – now available online! Avoid the lines, hop right on the trail, and spend your weekends or weekdays with us all season long! Bring the family and your four legged friends as well for a wonderful time exploring our beautiful trail networks! See additional season pass details below! 

XC Season Passholder Add-on 

**Applicable for Epic Pass, Epic Local, Tahoe Local, Tahoe Value & Kirkwood Only pass holders. Have your downhill pass number ready upon purchase. 

XC Season Passes 

**Available for Children (5-12), Junior/Teen (13-18), Adults (19-64), and Seniors (65+)! Children under 5 are free! 

XC Dog Season Pass 

**Available at the Kirkwood Cross Country Ski & Snowshoe Center for $50! See trail map for dog friendly trails and please pick up after your pet! 

Whether you are brand new to cross country skiing or snowshoeing or itching to get back out on the trails, this package is the perfect option for everyone! You will have the opportunity to try it all, Classic Cross Skiing, Snowshoeing, and even Fat Biking (if availability and conditions permit). The package includes a trail pass, rental, and an optional, introductory lesson (see lesson details below). 

  • 10am (Daily) | Introduction to Classic Cross Country skiing or a quick review to improve your technique! 
    • Available for all ages with purchase of a Full Day XC Beginner Package, Skate Ski Package, or Classic XC Lesson Only! If taking the lesson, please arrive by 9:30am to obtain your rental equipment. The half-day package start at 1pm and does not include a group lesson. 

  • 11am (Sat/Sun) | Snowshoe tour, hear about the history, geology and wildlife of the area.
    • Available for all ages with purchase of a Full Day XC Beginner Package or Skate Ski package! 
       
  • 1pm (Sat/Sun) | Learn to Skate Ski 
    • Available for teens, adults & seniors with purchase of a Skate Ski Package or Skate Lesson Only! If taking the lesson, please arrive by 12:30pm to obtain your rental equipment.  

Private Lessons available upon request - email or call us below to schedule your private lesson at least 24 hours in advance!

Call or email us for more information regarding events for the 22/23 winter season!  

209.258.7248 / kirkwoodxc@vailresorts.com.  

The Meadow System
Located across the highway from the center, the meadow system 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 and is one of the last undeveloped high altitude meadows of its size in the Sierra. This season we are working hard to maintain nearly 15 km of groomed trails throughout the meadow to provide a great option for beginners just learning to XC Ski or snowshoe as well as a great option for intermediate and advanced skate skiers!

The Caples Creek System 

The Caples Creek system is directly adjacent to the Kirkwood Cross Country Ski & Snowshoe Center and provides the most diversity of the three systems. The Caples Creek System begins with a long rolling decent into Caples Meadow offering a tranquil experience as one skis or snowshoes 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 throughout the winter months. After the Caldor Fire, we worked with the US Forest Service to complete mitigation for hazard trees in an effort to reopen this season. We are happy to share that we’ll be able to open this system for the 22-23 season. For your safety, please stay on designated trails and abide by all posted signage identifying closed areas, cautions/warnings, and potentials hazards.  

The Schneider Trail System 
Stay tuned for more information on access to the Schneider Trail System post the Caldor Fire. Kirkwood, in collaboration with the US Forest Service, are working hard to regain safe accessibility to these beloved trails!  

At this time, the Schneider Trail system remains closed for the 22/23 winter season.