Alpine Meadows vs Kirkwood Mountain Resort

Alpine Meadows (California) and Kirkwood Mountain Resort (California) head-to-head: stats, terrain, and 2026-27 pass coverage.

StatAlpine MeadowsKirkwood Mountain Resort
Vertical drop1,637 ft (499 m)1,657 ft (505 m)
Summit elevation8,494 ft9,469 ft
Base elevation6,857 ft7,815 ft
Lifts1413
Runs9350
Beginner terrain5%12%
Intermediate terrain60%32%
Expert terrain35%56%
Night skiing-No

Kirkwood Mountain Resort has the bigger vertical (1,657 ft vs 1,637 ft); Alpine Meadows has more runs (93 vs 50); Kirkwood Mountain Resort skews more expert (56% expert terrain).

Which pass covers them?

ResortPass coverage (2026-27)
Alpine MeadowsIkon Pass: 7 days
Kirkwood Mountain ResortEpic Pass: unlimited days

No single pass covers both, so skiing both means separate passes or lift tickets. Check your full resort list in the pass finder →

Stay near Alpine Meadows

Lodging near the base fills up first during peak weeks. Search stays near Alpine Meadows

Related comparisons

Alpine Meadows vs Mammoth Mountain Ski AreaKirkwood Mountain Resort vs Mammoth Mountain Ski AreaHeavenly Mountain Resort vs Kirkwood Mountain ResortAlpine Meadows vs Palisades TahoeKirkwood Mountain Resort vs Palisades TahoeAlpine Meadows vs Northstar CaliforniaKirkwood Mountain Resort vs Northstar CaliforniaAlpine Meadows vs China Peak

More detail: Alpine Meadows stats · Kirkwood Mountain Resort stats