Kirkwood Mountain Resort vs Palisades Tahoe

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

StatKirkwood Mountain ResortPalisades Tahoe
Vertical drop1,657 ft (505 m)2,539 ft (774 m)
Summit elevation9,469 ft8,740 ft
Base elevation7,815 ft6,201 ft
Lifts1331
Runs50109
Beginner terrain12%14%
Intermediate terrain32%42%
Expert terrain56%44%
Night skiingNoNo

Palisades Tahoe has the bigger vertical (2,539 ft vs 1,657 ft); Palisades Tahoe has more runs (109 vs 50); Kirkwood Mountain Resort skews more expert (56% expert terrain).

Which pass covers them?

ResortPass coverage (2026-27)
Kirkwood Mountain ResortEpic Pass: unlimited days
Palisades TahoeIkon 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 Kirkwood Mountain Resort

Lodging near the base fills up first during peak weeks. Search stays near Kirkwood Mountain Resort

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More detail: Kirkwood Mountain Resort stats · Palisades Tahoe stats