wanderish life

All rankings are determined by my own personal biases.

Kirkwood

Getting There & Parking

Kirkwood is a 45 minute drive from South Lake Tahoe without weather or traffic. The roads to get there are fairly windy and often get hit with storms, so having chains in the vehicle is a requirement. We have never had to use chains as we’ve always had four-wheel drive, but we’ve run into CalTrans many times en route checking vehicles, so I would definitely recommend having them if you have a two-wheel drive car.

Kirkwood has recently implemented a parking reservation system that is required for weekends and peak periods. Parking is free on non-peak weekdays, and after 12pm on weekends and peak periods.

Terrain Review

Kirkwood has lots of sprawling mountain views and rugged rocks, gaining a high 4 ranking for views.

I would hit Kirkwood for the steeps and bowls. Kirkwood is by far the most difficult of the Epic Pass resorts in the Tahoe area, and there are limited runs for beginners. On a good snow day, there are a plethora of bowls to drop into where you can sneak into wider trees and play around. I wouldn’t recommend Kirkwood if it hasn’t snowed in a while, unless you enjoy icy steeps and hard-packed snow. Kirkwood is a playground for the extreme skier, with lots of cliffs to drop.

Vibes

Kirkwood is one of the few resorts on the Epic Pass that has avoided the boutique mega-resort vibe. There are not many restaurants or bars available, but that’s okay — it feels like skiing used to feel before everything became corporate. The downside is that there aren’t many lifts (only two are high-speed), and lift closures due to wind are common.

You’ll Like This Resort If…

• You’re an advanced rider who likes steeps, bowls, and extreme terrain
• You enjoy a no-frills, old-school ski hill vibe
• You prefer magnificent mountain views
• You don’t mind traversing or walking between runs

Heavenly

Getting There & Parking

Heavenly is fairly convenient to access from Reno or Sacramento International Airport. Both routes use major highways and have minimal narrow road driving, but I’d still recommend an all-wheel drive car and carrying chains in case of a CalTrans encounter.

Parking at Heavenly requires planning. Heavenly has three base areas, so choose where you’d like to start — as getting from one side of the mountain to the other is time consuming. Wind closures are common and can trap you on one side.

I recommend parking at either the California or Nevada base, unless you are staying within walking distance of the gondola. There is no free parking at the gondola. The California base has a large lot that requires paid reservations on weekends and holidays. Both Nevada bases (Stagecoach and Boulder) have free lots, but they fill very quickly.

Terrain Review

Heavenly is the largest Epic Pass mountain in the Tahoe area, sprawling across Nevada and California. The Nevada side offers expansive Carson Valley views and more technical terrain. The California side has some of the best Lake Tahoe views anywhere.

To me, Heavenly is like a playground. You can find any variety of terrain: steeps, powder bowls, great tree runs, and plenty of groomers. Traversing between the two sides takes time, so I recommend picking one side and staying there for the day.

Vibes

While Heavenly doesn’t maintain quite as much small-resort charm as Kirkwood, it still feels more personal than most mega-resorts. The gondola area is more resort-like, with shops and restaurants, but the casino presence keeps Heavenly from feeling overly corporate. South Lake Tahoe has plenty of affordable food and entertainment options beyond the lodge prices.

You’ll Like This Resort If…

• You’re an intermediate–advanced skier who enjoys terrain variety
• You want the best lake views in Tahoe
• You like having nightlife, restaurants, and casino options post-ski

Northstar

Getting There & Parking

Northstar is the most accessible of the Epic Pass resorts in the Tahoe area, especially if you’re staying near Truckee or driving from the Bay Area. The approach is mostly highway until the final few miles, so it’s usually one of the easier mountains to reach during storms. Still, as with anywhere in Tahoe, carrying chains is recommended if you don’t have all-wheel drive.

Parking at Northstar is fairly straightforward but comes with options. There are two main parking areas: free parking in the lower Village lots, which requires a short shuttle ride, and paid parking closer to the Village for those wanting quick access. The shuttle system is efficient, but on peak weekends it can get crowded, so arriving early is helpful. If you prefer convenience and minimal walking, there are paid lots or a drop-off zone near the Village.

Terrain Review

Northstar is known for its impeccable grooming, smooth corduroy, and intermediate-friendly terrain. It’s the best choice in Tahoe if your ideal day involves cruising long, wide groomers or skiing with mixed ability groups. The mountain has an impressive grooming fleet, and the runs stay smooth longer than at the other Epic resorts.

While Northstar doesn’t offer the steep, technical terrain found at Kirkwood or the big mountain variety of Heavenly, its strengths lie in tree skiing and park riding. The trees on Lookout Mountain and around the Backside are fantastic on storm days, with well-spaced lines that make low-visibility skiing more enjoyable. If you’re into terrain parks, Northstar’s park program is one of the best in California — jumps and features are usually well-maintained.

Vibes

Northstar has the most polished, upscale vibe of the three Epic Tahoe resorts. The Village feels more like a luxury mountain town, with boutique shops, ice skating, fire pits, and plenty of dining options. It’s incredibly family-friendly, and the amenities cater more toward comfort than hardcore skiing.

The tradeoff is cost — food, parking, and gear can be pricier here than at Kirkwood or Heavenly. If you’re looking for a rugged, adventure-driven atmosphere, Northstar may feel overly refined. But if you enjoy a clean, accessible resort with great service and modern amenities, Northstar delivers.

You’ll Like This Resort If…

• You’re an intermediate skier or rider who loves smooth, well-groomed runs
• You’re skiing with a family or mixed-ability group
• You enjoy a high-end, village-centric atmosphere
• You’re a terrain park rider looking for well-kept jumps and features
• You want easy access with minimal sketchy mountain driving