A Season Of Records For Kirkwood Mountain Resort

Kirkwood Mountain Resort got off to a flying start this season after an 11 foot November dump made it possible for the resort to start turning lifts for Thanksgiving. Kirkwood has truly lived up to its reputation for epic snowfall with back to back storm systems just hammering the resort. This season has continued to produce near-record snowfall, leading the resort to extend its season on the other end too and push back their closing date. Kirkwood will remain open until May 1 (versus the projected April 24), this new closing date giving spring skiers and riders another chance to take advantage of the deep snowpack and enjoy the fantastic conditions we’ve been blessed with this season.

Record breaking seems to be the theme of this season. This season’s November opening was the Resort’s earliest opening since the record 2004/05 season and the snowiest November since 1983/84. Then February storms put Kirkwood at the top of the list for “Most Snowfall in the World” according to Skiinfo.com, a worldwide snow reporting website. When most skiers and riders were preparing for goggle tans and slushy spring turns, March storms brought mid-winter conditions back, yet again and Kirkwood received upward of 200” during that month alone. To date, Kirkwood stands only two feet shy of the overall season snowfall record of 63 feet, posted in the 1982/83 season.

Historically, April snowfall is unpredictable and has ranged from less than a foot to well over ten in the last decade. Long term forecasts suggest a strong probability of above average precipitation in Northern California as La Niña finally peters out over late spring. Models suggest Kirkwood may be in for below-average temps, as well, giving skiers and riders hope for a handful of powder days yet. Assuming normal spring and early summer weather patterns (temperature and thaw rates, specifically), resort operators are optimistic that the snowpack will hold up for one last ski weekend—July 4th. Substantial storms and cool temps in late spring 2010 allowed skiers and riders lift-accessed, upper-mountain runs as a complement to opening weekend of Kirkwood’s summer mountain bike operations. Mountain Operations will re-evaluate as the date nears, but prospects of a repeat in 2011 are promising.

About Kirkwood Mountain Resort
Kirkwood Mountain Resort is one of the nation's top year-round family destination lifestyle resorts. Located just 177 miles from the Bay Area along scenic Highway 88, its base elevation of 7,800-feet assures skiers more annual snowfall than any other Tahoe resort. Kirkwood is recognized by winter purists and national media alike for the quality of its snow and terrain variety. Known for its pristine beauty and action-packed expeditions and events, winter fun includes skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, snow shoeing, sled dog tours, and backcountry expeditions. An ideal location for weddings and corporate meetings, the Kirkwood Village includes boutique shopping, live music and dining. Resort real estate ranges in size from condominiums and townhomes to luxury slopeside residences. For more information about Kirkwood Mountain Resort, log on to www.kirkwood.com or call 209.258.6000.

Kirkwood Mountain Resort is one of the nation's top year-round family destination lifestyle resorts. Located just 177 miles from the Bay Area along scenic Highway 88, its base elevation of 7,800-feet assures skiers more annual snowfall than any other Tahoe resort. Kirkwood is recognized by winter purists and national media alike for the quality of its snow and terrain variety.

Michael Dalzell
Marketing Director
1501 Kirkwood Meadows Drive in Kirkwood, California.

http://www.kirkwood.com/site/

This release was published on openPR.