The Woods

What an incredible year it has been since we announced our intention to purchase Kirkwood back in February, 2012.  We went through an amazing transition with our staff where we literally changed every system, program and process they had in order to adapt them to our Vail Operating Systems.  Their positive, “can-do” attitude made the transition seamless and we were able to take on much more than we ever thought possible.  Installation of our Epic Mix Season Pass Program with remote gantries, the Ticket Scanning Operations at all base lifts, the Ticket Sales Systems along with the Rental and Retail Systems……to just name a few.  But it was also how you, our guests, responded to all that was new that brought much pride to our operation’s teams.  We realize it wasn’t all easy to learn and work with; but we feel we are all in a much better place as we go into year two.

 Going beyond the systems we introduced, we heard many great comments from the hundreds of folks who responded to our surveys this past winter.  By far, your biggest positive was in regard to the staff and how they were noticeably more friendly and service-oriented.  Additionally, we heard how you noticed how the Shuttle Systems, Lift Operations and Grooming were more consistent and better organized than before. 

 Even with all the improvements, we still know we have a long ways to go.  I am excited to tell you we are committed to making positive change every year.  It is my pleasure to announce that there will be improvements in our Food and Beverage Operations, our Ski Patrol  to be more efficient in Snow Safety Activities, additional Bathrooms added in the Plaza Area……the list goes on.

 Suffice to say, I am thrilled to lead the dedicated men and women of the Kirkwood Team and I look forward to continuing to build the positive relationships with all of you who passionately call Kirkwood “home”. 

Have a great summer!

Casey

Buenos Dias my friends, 

Cup”O”Joe in hand, camera in the other, capturing the Helo ops ongoing this fine Friday morning here #Kirkwood! Mtn. Ops crews are getting the 1st foundation pours in for our new Patrol HAUS on the top of Chair 10 “The Wall”. This is a project that has been on the list since 1984! Yep, long time coming for sure. Super stoked for the Mtn. Ops team and the upcoming winter! 

We’re only a few hours away from the weekend my friends, Enjoy your Friday, Hopefully we see you hiking around the valley this weekend. Wild flower are starting to pop up and the weather is perfect! 

Stay’n Thirsty, 

Coop

So you’re probably thinking there is nothing to eat at a ski resort in the middle of summer…well, think again.  Nestled in the Sierras, Kirkwood Ski Resort offers the best breakfast this side of Pickett’s Junction at our very own Kirkwood Inn.  Step inside the historic building built in 1864 and pony up to the bar that sits on three county lines (legend states the bar used to be on wheels in the late 1800’s in order to move it from county to county based on the which governing body was coming to inspect it).  Start with a homemade Bloody Mary and ask for it extra spicy, if you dare.   If you’re looking for a great meal to energize your day, order the Perfect Moguls – a classic breakfast of two eggs, home fries and toast. A little bit hungrier?  Then you definitely should order Zak’s High Country Skillet – three eggs scrambled with sausage, bell pepper, onion and melted cheese with home fries and toast.  This breakfast choice is proven to fill you up and is named after legendary Zachariah Kirkwood who founded the area.  Stuck in construction and need a break, then order the aptly named Hwy 88 Omelet Construction – “construct” your own omelet and find the positive side of being in traffic (they say there are two season in the Tahoe region—winter and construction season)!

Stopping by for lunch, come on in and we’ll serve you up the tallest, heaping pile of Nachos served with homemade salsa.  Or try our new menu item for summer 2013, the Shrimp Stuffed Artichoke.  Yum!  The Kirkwood Inn offers a variety of fresh green salads and hearty sandwiches.  One of my favorites is the Tuna Melt on which we add parmesan cheese to one side of the bread before we toast it to give it that extra flavor and crunch.  One of our most popular sandwiches is the Chuck Wagon Dip, a slow roasted prime rib topped with melted jack cheese on a Dutch crust roll served with au jus.  Equally delicious is the Palisades Hot Pastrami, house made pastrami with spicy brown mustard, caramelized onions and melted Swiss cheese on toasted rye bread.

Still hungry?  Stay for dinner!  Try the Campfire Rib Eye, a charbroiled 12 oz. Angus rib eye grilled to your liking then topped with a red wine crimini mushroom demi glace. Feeling fishy? A must have is the Headwater Salmon, which is cooked perfectly by slow roasting in lemon garlic herb butter.  We also offer pastas and a new item for summer, the Rare Earth Mac n Cheese.  It is our version of a creamy cheesy mac all grown up with crispy pancetta and fresh peas topped with panko bread crumbs and shredded cheese.  Everyone will want a bite, and remember sharing is caring.

On the run and want to get back on the road?  Visit the General Store and we’ll pack your lunch to go.  The General Store is open year-round and offers a variety of made-to-order sandwiches, salads, beer, wine, sundries, camping gear, picnic supplies and groceries.  Coming soon for summer we will have ice cream and waffle cones to help you cool off from the heat or to reward yourself for the peak you just bagged.  You earned it!  Need to keep that trout fresh that you just caught?  We have bagged ice for sale too.  A friendly smile is here to greet you seven days a week, so come on in.

A good time awaits you at Kirkwood no matter what time of year…Happy Eating, and don’t forget to hike, bike or take in the scenery while you’re there too!