Kirkwood, offers over 2,000 acres of skiing with a good mix of runs for skiers of all abilities. During spring (icy) conditions, the best skiing in the early part of the day is usually found on the aptly named Sunrise lift. However, once the snow softens, the best black diamond skiing is accessed from the Wagon Wheel (a.k.a. the Wall) and Cornice chairs. Intermediates should avoid the Wagon Wheel chair... there is no easy way down. Kirkwood is about a 30 minute drive from the South Lake Tahoe resort hotels and casinos, assuming the road conditions are good. If it is snowing, it can take a lot longer than that because the route (Highway 89) takes you over a 9000' pass. Highway 89 closes frequently during storms. However, you don't have to go over this pass if you are approaching Kirkwood from the west on Highway 88. Note that Kirkwood has the highest base elevation of all the Tahoe areas. This usually means they have more (and better?) snow than the other resorts.