Kirkwood Mountain Resort to open Friday

Kirkwood Mountain Resort announced it will open Friday, Nov. 25, the day after Thanksgiving, and remain open through the weekend, and then again from Friday, Dec. 2 to Dec. 4. Kirkwood says it will use midweek operations for on mountain preparation, snow making and readying more terrain. The resort hopes to open for full seven-day-a-week winter operations beginning Friday, Dec. 9. The date may change, however, with significant snowfall.

Here is the news release.

(November 21st, 2011) Kirkwood Mountain Resort announced today that the 2011/2012 season will officially kick-off on Friday, November 25th with the first of two Preview Weekends. The Resort will offer limited terrain as well as rentals, retail and food and beverage options from Friday November 25th thru Sunday November 27th, and Friday, December 2nd through Sunday December 4th.

Kirkwood will ramp down midweek operations during this time to focus on mountain preparation, snow making and readying more terrain. The resort anticipates being open for full winter operations, 7 day a week from Friday, December 9th, 2011, however, this date may be moved forward with significant snowfall. This weekend the lower mountain will be open with chair #5, Solitude, operating and Race Course open for the skiing and riding with Lower Zachary to open at some point throughout the weekend weather and snow permitting. Chair 11, The Reut, is slated for operation for the second Preview Weekend, December 2nd - 4th, accessing skiing and riding on Buckboard. Guests will also have access to rentals, retail and food and beverage options on both weekends.

Kirkwood will be honoring all current Kirkwood season passes for the 2011/2012 winter season (including 5Woods & 6Woods) as well as any valid 2011/2012 season pass from any other resort during both Preview Weekends. For non-pass holders, reduced rate lift ticket will be available for $29 (adult). Reduced children, youth and senior prices are also available.

“The Preview Weekends are a great opportunity to come out and get a first taste of winter, and also to experience all of the exciting enhancements that have taken place through the Fall here at Kirkwood” states Dave Likins, CEO of Kirkwood Mountain Resort. “A remodeled Mountain Club with an enhanced Ticket Office, Guest Service area and Rental / Repair shop and an exciting new menu at Monte Wolfe’s” adds Likins.

The resort intends to open Chair 6 and is ready to quickly move to 7-day a week operations with top to bottom skiing and a full range of services and amenities as soon as snow permits. For up-to-date information on weather and operations, please visit www.kirkwood.com or the Kirkwood Facebook page www.facebook.com/kirkwoodmtn

About Kirkwood Mountain Resort
Kirkwood Mountain Resort is one of the nation's top destination 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 resort in North America.
Kirkwood is recognized by winter purists and national media alike for the quality of its snow and terrain variety and is a true skiers destination. 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. For more information about Kirkwood Mountain Resort or to book your holiday on season pass, visit www.kirkwood.com or call (209) 258-6000.