Industry News
In response to ongoing concerns about road congestion and parking challenges in the Lake Tahoe region, Kirkwood Mountain Resort is set to introduce significant changes to its parking policy for the upcoming winter season. Building upon initiatives undertaken by neighboring resorts, Kirkwood’s decision comes as part of a broader effort to address traffic issues in the area. Last year, Vail Resorts, which owns Kirkwood along with Northstar and Heavenly Valley, announced plans to implement parking fees and reservations at its California ski areas.
The new policy at Kirkwood will require reservations for parking on weekends and peak periods throughout all parking lots. The system will include a mix of free, paid, and free carpool (4+) options, with more detailed information to be provided in the coming weeks.
“We are committed to addressing challenges with traffic/road congestion and parking – as such, we are making some changes to our parking approach at Kirkwood for winter 2024/25, which will include required reservations on weekends and peak periods for all lots with a mix of free, paid, and free carpool (4+) elements. Not all will be paid. It will be a mix of free and paid, with carpool incentives. More details will be shared in the coming weeks.” – Kirkwood
This move reflects a growing trend among ski resorts to manage visitor traffic more effectively and encourage sustainable transportation options such as carpooling. By implementing a reservation-based system, Kirkwood aims to spread out arrival times and reduce congestion, aligning with strategies proven successful at other resorts.
While the specific details of the new parking policy are yet to be unveiled, it is expected that Kirkwood will offer a range of parking options to accommodate various preferences and needs of guests and employees. This announcement shows the resort’s commitment to improving the overall experience for visitors and local communities alike. By proactively addressing traffic and parking challenges, Kirkwood aims to enhance accessibility while minimizing the environmental impact associated with transportation to and from the resort.
As the winter season approaches, stakeholders will be eagerly awaiting further updates on Kirkwood’s parking plans, with expectations high for a smoother and more efficient parking experience for all.
