Kirkwood vs Palisades Tahoe
Comparing Kirkwood (CA) and Palisades Tahoe (CA) on price, terrain, snowfall, and lift wait. Numbers from the 2026 season.
Kirkwood
Kirkwood, CA
Epic pass
Window price$139
Online (advance)$99
Season pass$1,051
Palisades Tahoe
Olympic Valley, CA
Ikon pass
Window price$289
Online (advance)$189
Season pass$1,329
Side-by-side
| Stat | Kirkwood | Palisades Tahoe | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Window lift ticket | $139 | $289 | Kirkwood |
| Online (30+ days) | $99 | $189 | Kirkwood |
| Season pass | $1,051 | $1,329 | Kirkwood |
| Annual snowfall | 600" | 450" | Kirkwood |
| Skiable acres | 2,300 | 6,000 | Palisades Tahoe |
| Vertical drop | 2,000' | 2,850' | Palisades Tahoe |
| Runs | 86 | 270 | Palisades Tahoe |
| Lifts | 13 | 42 | Palisades Tahoe |
| Summit elevation | 9,800' | 9,500' | Kirkwood |
| Beginner terrain | 12% | 25% | Palisades Tahoe |
| Advanced terrain | 57% | 35% | Kirkwood |
| Average lift wait | 5 min | 15 min | Kirkwood |
The Match
Kirkwood is cheaper at the gate ($99 vs $189 entry). Palisades Tahoe is significantly bigger (6,000 vs 2,300 acres). Kirkwood sees more snow (600" vs 450"). Pass affiliation: Kirkwood is Epic, Palisades Tahoe is Ikon.