Kirkwood vs Sugar Bowl
Comparing Kirkwood (CA) and Sugar Bowl (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
Sugar Bowl
Norden, CA
Mountain Collective pass
Window price$149
Online (advance)$89
Season pass—
Side-by-side
| Stat | Kirkwood | Sugar Bowl | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Window lift ticket | $139 | $149 | Kirkwood |
| Online (30+ days) | $99 | $89 | Sugar Bowl |
| Season pass | $1,051 | — | Kirkwood |
| Annual snowfall | 600" | 500" | Kirkwood |
| Skiable acres | 2,300 | 1,650 | Kirkwood |
| Vertical drop | 2,000' | 1,500' | Kirkwood |
| Runs | 86 | 103 | Sugar Bowl |
| Lifts | 13 | 13 | Tied |
| Summit elevation | 9,800' | 8,383' | Kirkwood |
| Beginner terrain | 12% | 17% | Sugar Bowl |
| Advanced terrain | 57% | 38% | Kirkwood |
| Average lift wait | 5 min | 7 min | Kirkwood |
The Match
Sugar Bowl is cheaper at the gate ($89 vs $99 entry). Kirkwood is significantly bigger (2,300 vs 1,650 acres). Kirkwood sees more snow (600" vs 500"). Pass affiliation: Kirkwood is Epic, Sugar Bowl is Mountain Collective.