Kirkwood's new lodging Skiers who haven't visited Kirkwood for a year or two are in for a shock. The resort, which formerly had few beds and not much to do when the lifts closed, now boasts some 400 condominium units and homes and a clutch of new restaurants and shops. Dodge Ridge will build an Olympic-regulation halfpipe in the Boulder Creek area. Sugar Bowl, Diamond Peak and Mount Rose, among others, will cover more runs with man-made snow this winter. At most ski areas, lift ticket prices have increased two or three dollars this year.
Most resorts have multiday passes and off-peak discounts that can reduce prices considerably.