
Ski Area: Kirkwood, California
Local City: Santa Cruz (210 miles to skiing, 0 miles to surf)
Surf Spot: Santa Cruz area--Steamer Lane, Pleasure Point, etc. . .
Miles between Slopes and Surf: 210
Here’s the thing about Kirkwood: The ski area is off the grid—literally, it’s powered by generators (they’re working on building wind turbines to create energy as well). It’s an hour drive to pretty much anywhere and there’s little to no nightlife at the ski area. So you’ll go here for the skiing, and the skiing alone. But you won’t be disappointed. There’s a reason the World Freeskiing Tour makes a stop here: You’ll find scary steeps, deep powder, and not a soul in sight. The best places to ski? Take Cornice Express to Sentinel Bowl and look for caves near Cave Rock. Then head up The Wall and drop skier’s right into Norm’s Nose, which has short but fun rolling terrain. www.kirkwood.com







