Attempting to put into words why I love Kirkwood is, in itself, a discredit to this place. Kirkwood is ineffable. However, after extensive research in the field (ahem, on the chairlift) I am confident I have successfully narrowed it down to one single word: connection.
Kirkwood is special, unique, genuine and all the other words that a loving mother would choose to describe her child. That relationship is an appropriate metaphor because, as a community of employees, homeowners, and locals living down the hill, we are a family, and we love our baby. We all bond over this affection for (some might say healthy addiction to) this mountain. Living in Kirkwood is a point of pride, because it says a bit about what type of person you are. When someone says, “Kirkwood is my mountain,” they are instantly your new friend because, without saying anything else, you know that part of your soul connects with part of their soul. We are all out here, embracing a remote lifestyle in the woods, with a daily dose of adventure sports, and sharing a fervor for life in its purest form.
Remote by location, Kirkwood Mountain Resort is the epitome of the great outdoors’ playground, sharing land with the National Forest, sitting alongside the Pacific Crest Trail, and surrounded by multiple alpine lakes. The Kirkwood community is passionate about (some might say obsessed with) this mountain because, even in comparison to the most sought after mountains around the world, the views are transcendent. One look from the living room window, the meadow, or from a chairlift, forces the eyes to wander and the mind to wonder. What is that peak called? How do I get to that powder stash? Every ride down the mountain is an up close adventure through a myriad of nature’s gifts. Crooked Juniper trees sparkle with fresh snow, as if draped in glittering white diamonds. Intense volcanic layered cliffs and chutes are juxtaposed with a gentle dusting of snow, like a delicious chocolate cake topped with powdered sugar. There is a framed photograph in every direction, each of which will never fully reflect Kirkwood’s essence.
Our connection with each other, and to our majestic mountain, balancing care of the land with the thrill of the adventure it provides, is what makes Kirkwood our home.