Are there alternatives to staying in the accomodations at the resort? We're looking for just one night on January 3 in an inexpensive hotel/motel/room somewhere in or near the ski area. There's a three-night minimum for this period in the resort accomodations and the lowest room rate is higher than our budget will allow for this trip.

Any input will be greatly appreciated!

There is not much around Kirkwood. I think there are a couple of rustic summer-oriented places nearby, but I don't think they are much cheaper. There was a lodge at the old Iron Mountain ski area about 10 miles away, but I doubt if they are open these days. Cheapest places would be in South Lake Tahoe (I think it's about 30 miles).

Thanks for your reply, Tom. I was afraid that there isn't much around Kirkwood. AAA TourBook doesn't list anything either. Will consider S. Lake Tahoe, but we're not especially excited about driving 30 mi. each way.

Jon
do a goggle search on "Alpine County lodging" and look under Kirkwood & Hope Valley Hope this helps

Have fun
GP

We always stay in S. Lake Tahoe when we ski at Kirkwood. The drive really isn't that bad, and the scenery is gorgeous. LOTS of options in S. Lake Tahoe for lodging and eating and activities.

The biggest headache in staying in S Tahoe and driving to Kirkwood is worrying about road closures when the weather is bad. Traffic tends to be light (much better than 50 or 80). It looks like weather this weekend will be clear, though.

Hope you get this in-time. No, there are no economical "resort" lodgings at Kirkwood. It's very "self-contained". Your closest bet would be any smaller hotel/motels in So. Tahoe... There is a cluster of them close to the turn-off for Kirkwood (rather than driving all the way into the "Casino Area". It's not far in summer, but with bad weather it can seem forever. I have driven the road between So. Tahoe and Kirkwood alot, and it is my favorite drive in the winter. The Hope Valley is absolutely breathtaking! The only drawback is the questionable weather/roads when snow is heavy... and some of the road gets narrow with heavy snow. If it were me, I'd plan to stay at a "low cost" lodging in So. Tahoe...but take my credit card in case the weather gets really bad -- so you can stay at Kirkwood if you decide that you don't want to drive, or you get snowed in.

P.S. -- Even though the resort says they have a 3 night minmum during this time of year, with the weather as bad as it has been...Chances are they are going to get cancellations, and would be willing to accomodate you for 1 night. They won't want to have empty rooms, especially if you go in the late afternoon and they are running with empties.