Kirkwood Mountain Shuts Down as Summit Winds Exceed 100 MPH
Kirkwood Mountain Resort is closed today, Dec. 25, as an intense Sierra storm pounds the high country with extreme winds, heavy snowfall, and dangerous avalanche conditions.
Resort officials said the decision was made out of an abundance of caution to protect guests and employees as conditions deteriorated overnight. Winds at the summit have reportedly reached as high as 105 mph, making safe lift operations impossible. At the same time, multiple feet of snow are forecast to fall throughout the day, rapidly loading slopes and increasing avalanche hazard across the mountain.
While the closure is a disappointment for holiday skiers and riders, Kirkwood says the storm is setting the stage for an exceptional rest of the holiday week. The incoming snow is expected to significantly improve coverage and help the resort continue expanding terrain once conditions stabilize and crews can safely return to work.
“Safety always comes first,” the resort said in its update, thanking guests for their patience and understanding.
Visitors are encouraged to keep an eye on Kirkwood’s official channels for reopening updates, road conditions, and terrain status as the storm moves through the Sierra.
For now, it’s a day to stay warm, stay safe, and let the mountain do what it does best—pile up snow.
