Free Shuttle Now Connects South Tahoe to Kirkwood

Vail Resorts launches free daily shuttle service to help skiers access Kirkwood after Heavenly's early closure.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 1:40pm

A bold, geometric illustration depicting a towering, snow-capped mountain range in the distance, with smooth, airbrushed gradients of blues and whites, conveying the grand scale and romance of winter travel in the Sierra Nevada mountains.The new free shuttle service from South Lake Tahoe to Kirkwood provides a convenient transportation option for skiers and snowboarders to access extended spring skiing at Kirkwood.Meyers Today

Vail Resorts has launched a free daily shuttle service connecting South Lake Tahoe directly to Kirkwood Mountain Resort, allowing skiers and snowboarders to access Kirkwood's extended season without the winding drive over Carson Pass. The shuttle operates on a first-come, first-served basis and runs until Kirkwood's closing day on April 19th.

Why it matters

With Heavenly Mountain Resort closing early this season, the new shuttle service provides a convenient way for South Lake Tahoe residents and visitors to continue enjoying spring skiing at Kirkwood, which is still reporting a healthy snowpack and over 50% of terrain open.

The details

The free shuttle service runs daily, with pick-up locations at the California Lodge, Patagonia store in Heavenly Village, the Stateline Transit Center, and the 'Y' and Meyers Chevron. The shuttle allows Epic Pass holders to easily access Kirkwood, which is reporting 282 inches of total snowfall this season and has seven lifts still operating.

  • The shuttle service launched on April 6, 2026.
  • Kirkwood Mountain Resort is scheduled to close for the season on April 19, 2026.

The players

Vail Resorts

The company that owns and operates Heavenly and Kirkwood Mountain Resorts, as well as other ski areas across the United States.

Kirkwood Mountain Resort

A ski resort located south of South Lake Tahoe, known for its high-elevation terrain and abundant snowfall.

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What’s next

Locals are already pushing for the shuttle service to become a permanent fixture to help with the weekend congestion on Highway 88 between South Lake Tahoe and Kirkwood.

The takeaway

The new free shuttle service from South Lake Tahoe to Kirkwood provides a convenient transportation option for skiers and snowboarders to access extended spring skiing at Kirkwood after Heavenly's early closure, demonstrating Vail Resorts' commitment to supporting the local community and winter sports enthusiasts.