Iron Horse
Kirkwood
About this zone
Iron Horse is the first stop once you drop over Caples Crest onto Kirkwood’s backside. It’s compact, straightforward terrain that skis exactly as it looks: wide-open pitches with a clean split between mellower lines on skier’s left and progressively steeper, more interesting terrain as you move right. Easy Rider and Herringbone Straight offer fast, consistent intermediate cruising, while Button Bowl and Deadwood Spur add more pitch, rocks, and consequence without getting truly extreme. It’s efficient skiing, with clear fall lines and minimal fuss.
Best When
Iron Horse shines when you want quick laps or a smooth transition into or out of the backside. Its east-facing aspect and lower elevation mean it softens earlier than most of Kirkwood, making it a solid morning option on cold days or a reliable spot once the sun starts working. It’s also a natural staging area if you’re heading deeper to Vista T-Bar and Devil’s Corral, or just grabbing food before moving on.
Watch Out For
This zone is a major transit corridor, so traffic can be heavy as skiers funnel back toward the front side. Expect crossed fall lines and variable speeds, especially mid-day. Skier’s right gets rockier and more exposed when coverage is thin, and conditions can deteriorate quickly after storms or warm-ups. Stay heads-up, pick your line deliberately, and don’t assume open terrain means empty terrain.
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