I woke up well before the winter sun rose, the sky still cloaked in darkness. My day began by boiling water for my Kahawa 1893 bagged coffee. Yes, you read that right: coffee in a tea bag. It’s simple, mess-free, and surprisingly effective. As the water boiled, I loaded my ski gear into the car. Just in time for the kettle to ring, the car was loaded. Pouring my first cup into my travel mug and enough water into a different thermos for more coffee later. Skiing and coffee have become the ultimate pairing—a ritual that kickstarts my day and keeps me fueled for the slopes. This winter, I discovered the joy of caffeinated skiing adventures with Kahawa 1893’s bagged coffee. It’s not as strange as it sounds, so hear me out.
First light from the car window. Photo by Dalton Johnson
With the aroma of fresh coffee filling the car, I hit the road toward Kirkwood, CA. I’m not a scientist and don’t time my steeping, so I sip my coffee until it taste nice and strong. Then I take the bag of coffee out so my coffee doesn't get acidic. The drive—filled with loud music, snowy vistas, and the occasional sip of coffee—put me in my happy place. I was ready to ski.
Making round two of coffee on the side of the road. Photo by Dalton Johnson
A Solo Day Skiing At Kirkwood
Kirkwood has quickly become my favorite mountain in the Lake Tahoe area. It’s a skier’s mountain, with hidden features scattered across its terrain. Thankfully, I have a friend who’s been skiing there for over 20 years and has shown me some incredible spots. But today, I was solo.
As I reached a scenic pull-off, I prepared my second cup of coffee. It was still dark, but the sky had begun to brighten. With my thermos of hot water and another bag of Kahawa 1893, I steeped my second cup of fresh coffee. The rich aroma filled my car and I took a deep inhale, thinking to myself, “Mmmh, that is going to be good.” Moments like these set the tone for a great day.
Searching for fresh snow at Kirkwood. Photo by Dalton Johnson
First Turns of the Day
When I arrived at Kirkwood, I suited up and headed for the lift line. My goal was to be first on the mountain, but being 12th was just fine. The early runs were everything I hoped for: fresh turns on untouched snow, the crisp morning air filling my lungs, and the caffeine buzz keeping my energy high.
While waiting in line for another lift, an employee skied by, shouting, “The backside is open, go get it!” The energy at Kirkwood is infectious, and moments like this remind me why I love this mountain so much.
Exploring the Backside
Transitioning to Kirkwood’s backside feels like a game of strategy. Chair 6 to Chair 10, then a traverse through Eagle Bowl to Chair 2, and finally down to Chair 4—it’s a journey, but the payoff is worth it. The backside’s fresh powder was pristine, and my first lap was unforgettable. Floating through powder with a smile on my face and my thighs burning, I felt the good life.
Navigating Kirkwood takes time, especially when lines are long. If you’re planning to move across the mountain, expect it to take about an hour to an hour and a half. But trust me, the effort pays off with some of the best terrain in the Tahoe area.
On chair two, headed to the backside of Kirkwood. Photo by Dalton Johnson
Coffee and Skiing Are The Perfect Pair
By midday, I was still buzzing—partly from the skiing, partly from the coffee. I’ve found that having a third cup of coffee packed for the drive home is a game-changer. After a full day on the mountain, the warm, rich flavor of Kahawa 1893 keeps me alert and happy as I reflect on the day’s adventures.
While Heavenly is only 12 minutes from my house, the 75-minute drive to Kirkwood was more than worth it. The combination of skiing, fresh powder, and the convenience of Kahawa 1893 bagged coffee elevated my day. As I sipped my last cup of coffee on the drive home, I couldn’t help but smile, already planning my next powder day.
