Forget the trails, we’ve got the bowls. Squaw Valley is unique among ski resorts. With 4000 acres and 16 open bowls there is truly enough to satisfy everyone. Please refer to the lift service areas, not the trail guide, to find your level. The lifts are rated according to the terrain they offer. Are you a beginner? You are in luck. Most beginner areas are at the bottom of mountains with no view and the least snow. The beginner runs at Squaw are situated at the very top of mountain. Take the cable car up toward High Camp. Be sure to look back for the Lake Tahoe view as you climb to the 8200’ level for the best beginner snow in California.
With nearly 50% of the mountain bragging of its intermediate status Squaw will keep you happy on the Blues. Search out Red Dog lift for your first run. Then explore the mountain from Squaw One and Siberia Express. If this is the trip to test your legs on the advanced runs the inspiration is here. Squaw Valley hosted the 1960 VIII Winter Olympic Games and that spirit still inhabits the mountain. Let’s do a little math, 4000 acres, wide open bowls and 30% expert to advanced areas comes out to one thousand and two hundred acres of leg testing steep and deep. Nobody gets out of here without doing either the famous KT-22 or Granite Chief.
Squaw has a more playful side, too. There are three terrain parks scattered among the bowls. Try the parks off of Riviera or Gold Coast lifts for some pipes, jumps and rails.
Whew! I’m tired just thinking about it, time for lunch. Squaw Valley is also Squaw Village. There are 26 dining areas! Enjoy the view from the top of the cable car at Alexander’s, Terrace, Bar North, Poolside or Wildflour at the 8200’ level. At base level try the Blue Onion or Sundeck Café. Have an after ski drink and shoot some pool at the original Bar One. When you are ready to retire consider the 10 local accommodation areas or one of the more than 30 slightly distant North Lake Tahoe stays.
There are plenty of seasonal rental cabins and condos in the Valley. Pack them in as tight as you wish. But, for a truly grand stay I recommend the Resort at Squaw Creek. This tower sits slightly to the side of Squaw Valley, almost off the map. But, it is a 4 star resort with quality dining, shopping, pools, ice skating and its own lift chair, Squaw Creek Lift. At day’s end you will be greeted with hot drinks and fresh chili. Shower up and dine on grilled rib eye at Six Peaks Grille. You will not be disappointed.
Squaw Valley has been a world renowned ski resort since the Winter Olympics in1960. It has gotten better with age.
Jason Palat
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