Squaw Valley is the largest of the Lake Tahoe ski resorts and boasts over 4,000
acres of terrain and over 170 ski trails.
Resorts in the Lake Tahoe area are blessed with large annual snow falls which over the last five years have exceeded 450 inches a year at Squaw!
The synergy of a vast terrain and lots of snow make Squaw Valley a popular ski resort destination.
There is a single main mountain base village which launches a gondola, cable car and multiple chair lifts to provide mountain access.
The "High Camp" facilities at the top of cable car can be enjoyed by skier and the non-skiing visitor. It hosts an ice rink, poolside cafe, restaurant and bar.
Squaw Valley was also the host of the 1959-1960 Winter Olympic VIII games as advertised by the entrance to the resort.
Squaw Valley Terrain:
Squaw Valley is know for a vast array of black diamond runs and the snow dumps to enjoy them.
These common heavy snowfalls are a double edged sword, they lead to road closures which prevent both the skier and the resort workers from getting to the resort.
Don't give up the day as the road crews are effective and when the lifts open, powder pleasures await.
Beginners and Intermediates:
The base of Squaw greets beginners with a short practice "green" run to get aquanted with skiing.
The base lifts "Squaw One Express" and "Red Dog" will take you to some intermediate "blue" runs.
Once aquanted with the lower base runs, the Tram and Gondola provide access to the base of a broader choice of beginner and intermediate runs on the upper part of the mountain.
Beginner "green" run: "Links" above the "High Camp" station.
Intermediate "blue" run: Top of "Emigrant"
Expert Runs:
As mentioned earlier, Squaw has a lot of "black diamond" terrain.
While Squaw seems to have a reputation for steep runs, I found them all to be comfortably within the skill level of almost any advanced skier.
I did not find anything which would require warnings or would be labeled "extreme".
The most challenging terrain can be found off of "Red Dog", "Olympic Lady" and "KT-22" lifts.
Moguls: I did not find any dedicated mogul runs.
Trees:
There is limited tree skiing, the best of which I found to be off of "Red Dog" Lift.
While "Red Dog" Lift is marked as a "blue" or intermediate ski area, I found that this part of the mountain had more challenging runs than many of the black diamond marked areas. Try it out!
Out of Bounds:
Squaw Valley is surrounded by private land and is "very strict about having closed boundaries", according to resort spokesman Derek Moore (quoted by the LA Times November 1, 2005).
Going out of bounds at Squaw can lead to a fine or even having a lift pass revoked for life.
Terrain Parks:
Squaw Valley has three terrain parks and with small to large features to support the beginner to advanced rider.
Beginner: Papoose Discovery area
(Bottom of "Far East Express Lift" near the parking lot)
Intermediate: Ford Belmont Terrain Park
(Open for night skiing)
Advanced: Riviera Monster Park (andHigh Camp rail yard) and Superpipe
(Open for night skiing. Access via "High Camp Lift")
The Superpipe is located next to Gold Coast Lodge.
Squaw Valley Aprés Ski and Nightlife:
Apres ski festivities seem to start early on a nice day, in fact, around lunch time if the weather is accomodating.
Many find the patio at the base of the KT-22 lift too nice to leave and park themselves for the afternoon enjoying the comraderie of friends and the sunshine.
Patio at base of KT-22 lift
Alexander at "High Camp" is a good rest stop before catching a night run.
Le Chamois in the base village: Pizza and sandwiches
Options:
Vertical Training Lounge
Sundeck Tavern
Dave's Dell
Plaza Bar
Bar 1 (music, dancing and sports bar)
Bar 6 (sports bar)
Where to eat:
Locally at Squaw Valley mountain base village:
Sierra Sunrise Biscuit Company: Breakfast and Lunch
(Located in the cable car building)
Night skiing is available from 4:00 pm till 9:00 pm Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holidays and from 4:00 pm till 7:00 pm Monday to Thursday from mid December till the end of March.
This is included with your regular lift ticket.
The run from "High Camp" to the base as well as the "Ford Belmont Terrain Park" and "Riviera Superpipe" terrain parks.
Start at "High Camp" (top of the tram)
Shopping:
The village at the mountain base of Squaw will supply most needs for those shopping for others or for yourself.
There are a plethora of ski and clothing shops as well as restaurants.
Squaw Valley Accommodations:
Lodging is available at Squaw Valley resort, North and South Lake Tahoe and the surrounding area.
Beginner "green" run: "Links" above the "High Camp" station.
Intermediate "blue" run: Top of "Emigrant"
The Superpipe is located next to Gold Coast Lodge.
Patio at base of KT-22 lift
Alexander at "High Camp" is a good rest stop before catching a night run.
Le Chamois in the base village: Pizza and sandwiches
Start at "High Camp" (top of the tram)
