Squaw Valley Ski Resort Guide & Reviews Ski Area, Apres-Ski, Things to See & Do in Squaw Valley
Overview
The picture-postcard family friendly ski resort of Squaw Valley in the Sierra mountains around Lake Tahoe is one of the largest skiing areas in the USA. With a massive 6000 acres spread across 8 mountain peaks including the ski area around Alpine Meadows, its sister resort, its no wonder why ski professionals from around the world come here for the sheer variery of terrain.
Squaw Valley Après-ski
The atmosphere, as you would expect, is laid back and relaxed in Squaw Village. There are many lively bars and restaurants in the Village serving up family-friendly fare.
For a larger choice of entertainment venues, head to Olympic Valley at the base of the mountain or lakeside at Tahoe City.
| Key information (whole area) | |
|---|---|
| Altitude | 1890m |
| Top lift | 2758m |
| Family | |
| Beginner | |
| Intermediate | |
| Expert | |
| Ski area (acre) | 6000 |
| Longest run | 5 km |
| Off piste | |
| Cross country | 18 km |
| Season | Nov - Mid May |
| Snowboard parks | 5 |
| Heli Skiing | ✘ |
| Summer skiing | ✘ |
| Glacier skiing | ✘ |
| Babysitting | ✔ |
| Creche | ✔ |
| Apres ski | Lively |
Squaw Valley Ski Area Guide
With the liftpass covering Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows, the combined ski areas really do offer something for every level of skier and boarder from complete beginner to professionals.
With 6000 acres to ski around including 270 trails, the sight of a lift queue is rare which is a major advantage. However, it can feel like you are the only person on the mountain and can get quite lonely - but then you get that sense of adventure.
For cross-country skiers, there 18kms of trails spread across 400 acres to enjoy. The trails start at Squaw Creek and are graded for all levels of Nordic skier.
The ski area is spread across 8 mountain peaks encompassing the trails and off-piste itineraries of Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows...
- 2301m - Snow King
- 2445m - Broken Arrow
- 2500m - KT-22
- 2527m - Scott
- 2633m - Ward Peak
- 2652m - Emigrant
- 2712m - Squaw Peak
- 2758m - Granite Chief
...and the the incredible snowfall averaging 450 inches a year, means the ski season starts in Novemeber and runs to mid May across all peaks.
Beginners
Unlike most ski resorts, beginners at Squaw Valley are given a treat with a dedicated area at the top of the mountain so you get to experience high altitude skiing with the panoramic Lake Tahoe views.
Intermediate
With over 50% of the trails coded blue / red, intermediate skiers and boarders have an awful lot of terrain to play around in across both resorts.
Advanced
From the top of Squaw Peak at 2713m, there is Sun Bowl and Cornice Bowl to explore for some fantastic off-piste gladed skiing. Following the ridge down from Squaw Peak towards KT-22, there are narrow couloirs and cliffs coming off the side that are tailor made for expert skiers.
Snowboard
Snowboarding is permitted across the whole ski area plus there are 5 superb terrain parks. With virtually unlimited off-piste opportunities, surfing the deep powder is a snowboarders dream.
Squaw Valley Lodging
The accommodation is divided between the mountainside Village and Olpymic Valley at the base of the mountain and together, there are lodging options to suit singles, couples, families and groups of any size.
In the Squaw Village, there are many ski chalets, lodges and condominiums which are ski-in, ski-out which is perfect for families who don't want the hassle of commuting to the slopes.
Children & Childcare
The ski schools take children from the age of 3 years old and start them in the Pioneers groups. All skiing for Pioneers start on the flat or the Magic Carpets and then move to a chairlift when ready. The lessons provide up to 2 hours of skiing in the morning and afternoon.
Babysitting can also be arranged through Squaw Village Tourist Office - 48 hours notice is required as this is a very popular servce!!
Things to See & Do
Squaw Valley has many activities for all the family to enjoy in addition to skiing...
- Pool and hot tub
- Cross-country skiing
- Tubing
- Tobogganing
- Ice skating
- Guided snowshoeing
- Mini snowmobile (age 6 - 12 years)
- Dog sledding
- Sky jump
- Olympic museum
Spa & Wellness
The Trilogy Spa in the Village at Squaw Valley is a unique spa experience in the heart of the mountains. A variety of treatments are available in this 4,000 square foot spa for individuals, couples and groups. The Lava Lounge in the spa is also a good place to drop in for some apres-ski - a glass of premium wine or champagne followed by some mini-treatments - the ultimate way to relax and unwind after a long day on the slopes.
Our view on Squaw Valley ski resort
Squaw Valley is one of the best resorts around Lake Tahoe and can easily compete with the big boys such as Heavenly when it comes to the quality and extent of the skiing - definitely worth a trip...!
