The Ski Mountain
Squaw Valley extreme skiers are known for making sure they have an audience and the skills to put on a show. The resort is nicknamed Squallywood as it’s a resort to see and be seen, but at the end of the day it all boils down to the skiing and terrain. Sixteen bowls and six peaks dish out some of the most extreme skiing in North America. Yet while the showoffs are entertaining, Squaw makes sure to promote itself as a family-friendly destination. Home to 3,600 acres and 170-plus trails, there is enough mountain for all levels of skiers.
The Mountain Experience
From its early days as host to the 1960 Winter Olympics, Squaw Valley has always had a world class lift system. Here, you get up the mountain fast, and then you’re drawn down happily and quickly with vertical and varied terrain, expanding your ski time. Squaw’s challenging runs have been the star of countless ski films, yet while the resort’s extreme skiing is on display for all to see, there are intermediate runs on each the six summits, allowing competent skiers a choice of route matched to their preference. This all makes Squaw a top training destination and resort for those looking to improve their skiing.
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Squaw Valley Ski Terrain
• Advanced: Need a challenge? The KT-22 Express brings you to Squaw’s best-known cliff drops and steep chutes. The Granite Chief lift is good for less extreme skiers with access to steep glades and hidden powder pockets long after the shots off of KT-22 are tracked out.
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Current Snow Conditions
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• Intermediate: With 45 percent of the mountain designated as intermediate terrain, there’s plenty of opportunity for skiers to explore. From High Camp, cruise down the backside to Shirley Lake Express where you’ll find several wide-open groomers. Bullet is a double blue square and a great introduction to some off piste riding. Often overlooked as just a route to the Resort at Squaw Creek, Lakeview is an under appreciated run with stunning views of Lake Tahoe.
• Beginner: Squaw Valley’s mid-mountain beginner terrain is a unique experience for beginners by giving them a taste of skiing higher on the mountain. Take the tram to High Camp and head over to Bailey’s Beach. This lift accesses a range of green terrain where skiers and riders can practice their turns with a great view.
Around the Mountain
APRES SKIING NEAREST SKI TOWN LODGING
• Terrain Park: Squaw Valley partnered with international terrain park design team Snow Park Technologies to build some of the most comprehensive parks in North America. Master the basics of jumps, boxes and rails on the smaller features in the Sno-Ventures park near the base area. The Gold Coast terrain park offers a wide variety of features to transition from smaller jibs and jumps to some of Squaw Valley’s signature features including the 22-foot Superpipe.
COST SKIING WITH KIDS TRAIL MAP GETTING THERE
Best Advice
On powder days, skip the long lift lines and attitudes at KT-22 and head to the backside for fresh turns and an escape from the circus.
Check the snow conditions live and ahead of your visit on Squaw Valley’s webcam Here.
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Après Skiing
To be part of a near fifty-year tradition, join the locals and stop for at least one beer at Le Chamois at run’s end in the Village at Squaw Valley. Also, Mamasake, the on-mountain sushi joint, has one of the best happy hours around, offering guests a cold beer and choice of a hand roll or two of the house specialty “Mama’s Balls” for just $5.
Nearest Ski Town
Lake Tahoe (South)
On the shore of the largest alpine lake in North America, an outdoor sports launching pad and mini-Las Vegas.
Lodging
Lodging in the Village at Squaw Valley puts guests in the heart of the resort with everything from skiing to shopping and dining within walking distance. Ski-in and ski-out with valets to take and handle your equipment at the Resort at Squaw Creek, an elegant AAA four-diamond resort with 405 luxurious rooms, fireplaces, a skating rink, heated pools and a rich, mountain-home ambiance.
Same as other well-known resorts, as this type of lodging is not cheap, if you’re on a tight budget, there are many other options you’ll want to check out further from the resort.
Use the Ski Lodging Deals box above and right to find Squaw Valley’s best Lodging choices and deals.
SKI TERRAIN SNOW CONDITIONS TERRAIN PARK LODGING
Skiing With Kids
Squaw offers group and private lessons for kids ages three and older with an emphasis on learning how to maintain proper form in all types of terrain and snow conditions. Team programs start with Shooting Stars for kids as young as four. Programs’ emphases vary from developing basic skills to tackling big mountain skiing and ski cross.
After a day of ski school or lessons take the kids to The Village at Squaw for crafts at Everything Hunky Dory or treat them to a hot chocolate chip cookie at Wildflour.
Lift Tickets and Season Pass Cost*
Lift Tickets: Compare Prices Here.
Season Passes: With four tiers of pass pricing skiers and riders can choose a pass that fits the budget. Passes provide access to both Squaw Valley and neighboring Alpine Meadows.
Special Deals: Present a same-day commercial airline boarding pass with a matching photo ID at the Guest Services & Sales Center and receive a free lift ticket good from 1 to 4 p.m.
Driving Directions
By Jenn Sheridan
