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The Ski Resort of Squaw Valley

Squaw Valley

Squaw Valley, the birthplace of American extreme skiing, is a mecca for freeriders and extreme skiers. But don't be put off if your style is more sedate or family oriented: this resort also boasts gentle mountain-top beginner terrain as well as mountain-top ice-skating and swimming.
 

Our Rating:

Advanced ****
Intermediate **
Beginner **
Nestling at the end of a stunning alpine valley, Squaw Valley lies cradled by six Sierra peaks dominated by Squaw Peak at 8,900 feet (2,715 m). Squaw is historic: it famously played host to the 1960 Winter Olympic Games (the first to be televised), and Squaw Valley’s Olympic heritage continues to be evident throughout the resort. The symbolic Tower of Nations and Olympic Flame still greet visitors at the entrance to the Valley, and Alexander Cushing, Squaw Valley’s Chairman and Founder, still provides the vision and character by which Squaw Valley became, and continues to be, famous. Many wonder how he convinced the International Olympic Committee to select a town with no mayor and a ski resort with just one chairlift, two rope tows and a fifty-room lodge—but convince them he did, and the rest is history.

Extreme skiing and the birth of Schmidiots in Squaw Valley
Since then Squaw has become one of the top destination resorts in the U.S. Ranked 4th Best Resort in North America by readers of Skiing Magazine and Freeskier magazine, it attracts those mad skiers who like to push the extreme envelope. Back in 1984, ski filmmaker Warren Miller caught one Scot Schmidt jumping 100 feet (30 m) from the palisades (a cliff band at the top of Squaw Peak—the highest of six encompassing Squaw Valley) to give birth to “Schmidiots” and extreme skiing U.S.-style. No wonder top freeskiers and snowboarders like Shane McConkey, Brad Holmes, Darian Boyle, Aaron McGovern, Jeff McKitterick, Jenn Berg and Tom Wayes can often be seen hurling themselves off Squaw’s many cornices or trying new tricks in the park.

Many agree too that the sheer depth and density of the snow here is another unique feature that gives some measure of control to even the wackiest stunts. If an ample 4,000 acres (1,620 ha) of bowl skiing doesn’t turn you on, then how about mountain-top ice skating and swimming which, at the Swimming Lagoon & Spa at High Camp (over 8,000 feet/2,450 m) overlooking Lake Tahoe, is free with all daily lift tickets.

Squaw Valley, CA at a glance
 

On the mountain

Ski area

Squaw Valley is unique in the U.S. as it offers wide-open bowl skiing rather than traditional, named ski trails and the ski area is famous for terrain ranging from the tamest to the toughest.
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Lift system

The advanced lift system in Squaw Valley is carefully designed to provide two ways to access every area of terrain.
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Ski schools & guiding

The Squaw Valley Ski & Snowboard School, Squaw Kids Children's Center and the Saturday Morning Beginner Telemark Clinic offer lessons, packages and specialised courses for all ages and levels of proficiency.
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Advanced

Often referred to as Squaw Valley's crown jewel, the KT-22 peak offers famous pitches with steep terrain, tight chutes and an excellent variety of off-piste skiing. more...

 

Intermediate

Intermediate skiers and snowboarders can continue to improve their skills on Squaw Valley's 3.2-mile (5-km) Mountain Run, cruising from the upper mountain all the way down to the Base Village.
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Beginner

Squaw Valley’s easiest terrain is located on the resort’s upper mountain, so beginners get the same exciting mountain experience and spectacular views as more advanced skiers and snowboarders. more...

 

Boarding & freestyle

Squaw Valley has three dedicated terrain parks with two halfpipes and the area boasts tabletops, rails, fun boxes, volcanoes and other features depending on conditions. more...

 

Mountain restaurants

Squaw Valley’s 40 restaurants (including delis) range from sit-down to self-service to fast food and vary in price and style from inexpensive and casual to fine dining.
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Ski Map

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Off the mountain

Village

Squaw Valley Village is small and feels almost European, but the past few years have seen the area's transformation into what will eventually be a four-season recreation destination. more...

 

Accommodation

There are over 50 properties in the area and in Reno, with seven hotels within Squaw Valley as well as condos, lakefront lodges, and bed and breakfast inns. more...

 

Après-ski

Most bars in Squaw Valley cater to the 25–35 crowd, including the Balboa Café, the newest après-ski spot in the Squaw scene. more...

 

Restaurants & bars

A wide selection of restaurants offer everything from fast food to Asian tapas.
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Other activities

Off the slopes in Squaw Valley, winter fun includes mountain-top ice-skating, snowtubing, shopping and dining—all overlooking Lake Tahoe. more...

 

Getting there

Squaw Valley lies 42 miles (72 km) by car from the Reno/Tahoe International Airport Valley. There are daily shuttle buses from Reno and Lake Tahoe. Rental cars and S.U.V.s are available through Squaw Valley Central Reservations.
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Navigation

Resort shortcuts

Squaw Valley facts

Ski Area

Base6,200 ft
1,890 m
Summit9,050 ft
2,758 m
Elevation2,850 ft
868 m
Area size4,000 a
1,619 ha

 

Trails/runs

Number of trails100
Advanced30 %
Intermediate45 %
Beginner25 %

 

Lifts

Gondolas/Cable cars2
Chairs26
Surface lifts3

 

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