Squaw Valley USA
Descending from six peaks and with 4000 acres of skiable terrain accessed by 33 lifts Squaw offers the most skiable and freeriding terrain for Alpine enthusiasts in the Lake Tahoe area.
One of Squaw’s most distinctive bragging rights is High Camp at 8200’...
Starting mid- Decembers, night skiing and boarding are available...
DESCRIPTION:
With designs for boarders of all abilities, the resort also offers three terrain parks and halfpipes with dedicated lift access.
One of Squaw’s most distinctive bragging rights is High Camp at 8200’ that serves as the gateway for most of the mountain’s beginner terrain. Wide open gentle slopes accessed by lifts based at the Camp offer superb slopes for skiers and snowboarders. The scenic views of Lake Tahoe and the High Sierra are outstanding. High Camp includes the Olympic Ice Pavilion, the Olympic Museum, snowtubing arena, swimming lagoon & spa (in the spring), but also the poolside bar and restaurant overlooking Squaw Valley. The most spectacular access is via the aerial Cable Car that quickly climbs the 2000 feet from the valley.
Starting mid-Decembers, night skiing and boarding are available on the mountain’s longest run as well as the terrain park and halfpipe at High Camp.
In its November 2003 issue, Skiing Magazine ranked Squaw Valley USA as the 5th best resort in the U.S. and the top one in California. Site of the VIII Olympics Winter Games, Squaw has continued to expand and has developed one of the most advanced lift networks in the U.S.
| Parking Elevation: | 6235 feet | Base Elevation: | 6235 feet | Summit Elevation: | 8700 feet |
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| Description | High Camp 8200’ Two walk-in mountain tops provide additional elevation. |
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| Snowfall | 450 inches | Season | Mid-November through Memorial Day | ||
| Parking: | Ski Area Parking | Skiable Area | 4000 acres | Groomed | Yes | Terain Park | Yes |
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| Snowmaking | Approximately 10%, 400 acres, or 7 miles of runs are covered by snowmaking equipment. |
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| Runs | 100+ | Beginner | 25% | Intermediate | 45% | Expert | 30% |
| Description | Also, 16 open bowls. Longest run: 3.2 miles |
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| Lifts | 34 | Types | 4 high-speed quads, 1 cable car 1 fixed-grip quad, 1 Funitel 8 triples, 1 Pulse Gondola, 9 doubles, 4 express quads, 3 high-speed 6-pacs, 1 Magic Carpet |
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| Contact(s) | Main: (530) 583-6985 |
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| Website(s) | www.squaw.com/winter |
DIRECTIONS:
To Squaw Valley USA
From San Francisco/Bay Area/Sacramento Valley: Drive east on Interstate 80 and exit at Truckee on Highway 89-South toward Lake Tahoe/Tahoe City/Squaw Valley. Follow south for 8 miles to the Squaw Valley Road. Turn right at the Olympic torch replica and stop light.
From Reno: Drive west on Interstate 80 and exit at Truckee on Highway 89-South toward Lake Tahoe/Tahoe City/Squaw Valley. Follow south for 8 miles to the Squaw Valley Road. Turn right at the Olympic torch replica and stop light.
ACTIVITIES:
Nordic Cross-country Skiing (Rating: Best)
The Nordic Center is based at the Resort at Squaw Creek just east of Sugar Bowl USA. as you enter Squaw Valley. It offers 400 acres of skiable terrain with 11 miles (18km) of groomed trail. Skill breakdown is 70% beginner, 20% intermediate, and 10% advanced. Rentals and lessons are available.
Snow Play (Rating: Best)
A tubing area includes a lift which tows the tub with the rider back to the top. Two lanes are offered, one is easier and the other a bit more aggressive. Located at High Camp at the top of the Cable Car. One hour sessions. Age limit is four years or older and only one person per tube.
Snowboarding (Rating: Best)
Designed for boarders of all abilities, the resort also offers three terrain parks plus a Superpipe and halfpipe, all with easy lift access.
Belmont is designed for kids and beginning freestyle boarders and features small jumps, rails, and boxes.
Riviera Park is built for more intermediate riders, complete with a full size halfpipe over 225’ long with 9’ walls and a 12 degree pitch, tables, jumps, rails, and boxes, all accessed via a dedicated lift. The park is open for night riding until 9 p.m.
Mainline Superpipe Terrain Park is for the big kids, no matter their age. The Superpipe is 550’ long with 17’ walls with an 18 degree pitch. A super hip is located at the bottom. Table top jumps range from medium to large. Rails include flat bars, “S,” double kink, and a swirley rail. Boxes range from the “C” to “S”, table top and flat. The Park sits on an awesome location overlooking Lake Tahoe.
Snowshoeing (Rating: Best)
The Nordic Center is based at the Resort at Squaw Creek just east of Sugar Bowl USA. as you enter Squaw Valley. It offers 400 acres of terrain available for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing with 11 miles (18km) of groomed trail. Skill breakdown for skiers is 70% beginner, 20% intermediate, and 10% advanced with a comparable breakdown for snowshoers. Rentals and lessons are available.
Alpine Downhill Skiing (Rating: Exceptional)
With six mountain peaks to establish the elevation drop of over 2850 feet, 450 inches of snow each year, 4000 acres of skiable terrain, and 34 lifts, Squaw Valley USA is a skier’s dream. Site of the 1960 Winter Olympics, Squaw has continued to grow each year since.
Most of the beginner’s terrain sits high on the mountain above High Camp. Gentle, open bowls for both beginner and intermediate skiing and freeriding by snowboarders are easily reached above the Camp. A full 30% of the 4000 acres of skiable terrain is steep and scribed with tight chutes providing an excellent variety of off-piste skiing for advanced or extreme skiers or riders.
