Squaw Valley Ski Holidays

It all came about when a man named Alex Cushing broke his ankle at nearby Sugar Bowl and, resting up while his friends skied, overheard talk about the awesome terrain of Squaw… Having gone to see its potential for himself, he raised the funds and returned within 3 years to open the resort in 1949. Hosting the 1960 Olympic games hurtled the resort onto the world stage, where it’s remained as one of the finest resorts on the planet.

The birth of Alpine Meadows soon followed, after a group of San Franciscans discovered it while skiing in Squaw Valley. They gathered enough money to create the resort and opened it in 1961. The two resorts operated separately until they joined forces in 2011 – some now refer to them as Squaw Alpine and the main lift pass covers both. It’s about a 15 min drive between the two and a free shuttle runs every half an hour or so.

The resorts can be found in North Lake Tahoe, on the border of California and Nevada in the Sierra Mountains. Reno Tahoe International is the closest airport with international and domestic flights. From here it’s a 45-minute drive to the ski area.

With 3600 skiable acres, six peaks and fourteen different mountain zones, it’s hard to run out of places to ski and snowboard here.

On Squaw’s front side, the Big Blue zone is excellent for beginners and improvers, with gentle greens like Bailey’s and Easy Slider served by a number of chair lifts. The Squaw One Express served some lovely long blue runs, while experts will enjoy the KT-22 area with its steeps, chutes and moguls. The back side has more expert terrain including the steep Granite descent.

Over on Alpine’s Front side, the main offerings for beginners are the Subway and Meadow beginner areas near the base. Improvers and intermediates have a number of blues to access from the Summit Six chair – we love the Sun Spot run on a clear morning when the views over the lake are incredible.

Terrain parks include the Belmont Park, Gold Coast, Mainline Park, SnoVentures and High Camp.

The world’s only ski in, ski out Starbucks is part of the ski area here, meaning you can grab a warm pick me up without even having to step your bindings.

When it does come to hanging your skis or board up for the day, there’s oodles to choose between. Squaw’s Irish Pub, the Auld Dubliner is a good place for a pint or three (and for the morning after, they do smashing breakfasts). Bar One has a warming fireplace and gobsmacking views of the valley while the KT Base Bar has a cracking terrace where you can sit and watch the world ski by.

Over in Alpine Meadows, the Alpine Bar does good beers and cocktails, while the Ice Bar by the Sherwood Chair is loved for its bratwurst. Last Chair Bar is buzzing towards the end of the day with drinks and snacks (try the nachos).

For food in Squaw, there’s everything from Mexican at Cornice Cantina to pizzas at Fireside and K|Tchen for proper burgers and fries. Meanwhile Meadow’s Café has a terrific mix of everyone’s favourite comfort food.

Activities don’t end on the slopes – far from it! Try the sky jump and climbing wall or explore the valley on snowshoe, snowmobile or dog sled. The Wanderlust Yoga Studio makes for teriffic pre and post ski relaxation.