Resort Overview
One of the larger resorts in Lake Tahoe, Squaw Valley boasts a combination of high end services and steep terrain that is unrivaled around the lake. The KT22 area is known for extreme double black steeps, and is the first chair many flock to on a powder day. Squaw’s image is often based
Trail Details
Beginner Runs: 25%
Intermediate Runs: 45%
Advanced Runs: 20%
Expert Runs: 10%
Longest Run: 3.2 miles
Terrain Details
Elevation
Highest Point: 9050 ft
Vertical Drop: 2850 ft
Lowest Point: 6200 ft
Skiable Terrain: 4000 acres
Backcountry/Off-Piste: Yes
Tree Runs: Yes
Lift Info
Total Number of Lifts: 33
Gondolas & Trams: 3
High Speed Sixes: 3
High Speed Quads: 4
Quad Chairs: 1
Triple Chairs: 8
Double Chairs: 9
Surface Lifts: 5
Lift Hours of Operation
Monday: 09:00 AM – 04:00 PM
Tuesday: 09:00 AM – 04:00 PM
Wednesday: 09:00 AM – 04:00 PM
Thursday: 09:00 AM – 04:00 PM
Friday: 09:00 AM – 04:00 PM
Saturday: 09:00 AM – 04:00 PM
Sunday: 09:00 AM – 04:00 PM
Night Skiing: Yes, after 4 PM
Lift Tickets
Adult Single Day: $83+
Youth Single Day: $61+
Child Single Day: $10+
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Snowfall
Average Annual Snowfall: 450 inches
Snow Making Capability: 600 acres
Terrain Park
Halfpipe: Yes – 2
Terrain Park: Yes – 3
Notes: The terrain parks here are very well maintained, with features available for all skill levels. Unique to the area is the ability to ride the park during night hours, often until 9 pm. There is also a boardercross course and a 550 foot half pipe.
Ski/Snowboard School
Squaw Valley’s snowsports school offers ski and snowboard instruction for all ages and skill levels. A lot of traffic comes through this resorts, and so you probably won’t have a hard time finding the right fit for your instruction needs.
Important Dates
Ski Season Dates: Typically November to May
On and Off-Mountain Services
On-mountain services are about as extensive as it gets. There are lodges at the base and on the mountain, with full amenities found in the ever expanding village area near the base of the gondola. Squaw has been around for a long time, and it’s popularity drives it’s continued upgrades to everything from top of the line lift technology to restaurants and more.
Off-mountain services such as a hospital and tourist centric business can be found in nearby Tahoe City and other North Shore cities.
Lodging Info
The Squaw Valley village offers an array of accommodations, although it is known to be quite expensive along with everything else nearby. Lodging that is less heavy on the budget can be found quite easily in any of the North Lake Tahoe cities close by.
Transportation Info
Driving Directions:
Coming in from Reno, take highway 80 west to Truckee (about 45 miles). Then take route 89
South (about 10 miles), and turn right onto the Squaw Valley Road exit which will take you to the resort.
Total travel time is about 1 hour.
Coming in from San Francisco take highway 80 all the way to Truckee. Then take route 89
South (about 10 miles), and turn right onto the Squaw Valley Road exit which continues to the resort.
Total travel time is about 4 hours.
Flying:
The closest big airport is Reno. Shuttles to North Lake Tahoe have a transfer
time of 1 hour or so.
Bus/Coach:
Busses are available from Reno with travel time of about 1 hour. Busses are available from San
Francisco with a travel time of about 5 hours to Tahoe City. Snow busses are also available to take you
from bay area cities directly to and from Squaw Valley for day trips. Ever since, Squaw has continued to
expand lift operations and extensive village development.
Other Activities
Heliskiing: Not Available
Snowmobiles: Yes
Tubing: Yes
Snowboarding Access
Snowboarding is allowed on all lifts.
History
The Squaw Valley Development Company opened the resort in 1948 with one lift and lodging for 50 people. One of the first moves the company made was to bring in Emile Allais, the famous skier, to run their ski school and attract attention to the new resort. 7 years later Alex Cushing presented and won the bid for the 1960 Winter Olympic Games. These games brought a huge boom to the resort and to the California Ski Industry.
Summer Activities
Everything from hiking (even guided hiking tours) to experiencing unique festivals can be enjoyed at Squaw Valley during the summer months. See their website for more information.
Contact Info
Squaw Valley
PO Box 2007
Olympic Valley, CA 96146
Phone: (530) 583-6985
Other Information
Snowboard Leashes Required: Yes
Common misspellings: Sqauw Valley, Sqaw Valley, Squa Vallly, Squa Vally, Squaw Valle, Squaw Vally, Squaw Vlley, Squa Valley, Squaw-Valley, Squawvalley, Sqaw Valley
Also see our guides to deals on: Alpine Meadows Lift Tickets and Sierra at Tahoe Lift Tickets