Squaw Valley
The Basics
Most winter visitors come to Squaw for skiing and snowboarding, but it’s possible to enjoy the snow in other ways, like snow tubing, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling. During the summer, don’t miss a ride on the Aerial Tram 2,000 feet (610 meters) to High Camp. Besides stunning views of Lake Tahoe and the High Sierra, there’s a pool, hot tub, roller rink, disc golf, bar, dining, and shopping available. Summer also sees popular festivals like Wanderlust, Brews, Jazz and Funk Fest, and Peaks and Paws.
To see more of the lake, book a Lake Tahoe circle tour, which will take you around the entire lake, stopping at key spots like Emerald Bay and Sand Harbor.
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Things to Know Before You Go
Squaw Valley is well suited for adventure travelers and outdoor enthusiasts.
There’s a dedicated 12,000-square-foot (1,115-square-meter) facility just for children, including rental, a private ski hill, and two Magic Carpet lifts.
If you’re planning to drive in winter, come in a 4WD with snow tires or bring chains.
Keep the elevation in mind—the base is at 6,200 feet (1,890 meters) and High Camp is at 8,200 feet (2,500 meters)—when planning physical activity.
How to Get Here
Squaw Valley is located on the north shore of Lake Tahoe, about 12 miles (19 kilometers) south of Truckee and 7 miles (11 kilometers) from Tahoe City. The closest airport is Reno, Nevada, about 42 miles (68 kilometers) away. The resort is 196 miles (315 kilometers) from San Francisco.
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When to Get Here
When to visit Squaw Valley depends on what you want to do. The ski season generally runs from mid-November to mid-May, depending on snow conditions, with night skiing available on certain dates. The summer season typically runs from mid-May to mid-September.
Alpine Meadows
Since 2011, a lift ticket to Squaw Valley has included access to nearby Alpine Meadows. The two resorts combined have over 240 trails, 43 lifts, and 6,200 acres (2,510 hectares) of terrain to explore. A shuttle bus connects the two resorts, and plans for a gondola between the two are in the works.