Six Decades of Squaw
Squaw Valley USA opened in 1949
with only one chairlift and lodging accommodations for fifty guests.
Today it stands on the precipice of greatness as it finally becomes
the true destination resort it was always envisioned to be. Six decades of passion,
determination and success, have led Squaw Valley to where it stands
today as a true Olympic Class Ski and Snowboard destination resort.
The Jewel Of Lake Tahoe
Squaw Valley USA is a uniquely beautiful
and abundant winter playground. The site of the VIII Winter Olympic Games,
Squaw Valley USA is Lake Tahoe's premier ski resort. Thirty-four lifts,
including North America's only Funitel and an aerial Cable Car, access 6
peaks, 2,850 vertical feet of fun and excitement and 4,000 acres of terrain
for all tastes and abilities.
Family Owned for Family Fun!
In December 2005 fellow ski resort
founder, Dave McCoy, sold Mammoth Mountain, making Alex Cushing the last
pioneer and Squaw Valley the only major resort to still be owned by its
founder. "The business is much bigger than I like," Cushing once explained,
"but we still run a family-type enterprise. I believe skiing is about
smelling the flowers, about the beauty of the mountains. I want everybody
to enjoy it." Cushing passed away in August 2006 but his wife, Ski Corp
President Nancy Cushing, is carrying on his vision and is intent on keeping
Squaw Valley family-owned and operated. Squaw Valley prides itself in not
being controlled by a parent company. Despite the colossal physical size
of the mountain, Squaw Valley emits a quaint, old-world feel, teeming with
tradition. Intrigue your readers as to what sets Squaw Valley apart from
other ski resorts by pinpointing the unique qualities of a family-run
operation.
High Camp el. 8200'
Squaw Valley USA is one of North America's
favorite winter playgrounds, even if you don't ski or snowboard. Squaw
Valley USA features recreation and relaxation located at two elevations.
High Camp, el. 8200', is the center of the resort's upper mountain activity,
and is accessed by the aerial Cable Car. While at High Camp, guests can
choose from a spin on the ice at the Olympic Ice Pavilion, a dip in the
pool at the Swimming Lagoon & Spa (opens mid-March), Snowtubing, Rock Climbing, take a trip back in time
at the 1960 Olympic Museum, and enjoy dining at one of four upper mountain
restaurants.
Yes, SWIMMING!
Beginning in March, guests can take a break from winter activities with a
refreshing dip in Squaw Valley USA's high-altitude swimming lagoon or soak
in the enormous mountain-top jacuzzi. Located at the High Camp Bath & Tennis
Club, el. 8,200' the free-form swimming pool is heated to approximately 80
degrees and contains two 25 meter lap lanes, a shallow wading area and two
islands, landscaped with waterfalls and native boulders. Adjacent to the pool,
the twenty-five foot diameter spa is heated to a soothing 102 degrees and
surrounded by expansive decks and a casual umbrella bar. Visitors are treated
to amazing views of Lake Tahoe and peaceful relaxation in the warm California
sun. The Bath & Tennis Club provides lockers, showers and changing rooms, and
the High Camp Bath & Tennis Shop sells all needed accessories, including swimwear.
Riviera Superpipe
One recent addition to the air-inspiring terrain parks includes a trenched (in-ground)
superpipe in Central Park at Riviera. Equipped with lights, the new Riviera Superpipe
will be the only night-access superpipe in the Tahoe basin. The addition of snowmaking
in the Riviera terrain park, along with the trenching of the pipe, will give Squaw
Valley skiers and snowboarders a superpipe starting at the very beginning of the season.
North America's Spring Skiing Capital
Squaw Valley USA is North
America's Spring Skiing Capital. The near 500" of snowfall each season make
it possible for the resort to remain open through the end of May every winter.
Last season Squaw Valley received 200" of snow in the month of March
alone! Many say a blue-bird powder day is the best way to enjoy the abundant
California snowfall however, more and more guests every year are discovering
the joy of skiing and snowboarding on the soft spring `corn' snow under the
warm California sunshine. Spring also brings the opportunity to ski some of
the elusive and exciting runs that aren't open at the other times of the year.
Squaw Valley Stats and Facts:
- Season Length: Mid November - Mid May
- Total Terrain: 4,000 skiable acres
- Base Elevation: 6,200 feet
- Summit Elevation: 9,050 feet
- Vertical Rise: 2,850 feet
- Trails: Over 170 named trails
- Terrain Parks: 3 Total (Mainline, Central Park at Riviera, Belmont)
- Trail Classification: 25% Beginner 45% Intermediate 30% Advanced
- Longest Run: Mountain Run - 3.2 miles
- Average Annual Snowfall: 450" - annually
- Night Skiing: 4 pm - 9 pm (approx. Dec 21 - March 29)
Getting Here
Squaw Valley USA is just 42 miles from Reno, 96 miles
from Sacramento and 196 miles from San Francisco via all weather Interstate 80.
Located off Highway 89, between Truckee and Tahoe City, on the North Shore of
Lake Tahoe. Reno International Airport boasts a wide range of convenient jet
service with connections from just about every US city.
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