Squaw Valley USA

Squaw Valley USA is located in one of the most beautiful Alpine valleys in the world. The 1999-2000 season marks the 50th Anniversary Season of this family-owned ski resort. Since 1949, Squaw Valley has hosted visitors and events from around the globe, including the VIII Olympic Winter Games in 1960. The symbolic Tower of Nations and Olympic flame still greet Squaw Valley's guests at the entrance. This ski resort maintains its world-class status year after year because it refuses to stand still. Dedicated to pushing the envelope, Alex Cushing, Founder and Chairman, still provides the vision and character with which Squaw Valley USA became and continues to be internationally famous.

Squaw Valley is legendary for some of the steepest terrain and deepest snowfall in North America. The endless snowfall, with an average of 450 inches each year, classic California sunshine and diverse terrain make Squaw Valley the perfect winter ski resort.

This one of a kind winter playground boasts the most advanced lift network in the United States, accessing 4,000 acres of lift-served skiable terrain including 16 bowls, 100+ runs spanning six peaks. The base elevation is 6,200 feet and the Granite Chief peak summit is 9,050 feet, making for a vertical drop of 2,850 feet. With 33 lifts including four high-speed quads and two high-speed detachable six pacs, skiers and snowboarders never have to wait in lift lines.  There are two new surface lifts in the new Papoose Learning Center just east of the new Far East 6 pack.

At Squaw Valley, some of the best beginner slopes are at the top of the mountain! This allows entry-level enthusiasts the same breathtaking views and full mountain experience that more advanced skiers typically enjoy. The terrain is rated 25% beginner, 45% intermediate and 30% advanced. Mountain Run is the longest vertical run, measuring three miles and 2,000 vertical feet of groomed intermediate terrain, and extending from High Camp to the Village floor. This run is fully lit, offering the awesome experience of night skiing between 4:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. every night, weather permitting. Day lift ticket holders ski FREE at night!

Main Mountain Trail Map

Cross-Country Trail Map

Activities 

For more information about activities at Alpine Meadows, see our directory . 

Snowboarding

According to the ski patrol, snowboarding was first allowed during night skiing in the winter of 1986-87. That spring Squaw Valley opened its slopes daily to snowboarders. Since that time the resort has become a Mecca for snowboarding fun, offering snowboarders some of the best riding facilities in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Below High Camp and off of the Riviera chair, Central Park contains two halfpipes and two terrain parks accompanied by a rocking sound system! A new Mainline Super Pipe and park add even more terrain for the more advanced riders! Night lights are turned on evenings between 4:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., conditions permitting. Halfpipes are buffed by a Pipe Dragon twice daily. Come and sharpen your riding skills and bust some massive air!

Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing

The Resort at Squaw Creek Cross-Country Ski Center offers 18 groomed kilometers spanning over 400 acres of gentle cross-country terrain. The superbly maintained trails wind through the spectacular Squaw Valley meadow offering skaters, striders and snowshoers a very special skiing experience. Call the Cross-Country Center at (530) 583-6300 x6936 for more information.

High-Speed Funitel

Squaw Valley is the site of North America's only Funitel, a revolutionary enclosed aerial transportation system. The Gold Coast Funitel provides high-speed transportation from the Base Village, elevation 6,200 feet, to the Gold Coast midmountain complex, elevation 8,200 feet, in just under eight minutes. The combination of a track-guided lift and a Gondola provides unprecedented smoothness and stability while traveling at high speed to the upper mountain. It can operate in crosswinds of up to 75 miles per hour. The Funitel has 46 separate cabins, including a VIP cabin. Each cabin holds 28 passengers, 15 seated and 13 standing.

Ski Instruction and Equipment Rentals

The Squaw Valley Ski and Snowboard School has programs for all ages and abilities. Choose from beginner lessons, advanced lessons, shaped ski lessons, racing and mogul clinics. Special Programs can help ambitious intermediate to advanced level skiers achieve fluid ease and forceful carving through any terrain or conditions. These challenging programs include Advanced Ski Clinics, Just For Women Clinics, Telemark Clinics, Snowboard Clinics and Adult Racing. Call (530) 581-7263. Squaw Valley has a well-stocked ski and snowboard equipment rentals shop. This season Squaw Valley's rental shop will be stocked with a brand new line of Nordica Skis -- the official ski of Squaw Valley.

Mountain Lodges and Restaurants

At Squaw Valley's Base Village you can enjoy outdoor sundecks, a variety of restaurants, bars and lively nightspots. High Camp and Gold Coast are two midmountain day lodges that offer guests easy and convenient access to a variety of dining options. High Camp is open days and evenings and offers poolside and terrace restaurants and numerous sundecks. Gold Coast has three different restaurant levels and sundecks offering views of expert bowls and the snowboard park and haflpipe. Given the enclosed nature of both the Funitel and Cable Car, midmountain facilities are open to both skiers and nonskiers.

Squaw Kid's Children Center

School was never so much fun! This facility offers equipment rental and the perfect ski instruction for every child and a ski hill just for kids. The Junior Mountain program is for kids ages 8-12 and the Snow School program is for kids ages 4-6. Private lessons are available for skiers and riders of all abilities, ages 4-12.

Toddler Care is a fully licensed child care center for kids ages 2 and 3. Each day is filled with fun activities including arts and crafts, music, snow play, story time and much more. A special one-hour ski lesson, designed to familiarize children with the equipment and snow environment, is available for children ages 3+. Children's World is open between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. daily. Reservations are required. Call (530) 581-7280. (Proof of age required for two year olds.)

After the snow season, come back and enjoy a Squaw Valley summer! 

Logistics

Hours

Once the lifts are running, Squaw Valley USA is open for skiing Saturday, Sunday and Holidays between 8:30 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. and Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., with night skiing 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

Ticket Sales

Tickets go on sale daily, one-half hour prior to lift operations. Half-day tickets go on sale at 1:00 p.m.

Pricing

Squaw Valley USA provides a wide variety of ticket programs and options to fit your vacation plans. There is sure to be a ticket option just right for you.

Information

(800) 545-4350
(888) 766-9331
(530) 583-6985 - Squaw Valley Switchboard

24-hour Snow Phone

(530) 583-6955

Equipment Rental

Ski, snowboard, telemark and snowshoe equipment rentals on-site.

Ski Shuttle System

Complimentary ski shuttles are available from the South Shore and North Shore from mid-December through mid-April. Reservations are required 12 hours in advance.

Reno and South Shore: (800) 822-6009

North and West Shores: (530) 581-7181

The Tahoe Area Regional Transit (TART) offers bus transportation on the North Shore between 6:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. daily. Buses are equipped with ski racks and come daily to Squaw Valley. Call for routes and schedules.

TART: (800) 736-6365

Physical Address

Squaw Valley USA
1960 Squaw Valley Road
Olympic Village, CA 96146

Directions

By Plane
Frequent commercial service by most major and regional carriers to Reno-Tahoe International Airport.

All-Weather Highway Access

From Reno to South Lake Tahoe:
SR 395 south to U.S. HWY 50 west
58 miles, 1.25 hours

From South Lake Tahoe:
SR 89 north to Tahoe City continuing north on SR 89 for 5 miles to Squaw Valley Road
38 miles, .75 hours

From South Lake Tahoe by Paddlewheeler!
Enjoy a breathtaking early morning ride across Lake Tahoe on the Tahoe Queen, a classic paddlewheeler. An outdoor top-deck offers awe-inspiring views of the surrounding mountains. On the way, partake in a wonderful breakfast buffet. Ski the legendary terrain of Squaw Valley all day. Then enjoy a return trip across Lake Tahoe's sparkling waters with a live band and plenty of apres ski opportunities.

The Tahoe Queen shuttle runs Tuesday through Friday from mid-January to mid-April, from the Ski Run Marina in South Lake Tahoe to the Tahoe City Marina in North Lake Tahoe. Shuttle buses meet skiers in Tahoe City for the remaining six-mile drive along the Truckee River to Squaw Valley USA. 

Reservations: (530) 541-3364 

From San Francisco:
I-80 east
200 miles, 3.5 hours

From Sacramento:
I-80 east
100 miles, 2.0 hours