Squaw Valley Ski Experience
As visitors arrive to magnificent Squaw Valley they are first welcomed by the Olympic torch which has been burning since 1960, the year that Squaw hosted the Winter Olympic Games, soon after they are greeted by the beautiful European-style village and colossal snow covered peaks dotted with tiny skiers and snowboarder racing down. The area is a winter paradise as more than half a million people flock to the resort every winter to enjoy its luxurious accommodations, legendary skiing and snowboarding and an ambiance that perfectly blends adventure, fun and relaxation.
The ski area is absolutely enormous and spans 4,000 acres, six peaks, and about half a miles of vertical. There are 16 bowls that have terrain ranging from gentle sloping runs to menacingly steep chutes. The 170+ runs also cater to all ability levels, 25% of the runs are great for beginners, 45% suits intermediate levels, and the remaining 30% are reserved for the most experienced and advanced skiers. The diversity of the terrain ensures that visitors will have a plenitude of runs and backcountry to explore regardless of ability level.
Because of its unique climate, Squaw Valley boasts huge amounts of snow (450+ inches) as well as more than 300 sunny days a year. Remember to bring plenty of layers, waterproof a plus, because temperatures can vary greatly during the day. Also, it is imperitive to bring sun protection as the combination of high elevation, reflective snow glare and pristine cloudless days are the perfect recipe for sunburn.
Squaw Valley, is home to some of the best skiers in the world so it’s no surprise that the instructors on the mountain are also some of the most highly qualified and experienced in the business. The resort has a gigantic facility designed especially with little skiers in mind. Here they will be able to take lessons away from the general population in a safe and secure area. There are a variety of group lessons, private lessons, a teen freeride camp, women-only classes, backcountry skills clinics and the “Rocker Revolution” class which focuses on introducing skiers to the latest and greatest in ski design.
The village is rife with luxury facilities and essential services. Among the standard offerings, Squaw has full and half-day lessons and daycare, storage lockers, rental and repair shops, and a medical center. However, it’s in the luxury offerings that Squaw really stands apart from most of the nations other resorts. There are beautiful art galleries, boutiques, unique souvenir shops and an incredible range of the top brands for skiing and snowboarding. There are also more than 40 spots to dine, relax and enjoy the scenery. From quick cafes to elegant and romantic restaurants, Squaw Valley has something to satisfy everyone.
Squaw Valley is simply magnificent, but the resort works very hard to make sure that a ski vacation at Squaw is affordable. They offer great fly and ski free specials, heavily discounted ski and stay packages as well as deals on lessons, rentals and dining. Squaw Valley excels at providing its guests a pampered and relaxing vacation as well as some of the best skiing in Northern California as well as the rest of the United States.
