Jay Kapp
November 4, 2008

Squaw Valley USA, home to the 1960 Winter Olympics, is a world-renowned ski resort with award-winning building designs, outrageous pipes and parks, ice skating, tons of après ski, the most technologically advanced lifts and snow making equipment in the world and more things to do with your friends and family than I have room to write.



Nestled along the beautiful blue Lake Tahoe, Squaw Valley offers a plethora of picture taking opportunities. The skiing is absolutely awesome. There are more drop-offs and cliffs to ski here than anywhere else at Lake Tahoe. Squaw Valley challenges the best but beginner and intermediate skiers can rejoice – take the scenic High Camp Cable Car to the award-winning High Camp Bath and Tennis Club at 8,200 feet, for an array of runs that will make you feel like you own the mountain.




On the hill:



• The skiing:

There are three riding parks and the Ford Freestyle Superpipe. The novice skier or boarder can begin at the Belmont Park while the bold head out to the “Riv” Park and Mainline Park. The Mainline Park is one of the only parks in North America that rocks through to Memorial Day in excellent condition.



Take the Cable Car or the Funitel (which can withstand 75 mph winds) and you're off to memorable skiing in intermediate terrain. Squaw is one of the only resorts at Lake Tahoe that offers night skiing, with a state-of-the-art lighting system, an available park (the Riviera) and a 3.2 mile run.



• The Lift Time:

There are three transports: Cable Car, Pulse and the Funitel; three six-person high speed lifts, and four quad chairs that move you up the hill with the swiftest of speeds and even warm cabins to ride up in. There are more than 30 lifts and tow ropes combined.



• Runs to steer clear of:

The Parks are outstanding and offer all kinds of exciting opportunities. However, if you don’t want to ski then please watch from the lifts or another run. The action is fast and people find ways to fall. Falling is allowed but gawkers standing around pose a huge risk.




Off the hill:



• The food and drinks:

I like to get a panini sandwich and a beer at the Cross Roads Café. It is located at the top of the Funitel and offers sensational views. Bar One is a choice place for drinks, live music, dancing and karaoke. There are sandwich shops, barbecues, pizza and Mexican food galore. I think there are more sun decks here than anywhere else at Tahoe. Every part of the mountain, every part of the village, and every part of the surrounding area is full of places to eat.



• Retail shops:

There are places to pick up new equipment, hats and gloves and Squaw Valley apparel. I recommend checking out Maud Olson across from LeChamois for eco-friendly clothing and accessories. Gallery Keoki specializes in extreme sports photography and is full of breathtaking photos. Waxen Moon will teach you how to make candles and Uncorked is a great place for wine tasting events. Two must-visits are the Trilogy SPA and the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. The first one is for your mind, body, and soul while the latter offers fudge that isn’t to be missed.



• Rentals:

Skis, performance skis, kids' skis and snow boards are all available for rental. You can rent for one day or for a week at a time. The daily rates for ski, boots and poles is $34 ($44 for the performance package) and $19 for kids. The all-day snow board rental rates are $40 for adults and $30 for kids.



There are a variety of one-day, three-day and five-day lesson and rental packages available. There are women-only classes and telemark lessons, plus classes for children or adults. Daycare is provided but you must make arrangements a day in advance.



Laura Sistek assisted with this review



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