Squaw Valley is the birthplace of extreme skiing in the USA and has been the backdrop for more ski and snowboard videos than I can count. It’s a destination that every serious skier and snowboarder pines to visit, and is widely recognized as one of the best and most extreme ski resorts in the world.

Squaw Valley may well be the best ski resort in the USA. The extreme terrain is matched by few other resorts. Extreme big-mountain skiers and snowboarders, however, only make up a small number of the people who visit ski resorts.

We consider the best ski area to be the one that will offer the best experience to the widest variety of visitors, which means that we have to consider the masses of intermediate skiers and snowboarders, families with children, and learners.

Any hill that strives to be the best must also be convenient to visit, accommodate all skill levels, and foster a friendly atmosphere that may be enjoyed by all.

Here’s what we learned from our interviews with locals and visit to the hill.

Convenience

Squaw Valley is certainly not difficult to get to. Less than an hour’s drive from the Reno Airport and 3.5 hours from San Francisco, Squaw pretty much as accessible as any major ski area, except for Jackson Hole, which is just 25 minutes from the Jackson Airport.

Intermediate Terrain

Squaw Valley has a large proportion of intermediate runs and lots of fast groomers. Given California’s reputation for amazing spring corn snow, I’d say that it’s an excellent hill for middle-of-the-road skiers and snowboarders — especially those vacationing in the springtime.

Facilities for Learners (And Waiting Parents)

The beginner area at Squaw Valley is located at the top, rather than the bottom of the mountain. That means that beginners must ride the gondola to and from High Camp to access the terrain that’s best suited to them. Although High Camp has every amenity that a parent waiting for their child could want, it’s not quite as convenient as standing at the bottom of the hill watching your child — as you can at most areas — and walking to straight to the car as soon as they’re finished.

The Vibe

Squaw Valley an important fixture in ski history, and that infuses the area with interest for me. The crowd on the hill was the most ethnically diverse that I’ve ever seen. Hearing Mandarin and Spanish on the chairlift — rather than dudes talking about their pickup trucks — was refreshing.

Squaw Valley has an unmistakably Californa feel to it. It has all the glitz, shine, and attitude of L.A. Some people even call it Squallywood.

Squaw Valley has the reputation, the crazy terrain, and the history of an epic mountain and it’s in California, which makes it accessible to an enormous number of people. On the other hand it’s beginner’s area is not as convenient as some at other resorts.

How important is the beginner experience compared to accessibly and awesome terrain? I guess that’s up to each visitor to decide for themselves.

What do you think? Is Squaw Valley the best ski resort in the USA?

VOTE HERE!

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We learned a lot about Squaw Valley from our interviews with locals. Of course, a lot of people talked about the amazing terrain and snow, but we already knew about those.

What we didn’t already know, though, was the best places to go when the snow is deep, and where to get a good california roll when the hill closes.

Now we do know, and so will you. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Squaw Vally.

Tip: Discount Squaw Valley lift tickets can be found here.

Squaw Valley Micro Guide Part 1: The Hill

The Map

Below is an annotated map to show you where to find the best terrain for your riding style at Squaw Valley.

Download a full-sized version of this map to your desktop or phone (3.3mb)

For the Hardcore

Squaw Valley was made for big mountain chargers like you. If you’re looking for something fun that’s not overly intense, then head to the Granite Chief Chair. You’ll see from the chair why I suggested it. It’s fairly steep with lots of well-spaced trees and medium-sized cliffs. A great playground.

Alternatively, you can go left from the top of the Headwall Express Chair where you’ll find some small chutes and the Cornice Bowl.

If you want to scare yourself, head over to the famous Palisades. You’ll get a great view of them on your way up the Siberia Express. When you get to the top go left and start hiking. Good luck!

For the Groomer Cruisers

Locals love the cruising groomers around the Shirley Lake Express Chair. If corduroy is your thing, you’ll probably end up spending all of your time there.

For the Park Rats

Squaw Valley installs an epic park every year, usually in the area to the left of the Gold Coast Express. You won’t be disappointed.

For the Snowplowers

Squaw Valley has huge beginners area served by several lifts all of which are near High Camp. You can bypass the ore difficult lower section of the mountain by taking the Gondola to and from High Camp, where you’ll find plenty of food, a gorgeous lake view, and the world’s only ski-in ski-out Starbucks.

Squaw Valley Micro Guide Part 2: Where to Eat

We asked the locals where they eat the most and why. This is where they told us to go.

Rocker@Squaw
Good pub food and cold beer right at the base of the mountain.
1880 Village S Rd, Ste 31
Olympic Valley, CA 96146
530-584-6080
View Map

Cornice Cantina
Good value for great nachos and Mexican in The Village at Squaw.
1725 Squaw Valley Lp
Olympic Valley, CA 96146
(530) 452-4362
View Map

Sunnyside Restaurant and Lodge
Weds night 1/2 price, fish tacos right on the lake.
1850 W Lake Blvd
Tahoe City, CA 96145
(530) 583-7200
View Map

Mamasake
Top-notch sushi in The Village at Squaw
1850 Village South Rd. Suite 52,
Olympic Valley, CA 96146
530-584-0110
View Map

T’s Mesquite Rotisserie
Small, quaint, and Mexican BBQ and rotisserie. A big local favourite. A must try!
901 Tahoe Blvd,
Incline Village, NV 89451
775-831-2832
View Map

Squaw Valley Micro Guide Part 3: What to do Off the Hill

In the mountains and beside Lake Tahoe, Squaw Valley is a year-round destination. Outdoors activities include just about anything that you can think of: hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, stand-up paddleboarding — hell, you can even surf on the lake when the wind is blowing strong enough. Although Truckee isn’t known for it’s shopping and nightlife, there are definitely some good shops and bars. And, of course, you can always head across the state line into Nevada for a trip to the blackjack table.

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Unfortunately, they hadn’t had much snow since Christmas, and the crowds of holidaymakers that visit the hill and left little behind. So, the first two days were less than ideal for sampling extreme terrain that the locals rave about.

On the night of the second day, however, it snowed nearly a foot. So, on the third day we did a bit of hiking and put in some of the best turns of the season.

All’s well that ends well, especially when you walk away with photos like these!

**Special thanks to Bryon of Exploring Elements for the photos of me (the snowboarder in the blue jacket). You can find all of Bryon’s photos here.

What do you think? Is Squaw Valley the best ski area in the USA?

Vote now!

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We asked interviewed locals and visitors as Squaw Valley to find out what they think about the mountain.

A lot of people talked about the big mountain terrain, exposed cliffs, and steep pitches. There were several mentions of the terrain park (which is pretty epic) and the chill vibe of the community.

We kind of expected those answers, but there was one surprise as well. Squaw Valley recently purchased the neighboring Alpine Meadows (the duo is referred to as ‘Squawpine’ by some), a mountain loved by locals. We learned that when Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows are eventually joined by a lift (efforts are underway) ‘Squawpine’ will be the biggest ski resort in the country combining hardcore skiers love of Squaw’s extreme terrain with the homey atmosphere and awesome backcountry of Alpine Meadows.

What do you think? Is Squaw Valley the best ski area in the USA?

Vote now!

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