Skiing in Lake Tahoe: Squaw Valley

Squaw Valley’s laid-back village vibes, sweeping bowls and great off-mountain activities make it a hit with families, writes Cara Wagstaff.

Gentle snow flurries are falling and the sun is peeking through as we arrive in the late afternoon to our accommodation at The Village at Squaw Valley. Squaw Village is located at the base of the mountain and, as well as restaurants, shops and rental stores, it comprises five buildings that make up the resort’s accommodation offering. We’re staying in one of the chalet-style apartments, which has a full kitchen, fireplace, balcony and laundry facilities. And best of all, it’s just a short hop to the mountain. There are other apartments and suites that can sleep up to eight.

Mountains of fun

With terrain suitable for everyone from first-timers to expert-only guided backcountry, Squaw Valley consists of 29 lifts (including a 110-person aerial tram and the Gold Coast Funitel), with 1,456 hectares of skiable terrain spread out over more than 170 named trails. Runs are broken up as 25 per cent beginner, 45 per cent intermediate, and 30 per cent advanced, making it perfect for families of all levels. With 45 centimetres of snowfall overnight, we line up for first chair with other eager powder-hunters. We get in a couple of great runs off KT-22 Express before heading to the Gold Coast Funitel station for a coffee at the world’s first ski-in, ski-out Starbucks.

For lunch, we stop in at Granite Bistro Cafe at High Camp. The modern cafe offers substantial meals like steaks and Atlantic salmon, as well as burgers and fries for fussier eaters. Floor-to-ceiling windows give panoramic views of the mountain, perfect for planning our afternoon runs. We decide to take it easy on groomers, enjoying the runs around the Emigrant and Gold Coast Express chairs.

Play time

The following day we visit SnoVentures Activity Zone. The uber-family-friendly area has miniature snowmobiles (for kids aged six to 12), a beginner lift with gentle terrain and snow tubing. Weekend visitors can slip, slide and boogie down the snow tubing course to a live DJ and lightshow. We have the course all to ourselves as families make the most of a bluebird day on the slopes.

Food glorious food

With stomachs rumbling we’re more than happy to forgo our kitchen and check out Squaw Valley’s dining scene. Our recommendations include Fireside Pizza Company for huge and reasonably priced pizzas paired with friendly service. They’re geared up for the family market and have board games and toys available for little ones. Rocker @ Squaw dishes up American staples such as grilled cheese served with tomato soup (super yum!), steaks, nachos and a selection of local beers for the adults. If you’re like us and prefer espresso over American-style drip coffee, Coffeebar Squaw Valley will be your best friend. They also do pastries and protein-rich snack packs. The next morning we explore the 16 bowls that make Squaw Valley so unique. We become partial to the deep powder runs through G.S Bowl, and find it hard to leave. Squaw has that effect on people.

Alpine dreaming

If you manage to explore all of Squaw Valley, passholders can also visit Alpine Meadows for no additional cost. Just a 30-minute free shuttle ride away, Alpine Meadow is great on weekends when Squaw is busy.

Hot tip:

With the launch of the Ikon Pass in 2018, ski resorts in the USA are now more affordable and accessible. Squaw Valley is just one of the 39 resorts included on the pass, along with Thredbo and Mt Buller. Passholder benefits include discounts on food, retail and even 50 per cent off activities such as snow tubing.

This article originally appeared in Ski & Snowboard with Kids. To subscribe to the latest issue, click here.

All images © Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows