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 .
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZVdiqyndzM]
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
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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
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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
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Mamasake
Top-notch sushi in The Village at Squaw
1850 Village South Rd. Suite 52,
Olympic Valley, CA 96146
530-584-0110
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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
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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.
