Hit the Slopes: Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows

Photo by Ben Arnst, Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows

If you haven’t made it to the snow this season, there’s still time! Make a weekend of it, or avoid the crowds with a midweek escape, and head to the internationally renowned Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows. Touted as the “Spring Skiing Capital” (lifts are typically open thru Memorial Day, sometimes till Fourth of July!), you can play all day on the 6,000 skiable acres (including both Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows) then sleep slopeside at The Village at Squaw Valley Lodging.

Photo courtesy of Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows

Why does the resort rise above the rest? Impressive in size (it’s the second-largest skiing complex in Tahoe) and full of history (home of the 1960 Winter Olympic Games), it also boasts the only funitel in the U.S. and often sees more than 300 days of cloudless, sunny skies per year. Add to that the resort’s European-styled epicenter, The Village, featuring countless eateries in an array of cuisines, high-end shops, and entertainment venues, and you have the recipe for a close-to-home holiday the whole family will love.

Here are even more reasons to check out North Lake Tahoe’s not-so-secret slice of paradise.

Photo by Megan Wiskus

THEIR SKI & SNOWBOARD SCHOOL GETS AN A+. Not only will you learn the basics (assuming you’re a beginner), refine your skills, and have a blast, but you’ll gain the confidence needed to come down the mountain safely while exploring the resort’s barely touched terrain. There’s plenty more perks, too, like lift line priority and customized instruction from one of North America’s top teachers, plus access to additional, hard-to-come-by lift tickets. With 14 total programs available—from an adaptive experience for children and adults with physical, sensory, and intellectual disabilities; to a guided backcountry tour that ends on a literal happy note (happy hour!)—there’s an offering for all. We recommend booking the Adult & Family Private Lesson. Available to groups of up to 5 in both half- and full-day options, the experience is tailored to your pod’s specific goals and guaranteed to be snow much fun.

Photo courtesy of Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows

LODGING AT THE VILLAGE IS CONVENIENT, COZY, AND COVID-CONSCIOUS. With a variety of room types, from affordably priced one-bedrooms, to multi-room suites that come inclusive of gas fireplaces, kitchens, and heated floors, you’ll literally rest easy here. Interiors are inviting and elegant (modern meets mountain chic) with all the creature comforts needed before and after a day of play, including laundry facilities, ski and sport lockers, and comfy-as-a-cloud beds. The best part? Since the slopes are within walking distance, you’ll have maximum time on the mountain and can fully avail of après-ski activities.

Photo by Tom Zikas

THE FOOD IS AS FRESH AS THE POWDER. We all know food comes first, and luckily no one goes hungry here. The Village offers grub from around the globe (including perfectly poured pints of Guinness and hearty shepherd’s pie at Auld Dubliner Irish Pub, house-made guac in a flour tortilla bowl alongside freshly shaken margs at Tremigo Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar, and gourmet pies like the popular pear & gorgonzola offering with garlic-cream sauce at Fireside Pizza Company). For grab-and-go meals in a variety of price points, there’s cafes, a food truck, and bakeries, with even more spots on the slopes (we recommend Alpine Deck Banh Mi for a hot sandwich and cold beer). For those staying in an on-site suite who are hankering for a home-cooked meal, last-minute provisions can be purchased at Alice’s Mountain Market and the neighboring boutique bottle shop.

Photo by Kate Abraham, Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows

ACTIVITIES ABOUND FOR ALL AGES. Sure, the skiing is world-class and full of legendary lifts with picture-perfect views, but there’s tons more in store, too. For family-friendly fun, check out snow tubing at SnoVentures Activity Zone where tots 40” and taller will spin down designated lanes safely while smiling. Non-snow goers can shop till they drop at The Village’s bevy of boutiques or simply take a deep breath while taking in the surrounding scenery and fresh mountain air. You’re in Tahoe, after all, where even the mundane is magical.