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Publication: Skiing Magazine
Never mind the jumbled mess in the parking lot. The Squaw Valley that you want to get familiar with is a massive ridgeline with wide-open terrain dropping from its flanks. A total of 33 lifts makes up one of the most extensive and expensive networks in North America. And actually, instead of chairlifts they should probably be called rides. "Step up to the Discombobulator - chutes, rockbands, fast groomers - have a nice day!"
Squaw first became famous as host of the 1960 Winter Olympics and now boasts an ice rink, bungee tower and enormous swimming lagoon on one of its peaks. At the base an Intrawest Village is becoming reality.
Along the main, seven-mile ridge there are basically six lifts that access incredible expert terrain; six more hit Communist-avenue-width groomers. Recommending runs (or more accurately: areas) is difficult because there are so many. But another advantage to Squaw is that because it is so open first-timers can scope massive amounts of terrain from the chairs. A few discrete, varied places to try are Enchanted Forest, Attic, Smoothie, Garbage Chutes, Last Chance and Tower 1. Ask for directions.
Inside and separate from the main ridge lie Broken Arrow and Silverado: two lifts off the beaten path which, when open, raise Squaw's stock sharply. The remaining chairs are for beginners, general uphill access and terrain parks.
The best places to stay are PlumpJacks's, the Resort at Squaw Creek, and the Olympic Village Inn. The top place for a fancy dinner is Graham's. Also try the new Balboa Café in the Village. Great après ski joints are Salsa and Bar 1. Drop in on the valley's best bartender, Rusty, at the locals' favorite, Red Dog. Nightlife is mellow in the valley so head to the Tourist Club or Tahoe Taps in Truckee or the Naughty Dawg in Tahoe City.
Olympic Heritage Weekend is January 19-20 when the torch passes through the Valley on its way to Salt Lake City. Festivities include a torchlight parade and fireworks. February 28 - March 2 is the finale of the head-to-head Ford Downhill Series. The Spring Jam V is on April 21-22 featuring big air, skiercross and boardercross.
© 2001 alex west writing and photography