Squaw Valley USA

Just off of Highway 89, visitors get their first glimpse of the legendary slopes of Squaw Valley USA as they drive up Squaw Valley road. As one rounds the turn, Squaw Valley’s majestic peaks become visible and soon the Valley opens up onto an expansive meadow leading to the mountain’s base. As a year-round international destination, it’s no wonder that Squaw Valley is easy to get to, but hard to leave no matter the season.

It was in 1945 that our founder, Alex Cushing, first laid eyes on this natural wonder and began his career as a ski resort entrepreneur. In the winter of 1949-1950 Squaw Valley opened its doors with only one chair lift, a rope tow and lodging for 50. The rest, as they say, is history.

Alex worked tirelessly to bring the Winter Olympics to Squaw Valley. In 1960 his hard work paid off and the VII Winter Olympic Games were hosted at Squaw Valley. This ultimately landed Squaw and the surrounding Tahoe Basin on the world stage where it has remained ever since. The Olympics live on in Squaw Valley’s two Olympic museums located at High Camp and in the Village.

Today, Squaw Valley is a year-round mountain playground. Winter is full of powder days, phenomenal spring skiing and a lively après ski scene. Summer brings hiking, mountain biking and kids activities throughout the warm months. Come ride Squaw Valley’s scenic cable car to embark on a Sierra adventure at California’s historic and legendary mountain resort destination.

Best Access and Parking Area

Squaw Valley USA is just 42 miles from Reno, 96 miles from Sacramento and 196 miles from San Francisco via all weather Interstate 80. Located off Highway 89, between Truckee and Tahoe City, on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe.

Public parking is located at the immediate base of the mountain. Just put on your gear and you're a short walk from 8 lifts.

Rules and Regulations

Dogs are not allowed on the mountain during winter. However, the entire base area is dog friendly year-round. During the summer, dogs can take their owners up the Cable Car to enjoy High Camp.

Snow Sports Area By the Numbers

Base Elevation: 6,200 ft. Peak Elevation: 9,050 ft. (Granite Chief) Vertical Rise: 2,850 ft. Six Mountain Peaks: Snow King - 7550', Broken Arrow - 8020', KT-22 - 8200', Emigrant - 8700', Squaw Peak - 8900', Granite Chief - 9050'

Snowmaking: 600 Acres / 15% Average Annual Snowfall: 450 inches

Monthly Snowfall Averages (over past 5 years) November: 40 inches December: 123 inches January: 74 inches February: 57 inches March: 91 inches April: 67 inches May: 8 inches

Trail Classification (total mountain acreage) 25% Beginner 45% Intermediate 30% Advanced

Skiable Acres: 4,000

Trails: 170+

Bowls: 16

Longest Run: Mountain Run, 3.2 miles or 8.2 km

Lift System Total Number of Lifts: 33 Cable Car: 1 Funitel: 1 Pulse Gondola: 1 Express 6-pacs: 4 Express Quads: 3 Fixed-Grip Quad: 1 Triple Chairs: 9 Double Chairs: 8 Surface Lifts: 3 Magic Carpets: 2 Uphill Capacity: 49,000 people/hour

Terrain Parks

Riviera Terrain Park Ford Belmont (open for night skiing) Riviera Superpipe (open for night skiing)

Climate (average day time highs and night time lows in Fahrenheit) Nov: 47 high, 24 low Dec: 40 high, 20 low Jan: 36 high, 16 low Feb: 39 high, 18 low Mar: 44 high, 21 low Apr: 50 high, 26 low May: 60 high, 32 low

Trail System

Meticulous grooming occurs on a daily basis.

170+ Trails

25% Beginner 45% Intermediate 30% Advanced

Longest Run: Mountain Run, 3.2 miles or 8.2 km

Downhill trails only.

Approximate Operating Season

Winter: Mid November – Mid May Summer: June 1 – Mid-October