Alpine Activities

High Camp el. 8200'

Squaw Valley USA is one of North America's favorite winter playgrounds, even if you don't ski or snowboard. Squaw Valley USA features recreation and relaxation located at two elevations. High Camp, el. 8200', is the center of the resort's upper mountain activity, and is accessed by the aerial Cable Car. While at High Camp, guests can choose from a spin on the ice at the Olympic Ice Pavilion, a dip in the pool at the Swimming Lagoon & Spa (opens mid-March), a trip back in time at the 1960 Olympic Museum, or dining at one of four upper mountain restaurants.

MOUNTAINTOP ICE SKATING

Squaw Valley USA's Olympic-sized outdoor ice skating pavilion, located at High Camp, el. 8200,' provides an excellent retreat and a fun winter activity for all ages. The Olympic Ice Pavilion, accessed via Squaw Valley's aerial Cable Car, sits perched at the crest of Squaw Valley's upper mountain, offering unmatched panoramic views of the Squaw Valley Meadow, beautiful Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Sierra Nevada.

MOUNTAINTOP SWIMMING

Beginning in March, guests can take a break from winter activities with a refreshing dip in Squaw Valley USA's high-altitude swimming lagoon or soak in the enormous mountain-top jacuzzi. Located at the High Camp Bath & Tennis Club, el. 8,200' the free-form swimming pool is heated to approximately 80 degrees and contains two 25 meter lap lanes, a shallow wading area and two islands, landscaped with waterfalls and native boulders. Adjacent to the pool, the twenty-five foot diameter spa is heated to a soothing 102 degrees and surrounded by expansive decks and a casual umbrella bar. Visitors are treated to amazing views of Lake Tahoe and peaceful relaxation in the warm California sun. The Bath & Tennis Club provides lockers, showers and changing rooms, and the High Camp Bath & Tennis Shop sells all needed accessories, including swimwear.

1960 Olympic Museum

Squaw Valley USA became internationally famous in February of 1960 when over 800 athletes and 30 national teams gathered from around the globe for the VIII Winter Olympic Games. Today, guests can learn about Squaw Valley's Olympic Heritage with a visit to the resort's Olympic Museum. Located at the top of the aerial Cable Car at High Camp, the museum features Alex Cushing's original bid for the games, historic memorabilia, course layouts, event results, newspaper articles and a small theatre showing Olympic footage.

 

Base Village el. 6200'

In the base village, guests can choose from many activities, as well as a variety of shopping and dining options. Treat yourself to a massage and spa treatments at Trilogy Spa, make your own holiday candles at Waxen Moon or test your skills on our 30' indoor rock Climbing Wall located in the Cable Car lobby. There are 18 km of cross country trails, snowshoeing, and sleigh rides in the valley meadow which offers a wide array of winter activities off the slopes.

SNOWTUBING

Go for a ride in Squaw Valley USA's enormously popular snowtubing arena. The facility has a specialized tubing lift and features wide-open boulevards of sliding terrain with rolls, banks, and berms, plus fast and slow lanes to accommodate tubers of all speeds and sizes.

CLIMBING WALL

The Headwall Climbing Wall is located inside the Cable Car building at the base of Squaw Valley. No matter what the weather or your ability level, you'll have a blast climbing the variety of routes and 30' high simulated rock surface at the Headwall Climbing Wall. Comprising 8 to 10 different ropes and many routes, Headwall is suitable for kids, first timers of all ages, and expert climbers it is inexpensive fun for the whole family! The climbing wall is a wonderful activity to establish and strengthen bonds as participants take turns belaying each other. The friendly staff is always helpful in giving assistance a nd basic climbing tips to beginners and children.

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING

Offering 18 groomed kilometers spanning more than 400 acres of gentle cross-country terrain, the Resort at Squaw Creek's Cross Country Ski Center combines a variety of manicured trails through the hills and meadows of Squaw Valley. Trail passes and equipment rentals are available at the Nordic Center.

 

SNOWSHOEING

The best way to experience the serenity of Squaw Valley meadows is via a snowshoe hike along Lake Tahoe's scenic snow-covered peaks. Groomed snowshoe trails span scenic terrain ranging from beginning to advance. Equipment rental is available through the Resort at Squaw Creek's Nordic center.

HORSE-DRAWN SLEIGH RIDES

The Resort at Squaw Creek features an antique, double bob sleigh pulled by a team of horses wearing brass bells. Guests can tour Squaw Valley's historic landmarks and enjoy stunning views of the mountains during the scenic journey on sleighs drawn by elegant blond Belgian Draft Horses. Guests can choose from handcrafted sleighs accommodating 6-8 adults with lap robes provided for passenger comfort. Sleigh rides take approximately 30-45 minutes and are available daily, weather permitting. Reservations are required for nonscheduled rides. Sleighs load across from the swimming pool every half hour from 10 am to 5 pm. The cost is $30 per person (kids under 2 are free) or $40 per person for private sleigh rides.

DOG SLEDDING

Experience the thrill of mushing with an eight-dog team of Alaskan huskies offered by Wilderness Adventure Dog Sled Tours. Led by an experienced guide specialized in maneuvering the snowy meadows, the one hour tours are available daily during the winter season.