The Ski Resort
The ski resort is located beautiful at Lake Tahoe, and is one of California's most famous ski resort. As of fall 2021, it has the new name "Palisades Tahoe"; the old name "Squaw Valley" is no longer used for racial reasons.
In the 1960, it was home to the Winter Olympics. A skiable terrain of 1,456 ha includes over 170 runs and 6 mountains, making it one of the largest ski resorts in the USA. Thanks to over 300 sunny days per year, and 36 feet of snow per season, Palisades Tahoe offers perfect conditions for skiing.
Three short practice slopes are available for newbies at Olympic Village valley. But beginners are not restricted to the valley: a number of easy runs are waiting for you around High Champ and Gold Coast and underneath Emigrant. Enjoy the beautiful panorama of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada mountains. A special highlight: the ride on Aerial Tram towards High Champ. It overcomes a vertical drop of almost 2,000 feet, boasting unique fews of the lake.
More experienced skiers look forward to around 655 ha of intermediate runs spread over the entire resort. Tree runs are located at the east slopes of Snow King, the lowest peak of the resort at 7,545 feet. A bunch of other intermediates - above treeline - wait for you between Squaw Peak and Emigrant. This is the place to go for freestylers as well - five parks provide enough space to have lots of fun. Athletic skiers should not miss out on Mountain Run, starting a little beneath High Camp. It is the longest run and is illuminated for night skiing as well.
Experts won't get bored at Squaw Valley either. Especially between KT-22 and Squaw Peak you're looking at numerous runs, steep slopes as well as some of the 16 bowls. At Granite chief, the resorts highest point at almost 9,050 feet, backcountry enthusiasts will rejoyce in Hidden Bowl.
As the ski pass is valid at the neighbouring resort Alpine Meadows as well, skiers can go and explore more than 100 runs there as well.
Interesting facts
- Offering 1,456 ha of slopes and terrain, Palisades Tahoe is among the 3 largest Ski Resorts in the USA.
- Palisades Tahoe is among the 3 best rated Ski Resorts in California.
- Elevated between 1,890 m and 2,758 m, the Ski Resort is among the 5 highest elevated Ski Resorts in California. The vertical drop from summit to base is 869 m. The average difference in altitude between base and summit of Ski Resorts in the USA is 375 m. Most runs are therefore relatively long.
- Average snow depth during the season is 304 cm at summit elevation and 112 cm at base elevation. Snow coverage is usually best during March, offering an average snow depth of 405 cm at summit elevation and 156 cm at the base.
- Palisades Tahoe features 100 sunny days on average per season. The average for all ski Resorts in the USA is 78 sunny days. April is the sunniest month with an average of 22 sunny days.
Snow Safety & Snowmaking
On Mountain Dining
Terrace Restaurant at High Camp is certainly the facility with the best view. If you just want to get back on the skis, grab a snack next door at Silvey's Cafe. Enjoy the sun at Poolside Cafe's terrace, while you fill up on burgers, wraps, and salads. At The Arc self-service restaurant by Cold Coast, hungry skiers get to choose between soup, salad, pizza, and Asian dishes. Burgers and Mexican food are at home at The K|TChen near Gold Coast gondola's base station. Funi's Mountaintop Café caters to your empty stomach with sandwiches and salad.
Must-Ski Runs
The resort's longest run is Mountain Run, extending over around 3.2 miles.
Most Difficult Runs
Longest Runs
Videos
Activities
Ice skating is another great experience. The Olympic Ice Pavillion is an on-mountain ice rink accessible on Aerial Tram. While you skate, you get to enjoy stunning views of the valley, lake Tahoe, and Sierra Nevada. Furthermore you can go snowtubing, which is great fun for the whole family. The little ones can also try their hand at riding a mini snowmobile.
The pool and hot tub at High Camp are further highlights. Enjoy the view of Lake Tahoe and Sierra Nevada as you get soaking. If you want to explore the surrounding nature, take a shuttle bus to Squaw Creek. At the Nordic Center you can rent snowshoes, then you venture onto the many signposted trails.
You'd rather stay inside after your ski day? Check out the Olympic Museum, and let it take you back in time to the Olympic Games of 1960. To relax your sore muscles, try a massage or spa treatment at Trilogy Spa.
Après-Ski and Nightlife
Squaw Valley offers a range of bars to finish your day with some après ski. Near Aerial Tram, Bar One is a well-known address for a drink after the last run. From here, you get a great view of the mountain. KT Base Bar is just as popular. From here, you can watch the slopes of the KT-22 area.
If you're looking for yummy cocktails, check out Rocker@Squaw or Twenty-Two. If you rather fancy a pint of Guinness, Auld Dubliner with its laid-back atmosphere has what you need. Wine lovers will enjoy Uncorked bar, featuring wine tastings and live music.
Dining and Restaurants
Foodies love PlumpJack Cafe. It offers an extraordinary wine menu and dishes from regional and seasonal produce. If you prefer Asian cuisine, try Mamasake Sushi and Sake. Its menu includes modern and traditional recipes with Jampanese, Italian, and Latin American influences.
Getting here
By car
If you're travelling by car, take Interstate 80. Exit at Truckee and change onto CA 89. This road will take you straight to the resort.
On pubilc transport
Busses to Squaw Valely are available from Sacramento and San Francisco. Amtrak trains stop at nearby Truckee.
By plane
The closest airport si Reno Tahoe International Airport. From here, shuttle busses get you to the ski resort. Alternatively, you can fly to Sacramento or San Francisco.
