An idle chairlift provides a constant reminder that this scenic mountain resort will be operational again when the cool mountain temperatures disappear and winter’s harshness once again inhabits the picturesque Squaw Valley.
Skiers and snowboarders revel in a visit to this full-service ski resort that received world-wide attention more than four decades ago when this anonymous Lake Tahoe ski resort stepped on the world stage for the first time, hosting the 1960 Winter Olympics.
Squaw has grown in stature since those magical Olympic moments, becoming a vacation destination for many winter enthusiasts who want the experience of big-time ski resort. What is less publicized regarding this winter wonderland is it’s a tremendous place for a summer vacation as well.
Situated at the foot of the ski resort is arguably Lake Tahoe’s finest lodging facility – Resort at Squaw Creek. It offers convenient ski-in, ski-out capability during the winter months, but provides many more recreational pursuits in the summer and fall when ideal temperatures and scenic mountain backdrops entice visitors to the outdoors.
That was the plan Karen Moran of Folsom was following during a July visit to Squaw Creek. While her husband was busy attending a business conference, Moran and her twin teenage daughters were hardly staying idle in their room. Rafting down the Truckee River, horseback riding a few minutes away, trying to tame the Squaw Creek golf course, and hiking were all recreational pursuits for this active family.
Located on the north shore of Lake Tahoe, there are 403 luxury rooms residing on the property at Squaw Creek, a four-diamond facility. There are two prime options when you wake up each morning – stare out the window at a mesmerizing panoramic view of the nearby rugged mountainside peaks, or cram in all the activity a body can handle.
Squaw Creek’s heated outside pool is a hub of activity, starting in the early morning when ambitious guests can be seen swimming laps in the somewhat chilly mountain air. The area includes a smaller “plunge” pool, a 120-foot waterslide, three hot tubs of varying sizes, plus a bar area that features some very refreshing alcohol and non alcoholic concoctions.
Other activities include:
• Golf – The resort offers discounts in the late afternoons, giving families the opportunity to play a quick round on the front nine from family tees (approximately 150 yards from the green). Serious golfers can play from the tips and challenge a course that can be penalizing with some tight fairways that requires precise shot-making.
• Biking – There’s a challenging ride on nearby Highway 89, or leisurely pedaling along the Truckee River bike path to Tahoe City. Nearby Squaw Valley is an option as well. Bike rentals are available.
• Hiking, backpacking – Squaw Creek’s nature trail begins just beyond the chairlift and connects to a variety of trails around Squaw Valley’s peaks. For an offsite adventure, take a guided hike up the Granite Chief trail that features wooded areas and waterfalls.
• Horseback riding – Nearby Alpine Meadows offers a guided horseback riding tour and gentle pony rides for the kids.
• Fly fishing –Squaw Creek’s on-site fly fishing center provides guided trips to nearby ponds and the Truckee River, catering to both fly-fishing beginners and enthusiasts.
• Tennis – Tournaments, clinics, lessons and private court reservations are available.
Speaking of diversity, a quick shuttle ride lands one at Squaw Valley’s doorstep. An extended ski season concluded on Fourth of July, but snow is still visible on a cable ride to High Camp, which deposits visitors at 8,200 feet, offering an extraordinary view of Lake Tahoe.
There’s no shortage of activities at Squaw Valley, which includes roller skating at the Olympic rink, mountain biking, tennis, climbing wall, zip line, disc golf, paintball, shopping, plus a large swimming pool and hot tub at High Camp. The Poolside Café is a great outdoor/indoor spot to grab lunch and a beverage.
The great thing about a visit to Squaw Creek is one never has to drive until departure time. Besides activities, there are numerous dining options as well.
The favorite dinner spot here is the Six Peaks Grille, where creative chef Chad Shrewsbury offers an innovative menu of distinctive dishes that feature fresh produce, seafood and steaks. The majestic view of Squaw Valley’s six peaks and the surrounding meadows may keep you tableside long after the dinner has concluded.
Other dining options include a microbrew pub that specializes in appetizers and ribs (Sandy’s Pub); the Chuck Wagon, located outdoors by the sun deck, and the poolside Oasis. One other option is the popular Sweet Potatoes Deli, where one can get a bite to eat or a Starbucks coffee in quick fashion almost any time of day.
For more information on the Resort at Squaw Creek, visit www.squawcreek.com
or call (530) 583-6300. source: my.rosevillept.com
