Squaw Valley USA is Family-Owned
In December 2005 Squaw Valley became the only major resort to still be owned by its founder, Alex Cushing. “The business is much bigger than I like," Cushing once explained, “but we still run a family-type enterprise. I believe skiing is about smelling the flowers, about the beauty of the mountains. I want everybody to enjoy it.” Cushing passed away in August 2006 but his wife is carrying on his vision and is intent on keeping Squaw Valley family-owned and operated. Despite the colossal physical size of the mountain, Squaw Valley emits a quaint, old-world feel, teeming with tradition.
Squaw Valley USA is North America’s Spring Skiing Capital
The near 500” of snowfall each season make it possible for the resort to remain open through the end of May every winter. Last season Squaw Valley received 200” of snow in the month of March alone! Spring not only brings the opportunity to ski some of the elusive runs that aren’t open at the other times of the year but blends the sunny California weather and an abundant snow pack. Above all, spring also brings ‘corn’ snow (created when the snow enters a freeze-and-melt cycle) with its soft and forgiving surface that makes turning easy and fun.
Along with world class terrain, add in California sunshine, the pool, hot tub and Umbrella Bar at High Camp and you’ve got yourself an instant party. Pool/hot tub access is free with each lift ticket beginning in mid to late March.
Squaw Valley is home to Olympic Legends
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. The historic 1960 Winter Olympics remains one of Squaw Valley’s most notable achievements and one of the ski industry’s most interesting stories.
Since the 1960 Olympics, Squaw Valley USA has long held a tradition of coaching athletes to international success. Squaw’s six peaks and 4,000 acres of varied terrain and traditionally long ski season have proven to be the perfect recipe for producing Olympic athletes - Jimmy Heuga and Greg Jones (bronze in 1964 and 1976 respectively), Tamara McKinney (1983 overall World Cup Champion and World Championship Gold Medalist), freestyle skier Shannon Bahrke (silver medal in moguls at the 2002 Winter Olympics) to name but a few.
Squaw Valley Evolves
Squaw Valley USA is enjoying a transformation. The largest and most visible change is the completion of Phase II pedestrian base village. Squaw Valley now offers over 1000 slope-side luxury condominiums, 68 shops and restaurants all contained in a leisurely, European-style pedestrian village.
On the mountain, you will discover an unparalleled alpine experience. In the past decade alone, Squaw Valley USA has invested $60 million in on-mountain improvements and enhancements and 400 million in base facilities. This season Squaw Valley is investing millions of dollars in Cable Car improvements and environmentally sustainable projects. Other guest enhancement projects include a new high-speed six pac will replace the Shirley Lake Express Quad, an improved and expanded grooming fleet, five winch cats and 24 groomers. The addition of 30 new and innovative features to Squaw Valley’s expanding Freestyle Parks plus a new Zaugg to add to our two Pipe Dragons ensure another year’s ranking in the top 10 Terrain Parks.
The World’s Most Advanced Lift Network
From the beginning, Squaw Valley’s key to success has been revolutionary design and operation. Squaw Valley opened on Thanksgiving Day, 1949 with one chairlift that was billed “The Worlds Largest Chairlift.” Delve into Squaw Valley’s timeline of lift innovation. In 1963 Squaw Valley built its first gondola, and later, in 1969, installed North America’s largest aerial cable car. In 1985 the resort constructed the first of several state-of-the-art, high-speed, detachable quad chairlifts. Squaw Valley’s Founder and Chairman, Alex Cushing, always said, “We’re in the uphill transportation business.” Squaw Valley’s commitment to providing the newest and best in lift technology is evidenced today by the resort’s 34 lifts including: 1 Funitel, 1 Cable Car, 1 Pulse Gondola, 3 Express six-pacs, 4 Express Quads, 1 Fixed-Grip Quad, 8 triples, 10 doubles, 3 surface lifts and 2 Magic Carpets.