North Tahoes Squaw Valley:
Year-Round Family Fun
Best laid plans: you've probably heard the phrase. Recently we experienced the expression first-hand. We planned a detailed itinerary for a North Lake Tahoe visit to reacquaint ourselves with all the North Shore towns and getaway destinations, and we never made it past Squaw Valley. This incredible Tahoe basin is such a great all-seasons destination, with so much to see and do, it's really worth a visit on its own. Many readers may remember that Squaw was host for the first Winter Olympics in the Western U.S. in 1960, and has since become one of the most recognizable names in international skiing and snowboarding circles. Although Squaw Valley includes many wintertime pursuits like ice skating, snowshoeing, dogsled tours, and more, a warm weather visit includes an even longer list of activities for the whole family.
What to see and do:
One of California's finest resort golf courses, Squaw Creek, in the center of the valley, is one of those rare "links-style" championship courses that hides under tons of snow half the year, yet blossoms into an exceptional golfing test when the snow melts (squawcreek.com).
Take the Cable Car ride to High Camp at 8,200 feet and experience spectacular views of crystal-blue Lake Tahoe and the majestic Sierras-plus plenty of free activities once you take the paid trip up the mountain. There are also tennis courts down below in the valley, but the ultimate "love" experience is to play on a choice of two high-in-the-sky courts, a rare tennis outing. Disc golf is a relatively new sport t hat utilizes different sized Frisbee-like throwing discs in a game similar to the rules of golf. Try the 3-hole learning layout, or add the more challenging, natural hazard-filled 15 holes down Shirley Canyon and back, to take "discers" to new levels of athleticism. A number of scenic hiking trails take you on climbs to craggy peaks, treks to Shirley Lake, or moderate walks through wildflower-filled meadows. (Dogs are welcome with no extra tram charge.) Or, take the Olympic Museum tour, a journey back to the 1960 Olympics with displays of memorabilia and video presentations.
Other activities at High Camp are also not to be missed. Swimming and hot tubbing in Squaw's cloud-touching, year-round pool with waterfalls and a 25-foot diameter spa is one of Tahoe's most beautiful settings. It's the perfect place to slow down and sip a drink at the Umbrella Bar or enjoy a light lunch at the Poolside Café, mesmerized by panoramic vistas. For an adventure, try a game of organized mayhem paintball with Squaw's spectacular setting as the background, or roller skating in Squaw's converted ice rink with skates included in admission.
Tip: Consider buying All-Access tickets that include cable car fare, pool use, paintball, roller skating at High Camp, and the kids zip line at the 6,200-foot Base Village.
Also at Base Village are 30 shops, restaurants, and bars, and the Squaw Adventure Center. Offering 18-hole miniature golf winding through the Village, a knee-shaking ropes course, challenging inside and outside climbing walls, and the fun-filled SkyJump bungee-trampoline, kids should love ‘em all (squawadventure.com).
Another must-do is biking the 14-mile round-trip paved biking/walking trail from Squaw along the picturesque Truckee River all the way to Tahoe's shoreline, one of California's most scenic and safest bike rides. (Our granddaughters tried and loved almost all the above activities.)
Where to stay and dine:
The Village at Squaw Valley, the area's newest lodging property, offers studios and one- to three-bedroom, fully-furnished condos perfect for the entire family. Plusses include ideal location in the heart of the Village, and amenities like hot tubs, a fitness center, billiards lounge, movie room, kids game room, and complimentary parking (thevillageatsquaw.com). For dining recommendations within the Village, the well-known PlumpJack Café serves California cuisine featuring locally-sourced ingredients (plumpjackcafe.com), and Blue Coyote Sports Grill is a casual, comfort food spot with a sports bar atmosphere.
The Resort at Squaw Creek is your hands-down premier option if seeking a full-service hotel with the most luxurious accommodations, a state-of-the art day spa, and a gorgeous pool area with a water slide that kids age 5 to 80 will love. Additional draws are the distinctive regional cuisine at Six Peaks Grill, and delectable casual fare at Sandy's Pub (squawcreek.com).
Be sure to check all the above websites for great summer deals and special events at Squaw Valley, where you can fall head-over-ski-boots during winter seasons, and over those hiking shoes during warmer seasons.
Fun Fact: Although everyone knows it as Squaw Valley, the official mailing address is Olympic Valley. It seems that a little San Joaquin Valley town near Fresno already had the Squaw Valley moniker locked up when it came time for an official post office address!
