A ski vacation during the month of December always feels extra-special, with a snow-blanketed landscape, hot cocoa, and twinkling lights. Add a new array of holiday offerings from Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for Christmas cheer. On top of world class skiing and snowboarding, here’s what you can expect right now (and through the new year) at one of Tahoe’s premiere resorts.
What you can always find at Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows:
Prime skiing in Squaw’s Shirley Lake region.
The merging of these two resorts has resulted in more vertical feet of ski terrain than any one person could reasonably ski in a day (so you’ll need to book at least a few days)! In addition to skiing from 9 am to 4 pm from both base areas, skiing families can always look forward to tubing at Squaw Valley’s SnoVentures Activity Zone, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on their extensive XC trails, and ice skating at the Olympic Ice Pavilion at the crest of Squaw Valley’s upper mountain. Bear in mind that until the base-to-base gondola connecting Squaw to Alpine can be finished, the best way to get from one base to the other is via the free shuttle, which departs regularly. In the Village at Squaw Valley, there’s always world-class shopping and dining. We love to stop by the Plaza Bar upstairs from KT Base Bar for a post-ski cocktail, and enjoy dining at The Rocker and Bistro 22.
Holiday decor at the Village at Squaw.
What not to miss during the holiday season:
New for the 2016 holiday season, Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows has expanded its offerings to include meals with Santa, free sleigh rides between the Village at Squaw Valley and the Olympic Village Lodge, concerts from the Tahoe Symphony Orchestra and Reno Jazz Orchestra, and carolers in the village.
We were lucky enough to catch the end of the mini polar express train rides and ice carving demonstrations at the Ice Garden at Merry Wonderland (the Olympic Village Lodge) before it ended early due to heavy snow (never a bad thing at a ski resort!). It will be ongoing each afternoon through the 24th, from 3 pm to 5 pm weather permitting…perfect to catch after your ski day.
Snow train and ice sculpture at Squaw.
If a holiday meal is a must, book a farm-to-table dinner during the week between Christmas and New Year, put on in collaboration with the Tahoe Food Hub. These communal style meals include four courses of local offerings. Want to make a farm-to-table meal even more special? Dine with an Olympian! On December 27, you can gather at the table with local Olympic legends.
Our family opted for the holiday meal offered at Plumpjack, located at the Squaw Valley Inn. Inside the dining room of their cozy lodge, we toasted the season (and our Squaw Valley vacation) with a four-course, family-friendly meal after a full day on the slopes.
Squaw Valley Alpine Meadow’s New Year Celebration:
New Year’s celebration at Squaw.
There’s still time to ring in the new year at Squaw Valley! The New Year’s Eve activities will include a torchlight parade on the snow and fireworks (all before 8 pm for the little ones). For the adults, the party continues with the annual Squaw Valley Prom for visitors 21 and older. You can also ski with Jonny Moseley, who will be at Alpine Meadows during the day of the 31st. Take advantage of the free New Year’s Eve shuttles when it’s time to end your night!