Neighboring ski resorts Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows recently announced some new improvements to their ski hills — $8 million worth!
Below is a glimpse of what the new improvements entail at Squaw and Alpine, which joined forces in November 2011, bringing the two ski resorts under common ownership. The improvements are part of year three, five-year, $70 million renaissance designed to improve all facets of the resort experience.
Terrain park features: The two resorts invested a combined $70,000 in new terrain park features. The focus will be on expanding the resorts’ collection of jibs, along with several signature features, allowing for more variety and more creativity in the terrain park layouts for next winter.
Village at Squaw Valley lodging: The slope side condominium suites have received $1.2 million in renovations this summer. Each bedroom in every rental unit at The Village has been upgraded with new mattresses and triple-sheet bedding with a sophisticated feel – all to ensure a great night’s sleep in the mountains. Many units have also received new furniture, carpet, additional flat screen TVs and air conditioning.
Kids programs: Both resorts are offering a new kids snowboarding program, equivalent of Squaw’s Mighty Mites program. The new Mighty Riders program will offer young riders ages 7-13 the opportunity to develop skills and passion for snowboarding over the course of the winter season at Squaw Valley.
At Alpine Meadows, the new Snow Rangers program will offer winter adventures and on-mountain training such as backcountry touring, snow science, avalanche awareness, snow camping and more for past ski team members ages 12-18 who have a solid base of alpine skiing.
New Teaching Tykes program: The Squaw program is designed for parents who want tips on how to teach their little ones (ages 3-5) to ski or snowboard. Available for $169, the price includes a one hour lesson for parent and child, beginner lift ticket for parent and child if 5 years old (ages 3 & 4 are already free).
Snow-making: Both Squaw and Alpine continue to invest in the snowmaking system and grooming fleet, investing over $2 million in state-of-the-art snowmaking guns, new piping and system upgrades. They are also investing $1.4 million in five new snow cats.
Mid-Mountain Beer Garden at Alpine Meadows: The Chalet is being transformed into a Bavarian-style beer garden. The Chalet and the new Sierra Beer Garden will offer an array of leading Californian beers as well as tasty pressed sandwiches and sausage plates.
Electric Car Charging Stations: Squaw Valley has installed four new electric car chargers at the resort, making it the first ski resort in California to install charging stations for electric cars.
For additional information, visit www.squaw.com or www.skialpine.com.
