Following a record-breaking season and its latest closing ever, Squaw Valley ski resort took a brief respite, and began making preparations for the 2017 ski season and its planned Nov. 17 opening – weather permitting.
Located in Truckee off Highway 89, Squaw Valley was voted Best Ski Resort in North America by USA Today and 10Best Readers’ Choice for the second year in a row.
The longest season in Squaw Valley history ended July 15 after offering skiing and snowboarding for a record 200 days during the 2016-17 season. That’s nearly a month more than the average of 174 days. Squaw was the only Lake Tahoe ski resort open in July.
Winter and summer blended together last season at the Lake Tahoe ski resort, resulting in an historic winter. Squaw Valley accumulated 728 inches of snow – equaling more than 60 feet – the fifth highest total in North America. January 2017 broke the resort’s record for most snow in one month with 282 inches, snowing 23 feet in 23 consecutive days. “Januburied” was followed by the snowiest February ever with another 196 inches.
“The season was one we will not soon forget,” said Andy Wirth, president and CEO of Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows. “Mother Nature dealt out her fair share of challenges, with snow totals, wind speeds and overall volatility of weather the likes of which have never been seen in the Sierra Nevada since ski areas have been in operation. However, the monumental snowpack brought the historic opportunity to operate well into summer.”
Heading into the 2017-18 season, Squaw vows to move forward with its commitment to enhancing the guest experience with upgrades to snowmaking, grooming, High Camp and the mobile app. There will also be a variety of new events. including family-friendly additions to the second annual Merry Days & Holly Nights, December 16-31.
Resort Enhancements include
High Camp remodel: There will be a major overhaul of High Camp, Squaw Valley’s mid-mountain facility, located at 8,200 feet and accessed by the scenic Aerial Tram. The remodeling will be complete for winter 2017-18 and is expected to be open for the Christmas holidays. The High Camp remodel will include new carpeting on stairs and hallways, updated accents and reconstruction of the Observation Deck, which is scheduled for later in the winter season.
Terrace Restaurant & Bar, Squaw Valley’s most scenic dining venue with panoramic views of Lake Tahoe, will be completely renovated. Terrace Restaurant & Bar is expected to reopen in time for the Christmas holiday season. A new High Camp Marketplace will offer healthy grab-and-go meals and snacks, coffee, espresso, wine and beer, plus all of the essential gear and accessories for a day out on the mountain.
High Camp Marketplace will occupy a newly redesigned space on the top floor of High Camp, previously home to a retail store, and is expected for opening day Nov. 17. Silvey’s Cafe on the mezzanine level of the building will be removed and converted to a family seating area, including cozy chairs and couches and a play area for kids. The location formerly known as Poolside Café will see a full interior reboot with rustic décor, and a new name – Granite Bistro. The planned opening is Dec. 20.
Alpine Meadows Lodge Upgrades: The lodge will see a number of area improvements this season, including eight new automatic sliding doors for easier entry from the sun deck into the mezzanine level of the building. Renovated walls and flooring and new lockers will update Locker Room 3 located through the doors on the right-hand side of the breezeway as guests arrive at the mountain. The restrooms on the left through the breezeway, located near Locker Rooms 1 and 2, will have new touchless sink and toilet fixtures.
Snowmaking & Grooming: New snowmaking hydrants at Squaw Valley will allow faster and more productive snowmaking throughout the base area. At Alpine Meadows, the complete overhaul of several air compressors will allow for a more efficient use of resources when making snow. Four front-line PB 400 Groomers and three new PB 100’s will be in action at both mountains, clearing snow faster and more efficiently around chairlifts and bringing the fleet total to 42 machines. These powerhouse machines allow for maximum ground coverage and high angle grooming and have better fuel economy than current machines.
Snow Removal Fleet: Following a season where heavy snowfall posed challenges to clearing roads and parking for guests, Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows will have new snow removal machines to increase the expediency of clearing roads and parking lots. One such new unit at Squaw Valley will have the capacity to move up to 5,000 metric tons of snow per hour. During periods of heavy snowfall, the resort will also consider the continued use of a large snow melter, similar to those used to clear city roads, which converts snow to water rather than relocating it.
