Valentine’s Day is approaching.
If you haven’t figured out what to do yet, we’ve got some swoon-worthy ideas for the entire month of February. (Including how to get married on the mountain!)
If your significant other is a skier or snowboarder, then planning a romantic rendezvous in the mountains is sure to be a win. You’ll enjoy fresh snow, crisp high-altitude air, and mountain vistas during the day, then settle in for a night of hot tubbing, cozy dinners, and drinks by a crackling fire. If your partner isn’t a skier or snowboarder (yet), then introducing them to snow-covered slopes can be a real bonding experience. You don’t have to teach him or her yourself: Palisades Tahoe has plenty of learn-to-ski programs suited for all types.
Either way, don’t delay: Whether you’re coming up for Valentine’s Day (which is Friday, February 14, in case you forgot to mark your calendar) or another date, now is the time to get your Tahoe trip on the books. We’ve got some ideas to make it your dreamiest getaway yet.
The Coziest Lodging
The Village at Squaw Valley has slopeside accommodations perfect for every group size. If it’s just the two of you, you’ll find standard rooms, studios, or one-bedroom suites. If you’re bringing the whole family or traveling with friends, you’ll find two- and three-bedroom suites that work great for small groups. With eight outdoor hot tubs, private balconies overlooking the mountain, and easy-to-use gas fireplaces, you’ll have everything you need for a romantic stay.
Snap a Mountain Top Photo
While you’re out enjoying a fun-filled day on the mountain, be sure to grab a photo of the two of you together. Capture a chairlift snap from one of Squaw Valley or Alpine Meadows’ old-fashioned-style double chairs, like Squaw Valley’s two-seater Broken Arrow Chair or Alpine Meadows’ Alpine Bowl Chair or Yellow Chair.
Or, take a journey to some of the most scenic overlooks on the mountain for a spectacular place for a photo or just a quiet spot where the two of you can sneak away. At Alpine, hike up to the top of Keyhole for a stunning view of Lake Tahoe (you can ski off the backside into the Pacific Crest South Bowls down to Sherwood Chair afterward) or ride the lift to the top of the aptly-named Lakeview Chair. At Squaw, ride up Granite Chief Chair (you can hike to the top of the peak if you want) or hike to the top of Palisades for a panoramic view of the Sierra before dropping in to Sun Bowl.
Après Ski with You & Me
For après ski, grab a glass of wine and a cheese plate at Uncorked Wine Bar, where you can also pick up a bottle of pinot noir or champagne to bring back to your room. You can also check out the new Tram Car Bar, a restored 1970s-era Squaw Valley tram cabin that’s been positioned on the deck of the KT Base Bar on weekends this winter. You can rock out to music while sipping a cocktail as the Tram soars overhead with views of KT-22 out the tram car windows.
You can’t beat the view of the pink-and-orange setting sun over Lake Tahoe from 8,200 feet in elevation atop Squaw Valley’s Tram. Head to High Camp for a Sunset Happy Hour from 4 to 6 p.m. on select dates, including February 21 and 22, and you’ll be treated to stellar views and happy hour food and drink specials. Book early to secure your spot.
The Most Romantic Places to Dine
Take a Moonlit Snowshoe Tour to dinner at the mid-mountain Chalet at Alpine Meadows. You’ll don snowshoes for a short, quarter-mile stroll uphill, then be treated to a chef-prepared, multi-course, European-inspired meal that includes dishes like raclette and spaetzle, plus apfel streudel for dessert. You’ll walk down after dinner under the light of the full moon. This is a popular event, so availability can be limited.
On Valentine’s Day, February 14, there’s a special Valentine’s Day Dinner atop High Camp at the newly remodeled Terrace Restaurant. After riding the Tram, you’ll enjoy a prix fixe, four-course dinner with wine pairings.
You also can’t go wrong by selecting any number of our area’s most romantic restaurants. In the Squaw Valley Village, Tremigo Mexican Kitchen and Tequila Bar opened this winter, from the same owners that brought you the popular Auld Dubliner Irish Pub. Share a platter of sizzling fajitas and crème brulee flan, paired with a variety of tequilas or house-made sangria. Or make a reservation at Graham’s Restaurant, which is housed in Squaw Valley’s original home and serves up fine-dining fare with a classic, old-Tahoe feel.
Ways to Show You Care
Sweet gestures on the slopes go a long way. Nothing says “I love you” quite like an extra pack of hand warmers or sunscreen in your pocket—pick up essentials at Parallel Mountain Sports at Squaw Valley or Estelle Sports at Alpine Meadows before you load the lifts. Better yet, pack a well-preserved treat in your pocket for the chairlift ride or for that mountaintop respite—a chocolate chip pie from Treats at Alpine Meadows or a cookie from Wildflour Bakery at Squaw will never disappoint. Wildflour will even make custom Valentine’s cookies, so you can add a sweet note to your treat.
After skiing, surprise your better half with an après-ski spa treatment you booked ahead of time. Trilogy Spa in the Village at Squaw Valley offers couples massages and other treatments specifically catered toward skiers and riders.
Want to Get Married? You Can!
If you’re ready to take your relationship to the next level, Squaw Valley is hosting Leap of Love, a mountaintop wedding ceremony on February 29. (You could propose over Valentine’s Day and get married two weeks later for the easiest wedding planning ever!) Couples looking to wed or renew their vows can join a love-filled collective elopement like no other.
You’ll ride the Squaw Valley Tram to High Camp and participate in a united, non-denominational ceremony on the Upper Deck, with views of the Sierra stretching out in all directions, followed by a photoshoot and reception that includes cake, sparkling wine, and celebrating. Afterward, you’ll all ski down the mountain, so plan your attire accordingly.
