Snowboarding at Squaw Valley | Alpine Meadows
In 1999, Squaw Valley lifted their ban on snowboarding, thus creating a vibrant and tight-knit community that has produced Olympic snowboarders, professional riders who train at Squaw Alpine, and snowboard enthusiasts alike. In honor of this anniversary, we’ve compiled a number of resources about why snowboarding is so special here at Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, including interviews with local snowboarders, employees, and professionals, retail information, safety tips, terrain park information, and more.
Why is Squaw Valley | Alpine Meadows your favorite place to snowboard?
Squaw Valley has been my favorite mountain since I moved here not only because of its rich history but because it just feels like home. Epic riding, great people, and a super fun après scene. There is such a wide variety of terrain for all ability levels, it’s impossible to get bored. – Dustin Dresser, Employee since 2015
The amount of different terrain at Squaw and Alpine is what always keeps it fresh and fun. Whether it’s getting face shots on Tower 16 on a powder day, rolling through skate-park-like terrain on Solitude or sending side hits in Hot Wheels Gully, you’re guaranteed to have a radical day. Squallywood truly comes to life during spring park riding. – Woody, local snowboarder & Slot Bar inhabitant
What’s your favorite place to ride at either mountain?
A must-do while riding here: finding one of the many natural gullies hidden in the trees. This mountain has tons of them that last for entire runs. They are like giant, never-ending halfpipes. Be careful, though: once you find one, you will be hooked and it may be the only part of the mountain that you see. – Jessica Flint, Olympian & Tahoe Native
I love riding Granite Chief. There is an abundance of things to jump off of. It has a fun skatepark feel to it, kind of like a playground for senders. – Dustin Dresser, Employee since 2015
Are there any traverses that I should avoid?
On warmer days, especially during spring skiing, the bottom of Sibera by Gold Coast can get very sticky. If you don’t have enough speed, you run the risk of having to walk out. – Alexis, local snowboarder
If you’re dropping in on the Palisades, I would watch out for the reverse traverse… That thing can eat you alive if you aren’t ready for it! – Dustin Dresser, Employee since 2015
Hot Spots
The Ledge Boardshop
Located in the Village at Squaw Valley, the Ledge Boardshop is the most progressive snowboard shop in Lake Tahoe, carrying local brands like Spring Break and Jones as well as prominent international brands such as Burton & Arbor all year round.
The Burton Riglet Parks
This year, both Squaw and Alpine constructed Burton Riglet Parks. These parks, designed for ages 3-7, are available to Snowboard School Students & aim to get kids comfortable with boarding & balance.
Terrain Parks
Squaw Valley | Alpine Meadows prides itself on building exciting features, especially during spring skiing season. Read our terrain parks blog to get the latest on Lake Tahoe park riding.
Demo The Latest Boards
Visit our Demo Shop locations
Want to try a different brand or a brand new line? You can Demo to Buy the snowboard you love most and can exchange as many times as you’d like!
Brands carried by the Demo Centers:
- Burton
- Capita
- Jones
- Lib Tech
- K2
Safety Reminders
- Always wear a helmet, especially when riding in the park.
- Watch your speed
- Always look when trails are merging or when you are planning a jump
- Know your limits & do not attempt terrain above your skill level alone
- For more on terrain park safety, click this link.
Our Athletes
Nate Holland
Boarder-Cross Snowboarder
Nate Holland has won an incredible 8 Winter X Games gold medals, including back-to-back-to-back-to-back-to-back golds from 2006-2010. Holland has also competed in the 2006, 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics.
Jeremy Jones
Freeride Snowboarder
Jeremy Jones is an award-winning filmmaker, entrepreneur, environmentalist & snowboarding pioneer, widely regarded as one of the most accomplished big mountain riders & explorers of all time. He is the founder &CEO of Jones Snowboards & of Protect Our Winters.
Sammy Luebke
Big Mountain Snowboarder
Sammy was the youngest competitor to ever win the “Subaru Freeskiing Championship” at age 16. In 2016, Sammy snagged the coveted Freeride World Tour Championship title. In 2017, Sammy won the Freeride World Tour Championship for the second year in a row!
Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows Snowboarding In The News
- View the Local’s Guide to Snowboarding at Squaw Valley.
- Check out coverage of our new Burton Riglet Parks!
- Read why Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows are two of the top 10 best resorts for snowboarding.
- Terrain Park Feature
- Find out why Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows is one of the best resorts for advanced riders.
Take A Snowboard Lesson
Our Kids Programs at both Squaw Kids and Alpine Kids offer the following programs
- Rivets: Ages 3-4
- Grommets: Ages 5-7
- Jibbers: Ages 8-13
- Child Private Lessons
Join us at Adult Ski School (ages 13+)
- Adult Private Lessons
- Adult Beginner Lessons
- Adult Intermediate Lessons
- Adult Advanced/Expert Lessons
Coming as a family? Try one of our Family Private Lessons.
