The snow never stopped coming down. Or at least that’s what it felt like. It was February 2019, a month that turned out to bring record-breaking amounts of snowfall to the Sierra. Squaw Valley reported a whopping 300 inches—that’s 25 feet of snow, enough to bury a two-story house—in just the 28 days of February alone.
Which is all good and great if you’re out skiing and enjoying the powder-producing storms. But for many of those snowy February days last year, I was home in Tahoe City with my two young children—Nora, then 4, and Otis, then 2—trying to keep them busy and occupied while the blizzard raged on outside.
The thing that saved us? Kid-O-Rama. It’s a week of fun-filled, kid-centric activities at Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, and this year, it’s happening February 15 through February 23, 2020.
Sure, there’s skiing and snowboarding for kids of all ages—Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows has renowned children’s ski and ride programs to get your youngsters, ages three to 13, out on the hill. And Kid-O-Rama includes plenty of on-slope activities. If your kid wants to up their game in the terrain park, there’s a rail clinic for young skiers and riders in the Belmont Terrain Park. On Wednesday, February 19, the whole family can participate in a fun ski race that benefits local ski programs. Plus, you can dress up for crazy helmet day and watch or compete as athletes aged six to 12 battle it out in the Oakley Grom Jam.
But after the skiing? Kid-O-Rama packs in the kind of après-ski activities that kids love and you’ll be grateful for. After skiing, head to the outdoor firepits around the KT Deck at Squaw Valley or on the sundeck at Alpine Meadows for après-ski s’mores. On Monday, February 17, the crowd-favorite Big Truck Day is when kids can climb into parked fire trucks, snowplows, and grooming machines. Trust me, you and your kid are going to love getting behind the wheel of a giant snowcat.
Throughout the week, you’ll find a stacked lineup of street parties, face painting, balloon artists, carnival games, and under-the-lights disco tubing. There’s an ice carving demonstration, juggling lessons, and hula hooping. The fun never ends.
Student bands from the Tahoe Truckee School of Music will play in the Village Events Plaza and DJs will spin tracks suited for kids’ ears. On Saturday nights, a fireworks show lights up the night sky as a way to cap off your weekend.
And don’t forget the daily game and craft room in the Palisades Conference Room in the Village at Squaw Valley. That’s really what saved us last February. We braved the storm and headed to Squaw, where the cure for cabin fever awaited us: a room chock full of puzzles, games, art supplies, a free popcorn machine, and comfy bean bags. The kids made crafts out of construction paper and popsicle sticks while I enjoyed a moment of peace. Kid-O-Rama made all of us happy.
