Photo taken by Ben Arnst at Alpine Meadows last week.
Tips for President’s Day Weekend
With a holiday weekend approaching, we wanted to share some helpful hints that will allow you to maximize your time on the slopes and get the most out of your visit here. Recently, we have had warm weather during the day followed by freezing temperatures at night. This has lead to firm or icy conditions in the morning, and sunny, spring-like conditions during the day. Here’s what you need to know:
Conditions
- Start the day off on the groomers. This will be the best, least-icy snow surface. Remember to keep at least 15 feet between you and other skiers or snowboarders.
- Follow the sun throughout the day. After some time on the groomers, if you would like to go off-piste, stick to an area that’s been in the sun for a bit. At Squaw Valley, your first stop should be Sun Bowl, the aptly-named, south-facing slope off of Headwall. Tower 16 is also primed for early sun exposure. Around midday, Siberia Ridge will have softened up. Later in the day, make your way to the north-facing slopes of Shirley Lake or Hogsback. Please remember to check the Squaw Alpine app or the trail map to make sure that these trails match your availability level. At Alpine Meadows, try Sun Spot off Summit in the morning. By 10:30 or 11am, South Face and the back bowls off Sherwood Chair will soften up. In the afternoon, try Scott Chute for a challenge (Patrol will keep the trail closed in the morning and open it once it softens up mid-day.) Please remember to check the Squaw Alpine app or the trail map to make sure that these trails match your ability level. Remember to wear sunscreen & eye protection, and stay hydrated!
- Please be patient with some off-piste terrain openings. We want to ensure safe conditions for everyone, so we may wait to open some steeper terrain until the snow has softened up. Additionally, some slopes may be unable to open entirely if they do not soften. For example, steep north-facing areas that don’t receive much sun this time of year are less likely to open.
- Stay aware of your surroundings. Heed the Skiers’ Responsibility Code, use caution when you are near other skiers/riders, and be mindful of unmarked obstacles.
Weather
- Saturday: Sunny with a high of 45 degrees. 20% chance of snow at night.
- Sunday: 40% chance of snow, but limited accumulation expected. Cloudy with a high of 39 degrees.
- Monday: Sunny & clear with a high of 34 degrees.
Stay Up-To-Date
- If you’re not big on arriving early, make sure that you enable push notifications using the Squaw Alpine app. This way, you can take your time and still get the most up-to-date information on what parking is available.
- You can also follow the Mountain Ops Twitter account for real-time information on parking, lift status, and more.
- If you want to know what to expect before you get to the resort –for example, on Sunday, when weather will be dynamic– you can ask Alexa or Google Home for the latest on weather & conditions to help inform your decision.
Parking & Getting Around The Resort
Carpool & Arrive Early. Carpoolers get access to our premium lots, closest to the tram at Squaw Valley and the base lodge at Alpine Meadows. You must have three or more persons in your group to count as a carpool. More information and frequently asked questions can be found here.
Don’t Forget About Mountaineer. If you are staying in either Alpine Meadows or Olympic Valley at Squaw, make use of the free app-based Mountaineer shuttle service. Remember, the shuttles do not go between each mountain. You can use the Squaw Alpine Shuttle to do that.
Use the Truckee or Tahoe City Park n Ride. A great option for later arrivals, you can now take TART buses between Truckee or Tahoe City and Squaw Valley. This service is totally free, and runs from 7am-6pm on both Saturday and Sunday. Get directions and more information here.
Events & Apres
Stay for Live Music & Fireworks! We will have live music at both Plaza Bar at Squaw Valley and Alpine Bar at Alpine Meadows from 3 to 6pm on Saturday, followed by a fireworks show on the KT deck at Squaw Valley starting at 6 PM. This is a great way to hang back for a bit and beat some of that traffic headed into either Tahoe City or Truckee.
Try out the new Tram Car Bar at Squaw Valley for après! This restored 70s era Tram Cabin has been transformed into a bar on the deck of Olympic House. You can also get a 10-ounce Yeti rambler with a vintage Squaw Valley logo on it for $25, and that includes the price of your drink!
