February 20-21 Weekend Operations

As the Ski Skate holiday week in Tahoe wraps up, we are expecting a potentially busy weekend ahead. If you plan to visit over the next few days, please be sure to check the weather & road conditions and be prepared to comply with all current Covid-19 policies while at Squaw Alpine. While some things look different this season, skiing and riding are just as fun as ever. Please bring your patience and enjoy the sport we all love!

Weather & Lift Operations

A weak storm system is moving into the Sierra. The latest NOAA weather forecast calls for rain, snow, and high winds on Friday and Saturday, with the clouds clearing by Sunday for sunny skies and warmer temps. Only a few inches of snow are expected to accumulate by Saturday.

Ridgetop winds are forecasted to gust 70-80+ mph on Friday, so upper mountain lifts will likely be impacted. There is also the potential for delays due to Rime Ice. When snow levels start high and drop, the transition from rain to snow can lead to significant rime ice buildup on chairlifts. This season, we have reduced capacity in our lift terminals and enclosed motor rooms to allow for physical distancing With fewer employees allowed in these areas, the work to remove the thick rime ice will take longer than usual.

Please note: The Aerial Tram is scheduled to open for the public at 10am this Saturday and Sunday.

Please check the app, website, or operations Twitter for real-time lift status.

Example of rime ice on Emigrant Chairlift. Photo taken by Mountain Manager Jimmy King on February 16, 2021

LIMITED INDOOR CAPACITY

It will be cold and wet at times this weekend, so please remember that indoor capacity remains limited due to Covid-19 protocols. Be prepared to spend extended periods of time outdoors. We recommend that you dress warm and you kit your car out with a thermos of hot water, extra layers, and a good playlist. You will want to use your car as a home base. Lodges are open for restrooms and to-go food, but indoor warming spaces will not be available.

Parking & Traffic

Parking spaces are more limited this season due to less carpooling during the pandemic, fewer people taking public transportation, and the suspension of our Mountaineer Shuttle Service. Our parking is likely to fill up quickly at both mountains this weekend. Once lots are full, they are full, and there is no reason to continue driving towards Squaw Alpine. We provide regular updates on our parking lot status updates through the Squaw Alpine app. Make sure you have your notifications turned on. Additionally, you can follow our Squaw Alpine Ops Twitter account to see our tweets about parking capacity as well. Please remember to carpool and tailgate only with your household.

Can I reserve parking in advance?

If you want to guarantee a spot for yourself, some parking is available to pre-purchase for Alpine Meadows, but otherwise, all of our parking is free, and it is first-come, first-served.

What should I do if parking fills up? Can I get a refund?

If we say our parking is full, it is FULL so please do not continue to the resort. We will not have spots in our lots until later in the afternoon. Drop-offs are not permitted when parking is full.

If you are unable to park at either mountain and need to make a change to your lift ticket, lesson, rental/demo or activity reservation, you can fill out our refund & date change request form. We honor all refunds that are requested due to park-out conditions.

Where can I check road conditions?

Road conditions will be affected, and you should take this into consideration when planning your visit. We recommend using the CalTrans Quick Map to check road closures or to see if you will need chains.

HOW TO ACCESS THE MOUNTAIN

Here are a few important reminders for this weekend:

There are no day-of tickets available at Squaw or Alpine. If you do not have a pass or pack, you must purchase your tickets online in advance. If you are unable to acquire a ticket or pass online in advance, please don’t come.

Ikon Friends & Family tickets do not sell out and are available. These tickets should be purchased day-of at any ticket window.

If you have Friends & Family tickets for a Squaw Alpine Military Pass, Squaw Alpine Season Pass, or the Midweek 4 Pack, these also do not sell out and must be purchased in person. Please note: Military Friends & Family tickets are blacked out on weekends.

If you need to request a refund or change the date of your visit, you can fill out our refund & date change form to get started. Please note: If you need assistance with a lodging reservation, do not use this form. Call 1-800-403-0206 and one of our agents will help you.

FACE COVERINGS AND SOCIAL DISTANCING

Physical distancing and mask-wearing are being strictly enforced: A two-layer face covering is required at all times except when skiing and riding down the mountain. Masks and gaiters can get soggy in wet or snowy weather, so consider packing several. You can keep them dry in a bag in your pocket, or leave extras in your car.

If you’re still looking for the perfect two-layer mask, we recommend Phunkshun Wear! These face coverings are available to purchase at Parallel Mountain Sports in the Village at Squaw Valley and Estelle Sports located in the Alpine Meadows Lodge.

Phunkshun Wear face coverings

DINING & SHOPPING

While the Stay-Home order has been lifted, Placer County is still in the Purple Tier of Covid regulations. This means that our restaurants are open for to-go food or outdoor seating only. You can plan ahead and order online from a number of our establishments. Our retail locations, meanwhile, are open for business at 25% capacity. Please know and respect our local regulations.

Weekend Activities

Snowtubing: While the popular Disco Tubing is sold out this Saturday night, you can still purchase daytime snowtubing in advance.

NASTAR Races: Give your weekend a competitive edge by racing against friends, family & other skiers on our NASTAR racecourse located at the top of Shirley Lake Express on Ramp Run.

Alpenglow Backcountry Tours: Hone in your backcountry skills while traveling outside the ski area boundaries with Alpenglow’s AMGA certified guides. Riding the lifts means less time hiking and more time skiing and riding this coveted backcountry terrain. Now includes the coveted terrain of National Geographic bowl outside of Granite Chief. Book a Tour with Alpenglow.