Women's Wellness Weekend and LUNAFEST

The Village at Squaw Valley was the home for local women to learn about staying healthy and reducing stress, among many other things this past weekend. Women's Wellness Weekend, presented by the Tahoe Forest Health System, gave classes, seminars, and workshops focusing on disease prevention, mindful eating, stress reduction, creativity and healing, skin care and breast health. Sunday had a health fair in the large Palisades Ballroom with massages and free information, as well as Fitness Classes in the Alpenglow Meeting Room. If you missed it, make sure to find out when it is next year because it was a great, seamless program full of helpful information.

Also this past weekend, LUNAFEST Film Festival, sponsored by Girls on the Run- Sierras, was a amazing fundraiser for a great program. Girls on the Run is a non-profit prevention program for girls in the 3rd grade to the 8th grade and combines training for a 5K run and healthy living. With purchase of a ticket, the event included a wine and food tasting in the beautiful Mountain Stream Conference Room at the Village at Squaw Valley, and a film festival where all movies were made by women, for women, and about women. There was also a live auction to benefit Girls on the Run- Sierras with prizes such as a Gold Ski Pass for Squaw Valley, a trip to South America, as well as other many wonderful prizes. If you are interested in volunteering, donating or learn more about the program, check out their website; http://www.girlsontherunsierras.org/.

If you would like to have an event or meeting in any of our fantastic conference spaces, check out our Conference Webpage to learn more, as well as find an email and phone number to ask about our low group rates and request a Proposal Contract from our Group Sales Team.

More Great Times at the Village

Another successful event at the Village at Squaw Valley. The team at the Village keeps bringing great times, music, and drinks. The 6th, and hopefully not last, annual Brews, Jazz, and Funk Fest brought amazing live Jazz and more than 20 micro brews for all over 21 to enjoy. Like always, with another event comes another day of perfect weather at Squaw Valley; and because the event benefited the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe, man (and woman's) best friend were crowding the cobblestone streets of the Village. The likes and sounds of Karl Denson, Ivan Neville, and much more put a smile on everyone's face and dance in their feet while they grasped a cold one in one, or both, of their hands. If you missed it, do not worry, because the Village still has more live music and events coming this September.

September 6th brings the 21st Alpen Wine Festival. From 2-5PM on that Sunday, live music and tastings from over 40 Wineries from the Northern California area come to please. September 19th and 20th, the 6th Annual Art Bark Fest comes back to the Village from 11AM-5PM each day. Animal themed activities(like watching a dog jump rope!), more free live music, and again wine tastings will keep you having fun at the Village at Squaw Valley.

If you are thinking about staying at the Village, they have great deals to save money on your stay. Check out the Village Events Package to see how much you can save so you don't have to worry about driving home for these great events.

A Successful First Wanderlust Festival

The inaugural Wanderlust Festival was both a success and an enjoyment for all. From the Yoga minds and bodies to the indie rock and influential DJ's, nothing could have made the event better. There wasn't a cloud in the perfect blue sky and the scenery of the Sierras and Lake Tahoe were breathtaking. And when the sun got a bit hot, hundreds of people went into Lake directly behind the venue; where the usual sight of ice and snow was seen as a rarely seen swimming hole for all in the hot sun of summer. The unfortunate and sad sickness to Michael Franti put what could have been a disappointment to the Festival, but with Spoon, Common, Girl Talk and more, the festival went on without a hitch. We do wish Michael could have been there and we give him our best. The Wanderlust Festival was even covered by the New York Times. See additional photos and read the article here.

If you were lucky enough to enjoy the aesthetic visions of the Kula Village and see the venue from mid-mountain of Squaw Valley, or if you unfortunately missed it, there is more this summer coming to the Village at Squaw Valley. Bluesdays has been a hit thus far, bringing in great blues bands every Tuesday for Free at 6:00 PM. Check out our Bluesdays Package offering a 1 Bedroom Suite for only $99/night.

Also, if Jazz and beer are more your style, check out the 8th Annual Brews, Jazz, and Funk Fest coming August 15th and 16th. This Free event brings some of the most recognized Jazz and Funk live music as well as samplings of over 20 micro and macro breweries. You can save money staying at the Village by booking with the Events Package on our website. In addition, this event benefits the Truckee Tahoe Humane Society. For a full lineup, check out our Events Calendar.

Don't Miss the Mystery Sale!

We have a very, very special offer available right now. For a very limited time only, you can book your stay for only $100 per bedroom! That's a savings of up to $79 per night for a 1 Bedroom Suite and $100 per night for a 3 Bedroom Suite. This sale is for a limited number of rooms and is only available from July 26th through August 8th. Book your room today! Click HERE to book online.

Tuesday is the Night to be in Squaw Valley

Bluesdays on Tuesdays at The Village at Squaw Valley

July-August 2009

What to do on a Tuesday night? How about free blues bands, cheap and delicious dinner and sale items throughout the shops.

Bluesdays is a great collaboration of all the retail shops and restaurants in The Village along with great live music that everyone can enjoy.

The first Bluesday kicked off on July 7th with Curtis Salgado playing to crowd of approximately 300 people. The atmosphere was very communal and welcoming. The restaurant offerings were exceptional from burgers and BBQ ribs to Elsa's Ahi Sliders and Handrolls. All food options are under $10, that's right! You can even enjoy a cold beer from the Bluesdays drink tent, PBR's are only $2. So what are you waiting for...bring your dog, dancing shoes, and your family out every Tuesday night throughout July and August.

Click HERE for a full lineup of the Bluesdays artists.

Stay the night for only $99 in a 1 Bedroom Suite, get a free CD of the band playing that night and a view of the main stage from your room. Check out our Bluesdays Package for more details.

The Wanderlust Festival in Squaw Valley

July 24-26, 2009

The Wanderlust Festival comes to Squaw Valley USA this July bringing world's top yoga teachers and incredible music headlined by Michael Franti and Spearhead.

The Village will be full of action when it is transformed into the "Kula Village" hosting a farmers market, non-profit vendors, fire dancing, music and DJ's. Don't miss this incredible event.

Rooms will be filling up quickly so book your room today in The Village before it is too late. Stay where the action is and engulf yourself in this incredible festival. Book Online or call 866-818-6966.

Skiing in the 70's

Spring is here. The temps are high and the spring skiing is at its finest. Squaw Valley remains the only North Shore resort still open for skiing and riding. High Camp is open for swimming and hot tubing so what are you waiting for? Book your stay at The Village at Squaw Valley and save with our Spring Sale, 20% Off!

This weekend, come out for the 101.5 Meet Your Mountain Pool Party. What's that you ask? How about $20 lift tickets, an air guitar contest, swimsuit contest and a raffle for a free season pass for next year.

What else.....? Collie Buddz plays at the Olympic Village Lodge on Friday the 24th.

Live music for apres ski continues every Saturday in The Village. Also keep an eye out on the Village Event Calendar for upcoming special events including information on Bluesdays. Every Tuesday evening through July and August, The Village at Squaw Valley is the place to be. Well known blues bands will fill the stage and the Village Restaurants will showcase a "Blue Plate Special."

In Memory of Shane McConkey, 1969-2009

The flags are at half mast today. You can feel the sorrow in the air in Squaw Valley. Shane was an influential person on so many levels that is it hard to quantify the loss. Watching Shane's segments in Matchstick films was so surreal and always made you wonder what he was going to do next. What a loss. He leaves an incredible story behind. We will miss our neighbor and friend and our thoughts are with his family.

Mountain Update-March 2009

It has been a while since the last blog post-I apologize to the readers. Vacation got in the way of work somehow. Unfortunately I missed the, "Storm of the Winter" which occurred March 1st through the 4th. Here is a quick recap of the storm: 12"-14", 16"-18", 28"-30", 20"-24". System total was over 7 feet! This storm did not come with out consequences. The tragic accident that took the life of a long time Squaw patroller left his friends, family and the community in grief. This was the second in-bounds avalanche to claim a life at Squaw Valley this year. Our sympathies go out to the family and loved ones of both victims.

The snow accumulations throughout February and March have built up the base quite nicely. Conditions are excellent and I got back just in time to catch the last storm that dropped 2 feet this past weekend. It was great to come home to choking powder runs followed by warm weather and California sunshine. After spending time in Jackson Hole and Utah, returning to Squaw Valley and Lake Tahoe was a really great feeling. Although the snow and terrain are great in both places, they just don't compare-in my opinion-to the weather, terrain and community of Squaw Valley and North Lake Tahoe. This is up for discussion of course.

Since the conditions are excellent pretty much anywhere on the mountain, I will just point out a few items to note about events and news. First of all, Squaw's new 50/60 Anniversary Season Pass pricing has been announced and the passes are on sale. This is incredible and there is nothing more to say about that. Secondly, the Spring Pass is on sale for $179. If you plan on skiing more than 3 days this spring, buy the pass. High Camp Pool and Hot Tub are open for the season. Pool parties or a quick soak between runs, you can't really beat that. Finally, the Sprint U.S. Freestyle Championships are coming to Squaw Valley this weekend. The top athletes from all over the U.S. will be competing in this final event for their spot on the U.S. Olympic Team. Johnny Mosley will be hosting the event.

Enjoy the spring skiing and check back from more updates.

Fabulous February!

There is a lot of talk about Fabulous February these days. The weather has truly been amazing. Squaw Valley USA has reported about 7 1/2 feet so far this February with continued snow in the forecast. The skiing has really been incredible if you like skiing powder every day. Guests who have come up for Presidents Week got some really great conditions.

It is hard to make any specific recommendations on places to ski since there is fresh snow everywhere. Squaw has been doing work on the halfpipe which was buried in new snow so that should be nicely cut as soon as the storms slow down. The only part of the mountain that is not open yet is Silverado. It takes a lot of snow to open that area and I think that after these storms clear out, it is going to open up. Broken Arrow has filled in again since January so make your way in there if you are looking for some fresh snow. Some of my best runs have still been on KT-22 which usually gets skied first thing and then forgotten about. There are some nice stashes and hidden spots. The West Face of KT-22 has been great as well. Chute 75, the Alternate Chutes, Rock Garden, Dead Tree, even the Portal is open.

Intermediate skiers should check out Red Dog and the Resort Chair for some lower mountain groomers and some nice tree skiing. Siberia offers a really nice, steep groomer. Shirley Lake and Solitude offer some great groomers and tree skiing on the upper mountain.

Attention CA Employees and Active Military Personnel!

Squaw Valley has just started offering Furlough Friday tickets for CA State Employees. All you need is a recent pay stub or valid CA State ID for your $30 ticket. Click the link for further details. All active US Military personnel also receive FREE lift tickets. Just bring your military ID to the special tickets office for your free ticket. Some blackout dates apply. Combine this with some great deals on lodging and you have a very affordable vacation.

Fresh Snow at Squaw Valley!

January has been a relatively dry month and everyone has been eagerly awaiting the next storm. Starting last Thursday, a series of low pressure systems came through the area with variable precipitation. We got some early rain at lower elevations and lake level but snow up on the peaks. After the first round of precipitation, the real snow finally came. There was about 8-10 inches of heavy snow on the top of the mountain on Saturday and then lighter snow came overnight and throughout the day yesterday. Squaw Valley reported up to 8 inches yesterday and another 6 overnight. Conditions are greatly improved and people are excited and smiling again.

Intermediate skiers will be pleased with conditions on Shirley Lake, Siberia and Gold Coast. The groomers finally have some fresh snow to work with. Advanced and expert skiers should explore around Granite Chief in the woods and the far skiers right near Corkscrew. The snow has filled in the traverse into the Slot and covered lots of the rocks on Headwall face. CII has been holding up well all year. My best runs of the day yesterday were hikes up into Broken Arrow which was closed on Saturday. It is pretty thin getting out of there so make sure you know where you are going and prepare to scrape some rocks and ski over some bushes but it is minimal and worth it.

The fresh snow has also improved conditions for cross country skiing and snowmobiling. Take a look at some options on the sidebar and explore some areas outside of Squaw Valley if you have the time.

Happy New Year!

December produced plenty of snow to create a nice base for the season. We are sitting in high pressure but the sun is shining and there is still some good snow out there. At least we are not getting the rain that the Pacific Northwest is getting. The north facing aspects have been holding up with wintery snow and the sun has been softening up the south facing slopes. The groomers have been great as well. Some suggestions for the advanced skiers, check out: Sun Bowl, Sun Chutes, Tower 16, C2, Black Forest. Siberia and Headwall have some great, steep groomers as well. Follow the sun around for some rare January corn snow. Drop your boards off at Granite Chief for a tune as sharp edges are a great advantage right now.