About Squaw Valley

Squaw Valley

Squaw Valley Ski Resort in Olympic Valley, California, is one of the largest ski areas in the United States, and was the site of the 1960 Winter Olympics. It is the second-largest ski area at Lake Tahoe after Heavenly, with 33 chairlifts, and has the only funitel lift in the U.S. The resort attracts approximately 600,000 skiers a year.

Located in the Sierra Nevada, with a base of 6,200 ft (1,900 m) and spread across 6 peaks and 4,000 acres (1,600 ha) the resort tops out at 9,050 ft (2,760 m) above sea level at Granite Chief. The area receives heavy maritime snowfall, frequently receiving 40 ft (12 m) or more in a winter.

A scenic aerial tramway carries visitors to 8,200 ft (2,500 m) to High Camp. The cars are attached to a fixed point on a cable loop. When one car is at the top of the mountain, the other car is at the bottom.

Squaw Valley is home to several annual summer events. The July Wanderlust Festival brings in accomplished yoga teachers as well as many well-known musical performers. In August, the Squaw Valley Writer’s Conference attracts authors from all over the world. Many summer camps operate out of the Valley.