squaw lake tahoe

Sensational skier? Black-diamond bragger? Or are you someone who’s always wanted to take to the slopes but just never tried before? Right now, the mountains are calling you. Usually at this time of year, the peaks are packed with gleeful people crossing elevations like streets, schussing down and riding up the slopes and reeling at the grandeur of it all. But if Squaw Valley, on the north side of Lake Tahoe, is anything to judge by, the slopes and lifts and cable cars have a wonderful amount of elbow room, allowing experts extra room to practice their tricks, and beginners plenty of space to make their mistakes.

Recently, I set out to Squaw looking for a little beginner action of my own. My goal was a humble one—I merely wanted to stand up and get down the slope without falling. One of the many reasons Squaw particularly appealed to me was that beginners aren’t relegated to bottom-of-the-mountain bunny slopes. Instead, many of the beginner runs are right at the top of the mountain, meaning truly majestic views of the Sierra Nevada crags and valleys, plus, of course, the sparkling gem that is Lake Tahoe.

Since I was a total rookie, I opted for a lesson, which ended up being a very wise decision. The Squaw Valley Ski and Snowboard School is one of the tops, and the instructor I had was one of those rare examples of a masterful teacher who exhibited the perfect balance of kindness and patience, yet also knew exactly when to push just slightly past the comfort zone to reach the next level.

The Village at Squaw, where I stayed, was wonderfully self-contained. My friend and I parked the car when we first arrived, and never used it again for the entirety of the weekend, which made things really convenient. The après ski options were great, too. One evening we met up with friends at the Auld Dubliner, a fun Irish pub that knows how to pour a Guinness. Another night we ate at 22, a brand-new restaurant with a crowd-pleasing, playful menu of upscale comfort food for down-to-earth prices (goat cheese and bacon “donut holes,” anyone?). Rounding out the burgers and beer-battered chicken were also plenty of vegetarian options. I had a salad that was the perfect blend of tropical citrus and mint. Oh, and the sweet potato fries are scrumptious.

If you stay in The Village like we did, you’ll have your choice of suites. Ours was a one-bedroom with its own fireplace and kitchen, plus it afforded a spectacular view of the slopes (I could lie in bed and watch the lifts move up and down the mountain).

Like most ski resorts in the nation, there are plenty of deals to be had at Squaw right now. In particular, be on the lookout for packages. The weekend I was there, for example, there was a special running where beginners could learn how to ski, rent equipment, and get lift passes all for one really low price. Plus, next month (February 27 to March 5, 2009) is a great time to go to Squaw as it’ll be hosting the only U.S. leg of the Freeride World Tour, where they’ll open up a part of the mountain so daring that only the most skilled of skilled can take to its face, and street parties and celebrations will ring throughout the Village below.