This California snow haven-turned-summer sanctuary offers something for everyone in the family.
Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows was home to the 1960 Winter Olympics, and if being in the land of gold medal athletes isn’t enough, it’s nestled right in the bottom of a bowl full of beauty. There’s a feeling of greatness in the air with history, activities, and amenities galore. But it’s not just for ski bunnies; it’s a summer steal for sunbirds and their families! I mean, how many people can say that they’ve roller skated on top of a mountain?! From four wheels at 8,200 feet and swimming at High Camp to s’mores by the fire pits lighting up the village nightlife, this is classic Tahoe – family style.
Where to stay in Squaw Valley?
After just coming off of another trip where my family and I stayed in a hotel, I can honestly say that the condos at Squaw Valley are the way to go! Our suite had two bedrooms, gas fireplace, balcony, and full kitchen. Traveling with my 3-year-old and newly-crawling 10-month-old makes for constant need for safety and food. We had it all in our room, including a pack ’n play provided by the property.
The Village at Squaw Valley is slopeside lodging that gives you easy access to everything. So whether your kids are walking, in a stroller or in a baby carrier, you can get to restaurants, wine bar, shops, even a small grocery store (We stopped in for s’mores supplies; they even had sticks and baby wipes to help with clean-up!) all within the village. Rates average $140/night for midweek and start at $219/night for the weekend during the summer.
If you’re looking for something a bit more upscale, Resort at Squaw Creek is a short shuttle ride away from the Village. The resort is a AAA Four-Diamond beauty. A deluxe spa and 18-hole golf course are just the beginning. A large lawn gives your kids the space to run wild or play soccer, ping-pong, and life-size checkers – that is, if they don’t stop at the pool first. Complete with a waterslide and beach area with a shallow area for the little ones, it’s easy to see yourself lounging California cool-style here. Summer rates average $279/night.
KidTripster TIp: If you want to stay at the Village, you can still use the resort pool, if you have a spa appointment booked. They have loads of relaxing treatments, including the Chillax session for kids (ages 6 and up)! Think cucumbers on the eyes, a light facial followed by stretching and breathing. Cost: $35/25-minute session.
What to do in Squaw Valley?
In the summer, the possibilities are endless at Squaw! There’s so much to do, it left me thinking of summer camps of my youth and so pleased that my daughter started her own traditions here.
The Village at Squaw Valley is a destination in and of itself. There are 60 bars, restaurants, and boutiques; our favorites were the ice cream and yogurt shop, toy and book store, and Starbucks (parents always keep an eye out for coffee, am I right?) in this European-inspired village.
Another don’t miss, major highlight: taking the aerial tram all the way up to High Camp. My daughter loved watching as we soared over 2,000 feet up the side of the mountain. I was too busy trying to be brave, so she wouldn’t see my fear of heights, but I gather that the 360-degree views on the way up were impressive! At the top, you can feel the Olympic rush, standing under the rings and peering out over the massive, beautifully-blue Lake Tahoe. It’s an experience that will take your breath away.
Ditch your shoes and strap on skates at the roller rink at High Camp. Maybe it was the altitude, but there’s something about hugging the rail with your child and eventually gliding and giggling on the edge of a mountain to make you feel on top of the world. Or take a dip in the pool. That’s right, a pool on top of a mountain! It only gets around 4-feet deep, so not shallow enough for the littles to cruise alone but a treat nonetheless. As a bonus, take a spin through the Olympic museum and stand on the podium where medal-winning athletes once stood.
KidTripster Tip: I was wearing my son in a front carrier, but we still brought our stroller. While the paths may be stroller-friendly, there were a lot of stairs – stairs to get down to roller skating, stairs to get to the Olympic museum, stairs to get to the pool – you get the idea. So be forewarned: no ramps at High Camp.
Back down the mountain, Squaw Kids Adventure camp takes kids (ages 5 to 13) to new heights in the High Sierras. We’re talking crafts like flower pressing, counselor-led hiking trips, disc golf, LEGO building, geo-caching, and more! Best part, parents? That means you get a chance to have some time to explore the village. Sip wine at the wine bar, do yoga at the Wanderlust Studio or play a round at Links at Squaw Valley. The summer camp happens Fridays through Mondays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Kids are split up by age. Cost: $129/day; discount if you book one day in advance of camp start date. Register online or call (800) 403-0206.
The Adventure Center offers other activities throughout the village: an 18-hole mini-golf course that meanders along stores or the Sky Jump trampoline that sends anyone from 20 to 200 pounds, 25 feet high into the sky. Trampoline cost: $12 for 5 minutes of jumping.
Just a short, 10-minute walk from the Village, you’ll discover a treetop ropes course. You’ll find nine different bridges, seven short ziplines, five ways to climb up, and a giant swing. My 3-year -old thrill seeker wanted desperately to try it out, but kids have to be 5 years old. Next time! Cost: Youth (5 -12) $40; Adult $50.
On Thursday evenings, grab your blanket and sweatshirts and get cozy under the comets dancing across the velvety, night sky, where your family can watch a free outdoor movie on the grass. What better way to top off a lazy (or not so lazy!), long summer day that fades into the evening.
And no trip to the great outdoors is complete without s’mores! Fire pits are spaced along the main road of the village with the fire dancing like an Olympic torch. Sitting in oversized Adirondack chairs around the fire, my 3-year-old and her grandma roasted marshmallows. While cleaning the goo out of my daughter’s hair hours later, I decided that this is the stuff of summer vacations – where dreams are made, and memories don’t easily wipe away.
Where to eat in Squaw Valley?
The food at Squaw Valley is as beautiful as it is delicious. We tried out several restaurants and weren’t disappointed, though cooking in our condo was also a great option, especially with small children.
Mountain Nectar serves up smoothies, fresh-squeezed juices, breakfast sandwiches, and generously-sized lunch wraps. Other favorites included Fireside Pizza Company, which has tasty gourmet pizzas with regular and unconventional toppings, as well as gluten-free crusts.
The resort also offers a farm-to-table dinner experience several times during the summer. It’s a three-course dinner prepared in a food truck and served in a gorgeous secret garden. It features sustainably-sourced products from local farms. It was an over-the-top dinner fit for a Squaw Valley vacation.
Getting to Squaw Valley
Tahoe is a 1-hour drive from Reno, 2-hour drive from Sacramento or 3-1/2-hour drive from San Francisco. If you don’t have a car in Tahoe, you can opt to take Uber.
Meghan Kalkstein is a former journalist, living in the San Francisco Bay area with her husband and two children. When she’s not chasing a 3-year-old and a baby, you can catch her wielding a hot glue gun, sewing or crafting like crazy.
This writer received a complimentary stay and some activities for the purpose of this review. However, all opinions expressed are solely her own.
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