Squaw Valley | Alpine Meadows Transforms Into Spring Skiing Capital

With the long-awaited onset of sunny skies and soft snow, the Spring Skiing Capital is coming alive at Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows. With a base of 18 feet of snow on the upper mountain, and a total of 682 inches of snowfall so far this season, the resort is prepared to ski and ride into the summer, with a projected closing date of July 7 at Squaw Valley and May 19 at Alpine Meadows. Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows received more snow than any other resort in the country this season.

• The new Gold Coast Snow Beach will be open on weekends through Memorial Day, and the High Camp Hot Tub opens May 10, weather and conditions permitting
• Resort plans to once again host the longest ski season in Tahoe, with skiing and riding at Alpine Meadows through May 19 and Squaw Valley through July 7

Unique events, al fresco après parties and numerous outdoor activities are what make the Spring Skiing Capital a bucket list destination for serious and casual skiers and riders alike. Longer days mean you can ski in the morning and then tackle a multi-sport day with biking, paddleboarding on Lake Tahoe or golf all nearby for the afternoon itinerary. Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows also has more al fresco drinking and dining than any other resort in Tahoe, with 19 outdoor decks and patios and three ski-up snow beaches. Ski up to the sunny, outdoor patio at Le Chamois, affectionately known to locals as “the Chammy,” and you might find yourself sharing a pint alongside some ski pros. Or for a remote, relaxing locale, try the Ice Bar on the backside of Alpine Meadows. The Cushing Crossing—the pond skim that started it all—returns on May 4 for its 29th year, continuing its legacy as a must-see spring event. To cap it off, Freedom Fest returns July 4-6 with skiing and riding, live music and fireworks.

NEW Gold Coast Beach Bar
Every weekend through Memorial Day, the new Gold Coast Beach Bar at Squaw Valley’s upper mountain will be the place to kick back with a cold drink on the snow beach. Grooming machines will lay down flat corduroy outside Gold Coast, one of Squaw Valley’s largest lodges and right in the heart of the action. The elevated snow beach will feature rows of bright lounge chairs—for some of the mountain’s best people watching— coolers full of cold drinks, brats sizzling on the grill and lawn games.  

High Camp Hot Tub to Open May 10, Weather and Conditions Permitting
When spring hits, it’s time to clear the feet of snow off the decks of the giant jacuzzi tub at High Camp at Squaw Valley, and invite spring revelers to trade their skis for bikinis and ski over to the High Camp Hot Tub at 8,200 feet. The tub-side Umbrella Bar serves up cold beers and icy cocktails to cool down the sun-drenched soakers, who can take in the spectacular views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains. Not a skier? The scenic Aerial Tram in the Village at Squaw Valley takes non-skiers and sightseers straight to High Camp to join in on the fun. 

Spring and Summer Schedule**
**All operations are subject to change due to weather and conditions

Squaw Valley Ski & Ride Schedule

• Open daily through Memorial Day (Monday, May 27)
• Open every weekend (Friday-Sunday) from Friday, May 31-Sunday, July 1
• Open for the Fourth of July Weekend, Thursday, July 4-Sunday, July 7
• Closing Day is Sunday, July 7

Alpine Meadows Ski & Ride Schedule

• Beginning Friday, April 26, open weekends (Friday-Sunday) through May 19, via Summit and Roundhouse
• Beginning Monday, April 22, Sherwood, Scott, Lakeview and Hot Wheels terrain will be closed for construction of the new Hot Wheels chairlift. No skinning or other access will be allowed
• Closing day is Sunday, May 19

Squaw Valley Aerial Tram Schedule

• The Aerial Tram and High Camp Hot Tub will be open Friday through Sunday for sightseeing only May 31-June 2 and June 7-9. The Aerial Tram will be open daily for sightseeing only beginning Friday, June 14

Spring Ticket Trio
New this season, Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows is introducing the Spring Ticket Trio, which includes three all-ages lift tickets good for any three days. You can use all three yourself, or share a ticket or two with friends or family members. The Spring Ticket Trio is available online or onsite, and saves guests $76 per day on each lift ticket.

Ikon Pass Price Increase
The 2019-20 Ikon Pass and Ikon Base Pass will both increase in price on April 24. If you buy prior to the deadline, the Ikon Base Pass sells for $649 and the full Ikon Pass goes for $949. Those prices will increase by $100 on April 24. In addition to access to 39 destinations worldwide, the pass starts to pay off immediately for California skiers with free spring access at some of the top destinations across the country. The 2019-20 Ikon Pass offers access to Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows starting April 8, for three whole months of free skiing and riding.