Squaw Valley: A Great Weekend Getaway in Lake Tahoe

by Mike Ryan

Discover the unspoiled beauty of the wild Sierras, with all the luxuries and comfort of a world-class resort. The Village at Squaw Valley offers fun and affordable mountain vacations, year-round. Just 45 minutes from Reno, Squaw Valley is ideal for a weekend getaway to the Lake Tahoe area.

Choose from 1, 2 or 3 bedroom condos in the Village. Each unit offers breathtaking views of the mountains, instant access to ski trails and sumptuous mountain decor, including private balconies, magnificent fireplaces and fully equipped state-of-the-art kitchens. Amenities include a children's high tech game room, whirlpool spas, saunas and complete fitness facilities.

The European-style Village at Squaw Valley is the crown jewel of Lake Tahoe. Stroll along wandering streets, bursting with friendly cafes, quaint specialty shops and fabulous restaurants. The whole family will love the year-round seasonal events, which include artisans, concerts, outdoor films and wine and art festivals. Be sure to bring the kids to the Waxen Moon Candle Studio, where they can make their own custom candle for as low as $12.

There's fun for the whole family at the Squaw Valley Adventure Center, which includes two climbing walls, the Skyjump Bungee Trampoline and the Adventure Ropes Course, with rope bridges, tree houses and 50' towers. Then, ride the Funitel (that's a fancy cable car) up to High Camp for year-round ice-skating with amazing views of Lake Tahoe. The Swimming Lagoon (open mid-march) offers sun and fun with poolside dining. During winter, kids (ages 3-12) can sign up for ski and snowboard lessons at Squaw Kids while adults try out the world-famous Squaw Valley slopes for themselves. Don't forget to visit the Olympic Museum, to see how the resort has grown since it initially opened for the 1960 Winter Olympics.

At the end of the day, pamper yourself at the Trilogy Spa, which artfully combines health, well-being and relaxation with ancient Hawaiian and Alpine healing traditions. Don't settle for a traditional massage when you can experience their famous honey massage, hot stone massage or ginger body butter rub. Trilogy's second Manhattan Beach location means you're never too far away from this luxury.

When you're ready to explore beyond Squaw Valley, you'll find 14 other premier ski resorts within a few miles. Besides the traditional alpine and cross-country skiing, you can also enjoy dog sledding, horse-drawn sleigh rides, snowboarding and a fantastic snowshoe trail through Shirley Canyon in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Already booked your winter vacation? No worries. Squaw Valley has a slew of summer activities too, including horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, hot air balloons, golf, swimming and ice-skating. You can even raft down the Truckee River or take out a speedboat, sailboat or kayak on Lake Tahoe.

Your mountain vacation is close, easy and affordable in The Village at Squaw Valley. For more information, call 530-584-1000 or visit www.thevillageatsquaw.com.