 Poster: A snowHead
|
Hi all,
I’m lucky enough to be going to San Francisco on a work-related trip in early April, and it’s likely that I’ll have a few days to myself before I have to come home. I’m therefore thinking of heading off to Squaw Valley for 4 or 5 days, probably from about the 6th – 10th April (I’ve gathered from other SH threads that Squaw is both the nearest resort to SF and has the best skiing). This will be my first experience of the States, and I’m looking for a few pointers from those of you who know more than me about these things (which is probably all of you).
1. Getting there
a) Train - I’ve checked out the train, and this looks a nightmare option. At least two changes to get from SF to Truckee, and then a bus to Tahoe City and then another bus to Squaw Valley. Not very cheap, and will probably take about 7 or 8 hours. Unless anyone knows better.
b) Bus – I can’t find any bus service direct to Squaw, and again it looks as though it will take a couple of changes and about 8 hours. Does anyone know of a direct ski bus?
c) Plane – the cheapest flight I’ve found from SF to Reno is about $600 dollars, then I’d still need to get a bus to Squaw.
d) Car – does anyone know how much it would cost to hire a car in SF for 5 days? This looks like being my best bet, but I’ve heard that hiring a car in the States can be very pricey when they’ve added in your insurance etc. Any tips?
2. Accommodation
a) I’ve browsed the Squaw Valley website, and can’t seem to find any accommodation apart from condos (what are they?) or apartments sleeping at least 4 people, which are all very expensive ($150 - $400 dollars a night). I’ll be on my own and only need a single room in a normal hotel or B&B, and was hoping to pay no more than £50 pounds a night – I thought the States was supposed to be cheap! Does anyone have any recommendations?
b) Also, does anyone know the layout of the resort? Is there a free ski shuttle bus to get round the resort, or is it all walkable from all accommodation? I’d obviously like to be a short walk from the lifts, unless there is a handy and regular shuttle bus. If I have a car, is there easy lift-side parking?
3. Ski Gear
As I’ll be on primarily a business trip I don’t think I’ll have room to take my ski jacket and trousers etc. (although may take my own boots – mmmm, comfy). Is it possible to hire ski clothing in the resort? If not, anyone know where I could find this – SF maybe? What is it likely to cost?
4. Apres Ski
Being a saddo on my own, anyone have any recommendations for decent/lively places to go out in the resort, or will I be having lots of early nights?!
Any other tips, advice or recommendations about my trip would be gratefully received! Many thanks.
Cheers,
Dave
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
|
|
|
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
|
squaw is at the north end of lake tahoe. there's a small town up at the nrth end of thelake where you might fnd accomcodation, it's about a 15 minute drive IIRC
at the south end of thelake is South Lake tahoe, where you'll find a much bigger choice of accomodation, esepcially as the town straddles the nevada birder and hence has lots of casinos. you pass SLT on the way up to squaw anyway.
Heavenly resort is right outside SLT, I think since my vosot they've built a cable car from the centre of town, so if you ski heavenly you don't need to drive. it's about 45 minutes up to squaw (and Alpine meadows next door, smaller but I preferred it) or about 50 nminutes to Kirkwood to the south
Isn't pollitcl from round that way? she may have better advice,it's now 5 years since I was there (I remember as that's where mrs NBT and I got togeher 
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
I cant imagine that there is any viable alternative to car hire. It is an easy drive in good weather. Interstate all the way until you take the turn off for the North end of the lake. There will be traffic in the San Francisco urban area and when you hit Sacramento, otherwise it should be a breeze, unless you hit a storm, when all bets are off.
Try an internet search for a car hire deal- we have always used Alamo who have never let me down. We usually buy it through the travel agent who gets our flights.
You need to understand the difference between US resorts and European ones. Squaw Valley is as follows. A few miles from the north end of the Lake. You come off the highway (by car) and drive up the access road to a gigantic car park. At one end of it is the Squaw Valley Resort, a pricey hotel in its own grounds. It has lift access from there onto part of the mountains. At the other end of the car park is the resort which consists of a number of lodgings, bars restaurants and the base station. You dont need a bus there, you could walk anywhere in 2 minutes.The upside of staying there is that you are at the lifts. The downside is that I dont know what it would be like once the day crowds had gone. Bear in mind the usual US approach is drive there, park, ski, finish, get back in car and go home. It might be OK if you are just there for a few days, longer you might get a need to broaden your horizons.
In good weather you can drive to Squaw from any of the towns on the North Lake or from Truckee. If you want real cheap (but good) hotel accomodation go to Reno and stay in a casino hotel (which is most of them). Midweek they virtually give the rooms away to get people in to spend money on the tables. Likewise the food is cheap to draw in the punters. You are a bit away from Squaw, but you can go back down I80 from Reno andthen cut over to the North end. Alternatively thereare casino hotels just over the Nevada border on the north lake which might do you a deal midweek. Then again you can go to South Lake Tahoe as suggested, again in Nevada so you have the casinos. The drive from SLT to Squaw would, I think, be more of a chore than the one from Reno (but a lot more scenic as you go round the Lake
We always stay in Incline Village, on the North Lake. We have used the Village Ski Loft there for rentals, which have always been good. Check their website for cost
Apres, in my experience is quiet especially midweek, that said, we go with kids so we are not really looking for it. But it is not going to be anything like the Alpine resorts for bars/clubs etc. TheSquaw base may be very lively (never been there at night so dont know, but I doubt it). The North lake towns could best be described as "sleepy". The most action will be in the Reno casinos I imagine (or SLT).
Last year when we stayed at Incline we skied Squaw, Alpine Meadows,Northstar, Mount Rose, Sugar Bowl and Heavenly. Acar gives you that choice, drivetime was 15-35 mins in good weather(which we had)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
|
Dave Burt, Colin's right, on all counts! I agree that Incline is pleasant and very handily located, but a bit sleepy.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
1) you have to hire a car.
2) accomodation - if you want to spend less than $150 night - you will have to stay in Truckee or Tahoe City (squaw is in between them on Hwy 89 - about 15 min drive). Try either Holiday Inn Express or Travelodge.
if you want to pay more than $150/night - then you can stay the squaw base in either Plumpjack Inn, Resort at Squaw Creek, Squaw Valley Lodge or VIllage at Squaw. just google them and you can contact them directly.
apres-ski - BY april the crowds thin out. there are a couple of nice bars/restaurants at the squaw base - Balboa and Mamasake. Resort at squaw creek also has a couple of good bar/restaurants. other than that you would have to head to truckee or tahoe city or Incline Village.
also as someone mentioned - staying in Reno is anothe roption where you can probably find rooms for $50. but I would say it is at least an hour drive in good weather to squaw on a well maintained highway.
you should be able to find some rental shop in truckee that rents out ski clothing. go to google.com, click on Local and type in - ski clothing rental in truckee, ca - you will find a bunch of stores.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I am going to Squaw for the 29th march and we have booked a car through
http://www.airline-network.co.uk/
which is using Dollar rent a car and have focus equivalent car booked for 10 days which is cost £155 with all insurance and snow chains/ ski racks etc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dave Burt,
!. Hiring a car would be your best bet - San Fransisco airport to Squaw Valley is 200 miles - 3-4 hours at off peak times. I would offer you a lift, but I go mainly FRiday nights and come back Sunday nights, which I don't think fits in for you?
2. Accomodation - yes, Squaw is expensive so your best bet is to check out the Truckee and Tahoe City hotels - they have cheaper stuff, but I don't think you'll get anything for less than $90 a night. (try on Expedia, etc.) The Village at Squaw often has deals for April, especially mid week, where the studio condos (basically a room - sleeps 4 though) goes for $130 or so a night. Stay away from Alpine Meadowa the 8th - 10th - it's the PSIA - W Convention, so it will be crawling with instructors, which might be a cause of high prices in the surrounding areas!
3. Ski clothes - I think Plumpjack/ the Inn Shop rents trousers - I'll check tomorrow for you! Not sure about jackets - but it should be warm, and sunny so a light jacket is all you should need.
4. Apres Ski - Squaw is fairly small, but most people seem to have a good time - I tend to hang out at High Sierra, but lots of people like Balboa, Chamois, Olympic Bar - and then there's always Truckee and Tahoe - Mamasake is a decent sushi bar.
Anything else - ask questions, and I'll try to answer!
nbt, yes I'm over this way - I'm working part time at Squaw now! - I'll be on the road in about 6 hours, or so.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
|
Many thanks everyone for these really helpful answers. You've led me to the following conclusions:
1) I'm going to hire a car - it actually looks really cheap, and I might even treat myself to a 4x4 SUV for the week!
2) I don't want to be as far away from Squaw as Reno or South Lake Tahoe, so will probably settle for Tahoe City or Truckee. Also considering Crystal Bay, which seems to be on the North Shore just inside the Nevada border - anyone know anything about it? Wherever, it's going to be a real pain driving 10 to 20 miles every morning - I think I've been spoilt with my ski-in/ski-out experiences in Europe!
3) Plumpjack sounds just my size!
4) The only problem with not staying at Squaw itself is missing out on the apres - I do like a drink but not keen on drinking and driving. Do Tahoe City or Truckee have anything that passes as apres (i.e. Austrian style drinking sessions)?
Pollittcl - may see you in a bar on the Friday or Saturday night - I'll be the one getting drunk in the corner wearing a snowHeads t-shirt!
And one final question:
5) I read on the SCGB website that the lift pass for Squaw also covers Heavenly and a few other resorts, but it makes no mention of this on any of the Lake Tahoe resort websites, which list different prices for the different resorts. Is it true? And if so does it make sense to buy your pass at one of the smaller and cheaper resorts and then use it at Squaw?!
Cheers all,
Dave
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Crystal Bay is between where we stay and Squaw/Alpine so I have driven through it. Small place, a few hotels/casinos, not much in the way of shops,access to the Lake if you want it. On the very sleepy side of sleepy would be my guess, unless gambling is your thing.
My guess is that neither Tahoe City nor Truckee would have your idea of apres !!
Lift tickets. Try this site
http://www.slidingonthecheap.com
There is I think a ticket which covers a number of Tahoe resorts (which is different from a bog standard Squaw ticket -or any other ticket-I think). Alot of places do deals for midweek, less so weekend. Not sure is Squaw does deals at all. Alpine Meadows, on the other hand, last year at least had a $39 ticket, which is significantly below list price for a number of other resorts
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
|
|
|
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
|
Cheers Colin - a really intersting read. Can't wait to get out there now!
Aren't those lift passes pricey?!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dave Burt, those are the lowest prices I've seen in the US! (and, at current exchange rates, are cheaper than much of Europe)
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
$62 for a day at Squaw Valley (full price, not student price) - that's about £34.
Or a one week (6 day) pass at $299 is about £163 - that's a lot more than even the most expensive European resorts!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
|
Dave Burt, ah, I was just looking at discount passes. Still, for US skiing $62 is about average. And don't forget, the current exchange rate is around $1.91, which saves us a few more £££
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
pollittcl, Thanks for this. I'm planning to take boots and 'essentials', so will probably just need to hire trousers (my knowledge of US English leads me to the horrible conclusion that I'm going to have to ask Frank if he's got any spare pants that I can hire  ) and a jacket - though I'm hoping it'll be warm enough for just my fleece (or even a snowheads t-shirt if I'm really lucky  ).
For accommodation I'm thinking of spoiling myself and getting a room at the Plumpjack Inn which, if I've understood their special offer correctly, means that I could get at least one free night (although I may have to stay one night more than originally planned in order to get the special deal - oh, the sacrifices we have to make  ). Failing that I guess it'll be some dive motel in Tahoe City or the Biltmore at Crystal Bay.
What was going to be a very cheap few days, largely at the expense of the American taxpayer (thanks y'all!), seems to be turning into a major trip costing at least as much as a one-week package to the Alps! Still, I doubt I'll get such a chance again, and I'm sure it'll be worth every penny. Cheers for all your advice guys.
Dave
Btw, pollittcl, what job have you got at Squaw?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
|
Dave Burt,
You will be spoiling yourself if you stay at Plumpjack - it is very, very nice - don't forget to bring something to swim in, since their pool and hot tub are open all year (well you would expect the hot tub to be anyway, but not many places have pools open!). The resaurant is good, too, although expensive as well - I was treated to dinner there a few weeks ago and really enjoyed the meal.
Should be warm enough for just your fleece - it was hot last weekend, but luckily it has cooled off a bit this week, and we're hoping for snow starting today! Which I don't want to start too early since I've got to drive up there this afternoon.
As for my job - I'm Squaw's newest ski instructor!  I teach the 'never-ever' group lessons (level 1), although last Sunday I got to teach level 2. It's great fun, and I love watching people gaining confidence and improving their skiing.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
| Quote: |
As for my job - I'm Squaw's newest ski instructor! I teach the 'never-ever' group lessons (level 1), although last Sunday I got to teach level 2. It's great fun, and I love watching people gaining confidence and improving their skiing.
|
Cool! I was thinking of taking a couple of private lessons while I'm there, so I may be asking you for some advice re. ski schools nearer the time.
Have a great weekend!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
|
Dave Burt, There is only one ski school at Squaw - things are run a bit differently in the US than they are in Europe, and most resorts only have their own ski school, and don't allow any other instruction - I think it has to do with liability insurance! But, Squaw has a very good range of instructors - let me know what you are interested in achieving in your private lessons, and I'll find out who would be the best instructor for you to request - I know who I like to have clinics from, but my current interests might not match yours!
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
| Quote: |
There is only one ski school at Squaw - things are run a bit differently in the US than they are in Europe, and most resorts only have their own ski school, and don't allow any other instruction
|
God, and we accuse the French of protectionism! Where's the American sense of competition?!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
it's completely different though - inmost places the resort is owned by one company who own all the pistes and lifts, unlike in fance where the land is owned by various people etc
and the americans know about customer service 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
nbt, you're exactly right - the entire mountain is owned by Squaw Valley Ski Corporation, which is still owned by Alex Cushing. Some of the base is now managed by other companies but the main areas are owned by Squaw. And although Squaw is a big resort in American terms it isn't as big as you get in Europe - there wouldn't be room on the mountain for more than one ski school.
Anyway - it doesn't really matter who owns what - what does matter is that it has been snowing since Friday night, giving us another couple of feet of new snow! (but the drive back last night was awful - the number of people who were trying to get through chain control without chains was unbelievable! - I carry chains even driving a 4 x 4 with snow tyres).
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
|
| Quote: |
nbt, you're exactly right - the entire mountain is owned by Squaw Valley Ski Corporation, which is still owned by Alex Cushing. Some of the base is now managed by other companies but the main areas are owned by Squaw. |
Interesting. I've never really understood how it works over here, but I've always assumed that the mountains are 'owned' by the local council (I never imagined that a corporation could own a whole mountain!), that the lift system is owned and operated by a private company (presumably paying a hefty whack to the council for the privilege), and that all businesses, including ski schools, have the same rights to set up shop as any business anywhere else. I'd be intesreted if anyone could elaborate a little, or correct me if I'm completely wide of the mark.
| Quote: |
what does matter is that it has been snowing since Friday night, giving us another couple of feet of new snow!
|
Fantastic! Just don't use it all up before I arrive in a fortnight!
| Quote: |
(but the drive back last night was awful - the number of people who were trying to get through chain control without chains was unbelievable! - I carry chains even driving a 4 x 4 with snow tyres).
|
What's the score with chains and a 4x4? I' ve decided that I am going to hire a 4x4 - will this be enough, or should I try and hire some chains as well? I'm still paranoid about driving on snow since I wrote off my cavalier in the French Pyrenees in 1993 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Most - if not all - US Ski resorts - lease their land/mountain from the US Forest Service (Federal Government).
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
I'm not sure I understand it fully, either,but inmy little mind, I see it that in north america, the company owns the hill, the lifts, and the rights to to it all. they runn all te restaurants, the schoools etc, quite possibly the shops at the base. this is why in america you can have your lift pass revoked for skiing dangerously or disobeying "closed" notices etc. I do believe in france someone had a lift pass confiscated and successfully challeneged it in court on the basis that they'd bought a pass for the use of the lifts, which was entirely separate from the use of the pistes which had led to the confiscation.
also in france, you tend to find lots of refuge and simplepiteside restaurants which are no woned by the resort - these peope have to ferry their own supplies up and dow the hill which to my mind explains the massive price gap between mountain lunches in france and north ameria
|
|
|
|
|
|
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
|
Dave Burt,
Check the web site - 4 feet of fresh snow as of this morning, and more is forcast!
www.squaw.com
I don't think you need to worry about chains - it's very unlikely that you would need to use them, since with mud and snow tyres a 4x4 is legal in all but the very worst weather, when you wouldn't want to be driving anyway, and they usually close the roads at that point. In theory you could be stopped for not carrying chains, but I've never heard of anyone in a 4x4 who has been.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Well, it's now finally booked! I managed to find an excellent deal on expedia, and have booked a 1 bed condo (I'm still not sure exactly what a condo is) in the Village at Squaw from 6th to 11th April, and should be able to fit in at least 5 and a half days on the slopes (including maybe a day or two at Alpine Meadows, Homewood or Northstar).
Many thanks for all your advice and suggestions - you've helped me enormously.
pollittcl, considering how much I've already spent on the trip I may have to knock the idea of 1-to-1 instruction on the head (I've just checked out how much you charge!), but in case I change my mind (or win the lottery) I'd be looking at a two-hour session focussing on off-piste (although I'm a 16 week skier, I've got about 30 minutes experience of off-piste, and most of that time was spent digging myself out of a big hole )
Also, if you fancy a snowHeads meet-up on either the Friday or Saturday night, just name the bar (great t-shirt photo op as well). I owe you at least a pint for all your advice!
Cheers all,
Dave
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
condo = condominium = apartment
hope you enjoy it!
realy would recommend going over to alpine, ifyou don't mind treking,you could even hike it!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
Well, I'm here!
Picked up my rental car in SF early this morning (£199 on airline-network.co.uk for an SUV for 6 days, including all insurance and a full tank of petrol - bargain - thanks acanno!), and got here about 11.00am. What a beautiful drive too.
Was on the slopes by 11.30, after renting gear at the Plumpjack - thanks pollittcl (Frank wasn't there but got a 20% discount anyway with my accommodation).
Big blue skies all day, however temperatures of about + 14 degrees celsius meant that the snow was incredibly wet and sticky - I've never skied in anything like it. Impossible to pick up speed, and constantly getting jolted forward when hitting a particulary sticky patch. Guess this is the famous 'sierra cement' I've been reading about. Anyway, forecast is for change tomorrow - much colder, with 6 inches of fresh (hoepfully dry) snow on the way. Still had an excellent day today, and the suntan (well, sunburn) is doing well. And aren't the lifties so friendly! I even had an off duty instructor offer me a few tips for free as I was passing by. It's not quite France is it?
And thanks nbt - I now know exactly what a condo is. This place is fantastic. I've got a massive living/dining room with proper comfy sofas, the biggest bed I've ever seen, two TV sets (!), a DVD player, a luxury kitchen and bathroom, and a fabulous balcony overlooking the village centre. And all for myself! Pierre & Vacances could learn a few things if they came over here.
I'll try and post a full trip, and some photos, report when I get back.
Cheers all,
Dave
PS: pollittcl - assuming you're up at the weekend, let me know if I can buy you that beer.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
|
*la la la* not hearing you magic fingers firmly plugged in. Not jealous. honest
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
Welcome to spring skiing in the Sierras! (that's the sticky wet stuff). Best places on the mountain to ski when it is like that are - Siberia Bowl, Chicken Bowl from Headwall into Siberia Bowl (but can be icy early on), and then head over to the Shirley Lake runs, Solitude, Landbridge into Silverado, and Granite Chief!
At least you've got the sunshine - Sunday was nasty, with temps just below freezing, snow and lots of wind which meant that the upper mountain was closed!
Dave - I'll be around in the village on Saturday night, after about 4:30/5pm. I usually call in at Balboa, High Sierra, or if it is nice, Chamois! I'll keep a look out for a snowheads t-shirt! During the day I'll be working - I should have to check in out side the Funitel at 9am, and then up at High Camp 'on the hour' - I don't think I'm booked for any private lessons this weekend (but you never know!) I am the only British female in Adult Ski School, and nearly every one knows me (the brown helmet is a dead give-a-way!)
Hopefully I'll see you soon,
Claire.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FAQ
