The Squaw Valley, USA Thread

[nycskier]

While we do get down to Heavenly from time to time, we also have an Epic pass. Heavenly is kinda like Killington, if you don't know the mountain well, you can spend all your time trying to get someplace else and many times that isn't as good as where you are. The mountain seems to be set up with mirrors...you see a part of the mountain that looks good, it takes you 3 lifts to get there (one of them you have to take twice ) and when you get there you realize it isn't that good and then you see another part of the mountain that looks fantastic and realize thats where you just were. LOL.

Mott and Killebrew Canyons are a blast and yes there are some great trees, but like Kton, Heavenly does not deserve the rap it gets.

What you say about Heavenly is so true. If you dont know the mountain is is a maze of mirrors. If you know it its freak'n awesome!!!! I always joke I spend half my time there showing people where to go and the other half following people to learn new secrets twists and turns.

Killington is a great analogy for the place in the sense that if you know the place its way better!

As for Mott all I can say is I've made 1st tracks in it on more than one occation after huge snow dumps. It was sick. Snow up to my waist. Insane!

 

[Philpug]

What you say about Heavenly is so true. If you dont know the mountain is is a maze of mirrors. If you know it its freak'n awesome!!!! I always joke I spend half my time there showing people where to go and the other half following people to learn new secrets twists and turns.

Killington is a great analogy for the place in the sense that if you know the place its way better!

As for Mott all I can say is I've made 1st tracks in it on more than one occation after huge snow dumps. It was sick. Snow up to my waist. Insane!

Well, we will have to ski it together next year.

 

[Geoff]

Killington is a great analogy for the place in the sense that if you know the place its way better!

All my Killington friends who moved to the Bay area ended up at Squaw. They were always similar in a lot of ways. Big. Brash. In-your-face.

 

[180]

We spent a week in Heavenly this past winter. Loved every minute. You certainly need to know your way around, but it was well worth it. Of course the great snow helped also!

 

[thetrailboss]

I'm sure that Heavenly is like any resort in that if you have no idea WTF you are doing you won't have fun and get lost.

 

[millerm277]

I'm sure that Heavenly is like any resort in that if you have no idea WTF you are doing you won't have fun and get lost.

Heavenly "channels" the Killington approach to mountain design. There are a lot of flat traverses and such that you can easily get stuck on if you don't know where you're going. But, they let you get across a huge area quickly when you need to, and you can avoid most easily when you aren't in such a rush if you know where you are. It's also got a bunch of terrible bottlenecks (Like the snowdon trails are at K...funnels too many people in) and undiscovered areas. (Like South Ridge, and the woods are).

 

[nycskier]

Heavenly "channels" the Killington approach to mountain design. There are a lot of flat traverses and such that you can easily get stuck on if you don't know where you're going. But, they let you get across a huge area quickly when you need to, and you can avoid most easily when you aren't in such a rush if you know where you are. It's also got a bunch of terrible bottlenecks (Like the snowdon trails are at K...funnels too many people in) and undiscovered areas. (Like South Ridge, and the woods are).

The difference is you can aviod almost all those flat traverses (if you know what you are doing) by ducking into the trees.

You can spend the whole day skiing at Heavenly without ever setting foot on a trail!

 

[nycskier]

Well, we will have to ski it together next year.

Would love to but we have a new baby on the way in October! So looks like I wont be wintering in Tahoe this year. Heck I will be lucky to get day trips to Hunter!

Maybe 2013?

 

[thetrailboss]

Well, the Unofficial Squaw Website has weighed in on the plan to remove lifts and conclude that it will be a mess.

 

[millerm277]

The difference is you can aviod almost all those flat traverses (if you know what you are doing) by ducking into the trees.

Sounds exactly like Killington to me. :lol:

 

[Gnarcissaro]

I know it's been out, and most have probably seen it. But, no self-respecting open ended Squaw thread can be complete without a direct link to GNAR.

I am the best rider on this thread!!!

RIP McConkey!

 

[jerryg]

Sounds exactly like Killington to me. :lol:

Sure, Heavenly's got traverses, but once you know how to she the area, it's no problem at all. The reason for the traverses is the shear size of the resort - area-wise. That said, Heavenly isn't about the trails, it's about the 4800 acres of nicely spaced trees and easily accessible side country. Then there are the bumps. They are steep and brutal.

Does the resort compare to Squaw? Not at all, it's totally different. Squaw is straight out of Europe with rock faces in every direction, cliffs, and steeps that are as tough as anywhere.

My wife and I bought a place at heavenly a few years ago. I prefer Squaw and she prefers Heavenly. If I wanted to spend time in Tahoe every year, Heavenly was going to be our home resort. That being said, like others have noted, ski it with someone who knows it and you will not be disapointed.

 

[thetrailboss]

For those who haven't seen it, Squaw has a pretty sweet web cam: http://www.squaw.com/uber-cam

 

[Trekchick]

You should come experience it this winter, since you only live 7 ish hours away.

 

[thetrailboss]

You should come experience it this winter, since you only live 7 ish hours away.

Yes, a repeat visit would be nice.

 

[thetrailboss]

Squaw and Alpine Meadows merge. The deal does not include Homewood. From SAM:

SQUAW VALLEY AND ALPINE MEADOWS JOIN FORCES
SAM Magazine--September 27, 2011--Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows Ski Resort, Calif., announced today that the two North Lake Tahoe ski resorts have agreed to combine operations under common ownership and offer season passes and lift tickets that will allow guests to enjoy skiing and riding on both mountains. The transaction is expected to close prior to the commencement of the 2011-12 winter season. Andy Wirth, president and CEO of Squaw, will take the helm as the president and CEO of the new combined entity of Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows.

As part of the transaction, an investment affiliate of JMA Ventures (JMA), will convert its ownership of Alpine Meadows into partial ownership of the combined company. KSL Capital Partners, LLC (KSL), the owner of Squaw Valley, will be the majority owner of the combined company. Both owners have a deep commitment to the two resorts and to the Tahoe region. KSL, as part of its acquisition of Squaw Valley, has earmarked $50 million in capital improvements to Squaw Valley over the next three to five years, many of which will be apparent this winter. The closing of the transaction is subject to US Forest Service and the California Tahoe Conservancy approval. JMA will continue to independently own and operate Homewood Mountain Resort.

All of these passes previously purchased at Squaw or Alpine for winter 2011-12 will become valid for skiing and riding at both mountain resorts.

 

[Smellytele]

yes got an email from them today:

===== Two Mountains, One Big Adventure =====

Dear Valued Guest:

On behalf of Todd Chapman, President and CEO of JMA Ventures, and myself we are excited to announce that Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows are combining operations. Now, on one ticket or season pass, our guests will have access to an unmatched variety of terrain and on mountain experiences.

Effective immediately, both resorts can be accessed with the new Tahoe Super Pass. The Tahoe Super Pass creates more opportunities for the exploration, discovery, and adventure that guests of both mountains crave. To make it easy to access all of this great terreain we'll be providing a regular daily shuttle between them.

All of those who have already purchased an Alpine Meadows or Squaw Valley season pass will automatically have access to the other resort, while new passholders can purchase the Tahoe Super Pass for just $439 for an adult season pass. Get the details on the new season pass at SkiAlpine.com/SeasonPasses.

The idea of combining Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows did not originate with either of us. It was on a spectacular California bluebird day when I happened to be riding a chairlift with Todd Chapman that the actual transaction originated. We were talking about what an amazing winter we were all enjoying and lamenting that we didn't have more time to get out and enjoy the snow.

As the chairlift ride came to an end the talk turned to the obvious concerning our two mountain resorts. In the end, this was an effort forged in a passion for the mountains, snow, skiing, and riding. I'm honored to lead the new company that has been formed as its President and CEO.

I know I'm not the only one who is looking forward to skiing both resorts with one pass. Our customer research showed that the number one choice of Squaw Valley skiers and riders, when not skiing or riding Squaw, is Alpine Meadows. The number one resort frequented by Alpine Meadows customers, after Alpine, is Squaw. It’s not surprising since both resorts offer incredible terrain and breathtaking natural beauty.

We are truly thrilled to be making this announcement today and hope you will join us in celebrating as, together, we make history.

Best Regards,

Andy

 

[Smellytele]

also this email: I do have one from Homewood as well but

Dear Alpine Meadows skiers and riders,

We are thrilled to share with you the most exciting announcement of the 2011-2012 ski and snowboard season: Alpine Meadows Ski Resort and Squaw Valley USA will join forces! The mountains announced today that they will combine operations to a single ownership - which means that you will be able to ski and ride both mountains with one season pass or lift ticket.

With access to more than 6,000 acres, eight mountain peaks, 44 lifts, and more than 270 trails on some of the country’s most renowned terrain, you will be our celebrated guests at the largest amount of terrain accessible on one ticket in the United States.

As passionate, tenured guests at Alpine Meadows, your interests and mountain experiences are and will always be our top priorities. Although the accessible terrain and fantastic amenities will increase as a result of the new partnership, the individual character of each mountain will remain the same. It is the unmistakable ambiance, atmosphere, and guests’ unwavering connection to a mountain that help make every ski resort special and unique – and truly something to be cherished. Moving forward in this fantastic new partnership, both mountains are committed to preserving each mountain’s individual atmosphere while offering you the absolute best of the country’s mountains, amenities, guest service, and value. We hope you are as excited as we are about the new consolidation between Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley

Alpine Meadows’ sister resort, Homewood Mountain Resort, will continue to be owned and operated by JMA, and will not be affected by the new partnership between Alpine and Squaw. Guests of Homewood, as well as Homewood’s West Shore Café & Inn, can look forward to another fantastic winter skiing, snowboarding, and lakefront dining and lodging.

As Alpine and Squaw work diligently toward finalizing the consolidation in late October or early November, we understand that you may have some questions. We will share any new information with you as it becomes available, and in the interim, please take a moment to review the attached news release, which will answer some of your questions. As well, please feel free to send us an email at info@skialpine.com or call us directly at 530.583.4232. We’ll do our best to offer any help with your questions and thoughts.

Best regards,

Todd Chapman
President, CEO
JMA Ventures, LLC

Art Chapman
Chairman
JMA Ventures, LLC

 

[Edd]

Been hearing about this for awhile but that is huge news. F***, I wish I lived in Tahoe!

 

[Philpug]

Been hearing about this for awhile but that is huge news. F***, I wish I lived in Tahoe!

Oh, yeah.