Family Ski Vacation

Resort at Squaw Creek: Great vacation spot winter or summer

BY JEFFREY WEIDEL

An idle chairlift provides a constant reminder that this scenic mountain resort will be operational again when the cool mountain temperatures disappear and winter’s harshness once again inhabits the picturesque Squaw Valley.

Skiers and snowboarders revel in a visit to this full-service ski resort that received world-wide attention more than four decades ago when this anonymous Lake Tahoe ski resort stepped on the world stage for the first time, hosting the 1960 Winter Olympics.

Squaw has grown in stature since those magical Olympic moments, becoming a vacation destination for many winter enthusiasts who want the experience of big-time ski resort. What is less publicized regarding this winter wonderland is it’s a tremendous place for a summer vacation as well.

Situated at the foot of the ski resort is arguably Lake Tahoe’s finest lodging facility – Resort at Squaw Creek. It offers convenient ski-in, ski-out capability during the winter months, but provides many more recreational pursuits in the summer and fall when ideal temperatures and scenic mountain backdrops entice visitors to the outdoors.

That was the plan Karen Moran of Folsom was following during a July visit to Squaw Creek. While her husband was busy attending a business conference, Moran and her twin teenage daughters were hardly staying idle in their room. Rafting down the Truckee River, horseback riding a few minutes away, trying to tame the Squaw Creek golf course, and hiking were all recreational pursuits for this active family.

“My husband is up here for a conference and we’ve been coming to Squaw Creek for several years,” Moran said. “I like it much better in the summer. There is more to do and you don’t have to travel up here and worry about stressful mountain driving (in snow). There’s just so much to do, we really look forward to it. We’ve gone rafting, played golf as a family, hike up the ski run, visit Olympic Village, and enjoy the pool area.”

Located on the north shore of Lake Tahoe, there are 403 luxury rooms residing on the property at Squaw Creek, a four-diamond facility. There are two prime options when you wake up each morning – stare out the window at a mesmerizing panoramic view of the nearby rugged mountainside peaks, or cram in all the activity a body can handle.

Squaw Creek’s heated outside pool is a hub of activity, starting in the early morning when ambitious guests can be seen swimming laps in the somewhat chilly mountain air. The area includes a smaller “plunge” pool, a 120-foot waterslide, three hot tubs of varying sizes, plus a bar area that features some very refreshing alcohol and non alcoholic concoctions.

Ski Tips for Families Planning a Family Winter Ski Vacation in ...

The thrill of a family ski vacation can quickly be subdued with the details of planning and the expense of ski equipment and lodging. How many times have you wished that you had planned more in advance to take advantage of discount lift tickets or had a plan in the event one or more of your children separate from you on the mountain? There are plenty of ways to cut down on the cost of ski vacations and to have more piece of mind while you enjoy the slopes together.

Tip 1: Get discounted lift tickets There are many ways to save money on lift tickets. Here are a few: Look for season passes before the real season begins (season passes are often sold months in advance as well as multi-visit passes and online tickets). These passes are typically only available in person over the summer, but after you get one, you can renew online. A summer trip to Colorado can pay for itself by buying season passes for your family! The best place to buy single day tickets is at a local grocery store like King Soupers or Safeway or Albertsons. There are kiosks in the stores with the latest prices. Skiing in off-peak times (any time other than over the holidays and from mid feb – march) can often save you money as well. Discounted lift tickets are often provided when you sign up for lessons Perhaps the best way to obtain discounted lift tickets is to purchase them when you also purchase lodging through one of the smaller, more personalized property management companies. These companies are motivated to save you money on lift tickets to make your trip more affordable.

Tip 2: Save on lodging and accommodations by sharing or by renting privately and through smaller property management companies

The large ski resorts offer premium pricing on their lodging because of their monopoly in the resort area. There are many other options to paying premium dollars:

Book through smaller property management companies in Keystone other than the resort itself. Smaller companies spend comparatively very little on advertising and are closer to the condo owners and are able to pass on the savings to you. Are your dates flexible? Look for last minute deals for condos between other rentals. Look for websites where you rent directly from the owner like Craigslist, vrbo, zipvacations and keystone.ownersguest.

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