First day of the season at Squaw. There is essentially one run open (the easy way off Red Dog, but the snow is pretty decent (by East Coast standards). Crappy cell phone photos:
On the trail looking skiable:
Off-trail not so much. No coverage, no base.
Tahoe needs att least a 2-feet dump to start building up a base.
Find the cure for ordinary - Squaw Valley
Anyone get out today? God Damn it was cold but oh boy! talk about fast 
We will be out tomorrow AM over at N*.
I'm heading to Tahoe for my first time Jan. 5-11...even though it's a month away, I'm getting very nervous about the weather. I'm frantically looking at forecasts, slight chance of snow next week. Anyone have any possible long-range forecasts that look promising? I know it is hard to predict a month ahead of time...but it is looking rough out there
I'm heading to Tahoe for my first time Jan. 5-11...even though it's a month away, I'm getting very nervous about the weather. I'm frantically looking at forecasts, slight chance of snow next week. Anyone have any possible long-range forecasts that look promising? I know it is hard to predict a month ahead of time...but it is looking rough out there
We have GOT to get together.
We have GOT to get together.
Will do, assuming there is snow, right?
There will be snow. System is supposed to flip-flop next week which will open some storm doors. We still don't have a train of storms on the way, but relax. Start worrying if we don't have snow by New Year's Day.
There will be snow, don't worry. Just found out I'm going to be up in Truckee around the same time. Going to have any of next year's models to demo by any chance?
I'm heading to Tahoe for my first time Jan. 5-11...even though it's a month away, I'm getting very nervous about the weather. I'm frantically looking at forecasts, slight chance of snow next week. Anyone have any possible long-range forecasts that look promising? I know it is hard to predict a month ahead of time...but it is looking rough out there
Anyone have any possible long-range forecasts that look promising? I know it is hard to predict a month ahead of time...but it is looking rough out there
Ditto on what Sinecure and JayT say about the possibility of snow. See the following link for changes that are forecast:
http://tahoeweatherdiscussion.com/
Well, since this is a "conditions" thread...let's talk about conditions at Squalpine. Squaw has man made snow on the main run of Red Dog & Exhibition. Included lifts are: The Funitel, Squaw kids (Pony Tail, Magic Carpet & Boardwalk). Since Mother Nature is not cooperating these days, the man made stuff is all we are getting at the time being. Early morning, before the new snow and corduroy get scrapped to the side, skiing/riding is pretty good! As for Alpine...they open this Saturday. Alpine has yet to post what they will have open, but most likely Roundhouse and some beginner lifts; no Summit yet. Do your snow dance, pray for snow, burn some skis, what ever it takes for Ullr and Mother Nature to do their thing, so we can do our thing.
Alpine is going to have Dance Floor (aka Red Trail) and some beginner stuff that you don't care about open. That will probably be it. Roundhouse and Meadow will be the only lifts.
It is Learn-To-Ski weekend at Squalpine. Something like $30 for rentals/tickets/lessons for beginners. Not a bad deal. I wouldn't want to learn snowboarding on this snow, but it isn't a bad time to learn to ski.
Squaw / Alpine just posted day ticket prices for the season. Those of you who already bought your season passes, you got a great deal. The cheapest pass (bronze) just went up to $579.
| 2011-12 Lift Ticket Rates | Regular/Holiday | 5-Day Advance Regular/Holiday |
Afternoon 12:30pm |
Night 3pm |
Super Six |
| Adult 23-64 | $92 / $96 | $86 / $90 | $68 | $39 | $399 |
| Young Adult 13-22 | $76 / $78 | $71 / $74 | $39 | $299 | |
| Child 5-12 | $39 / $41 | $34 / 38 | $39 | $149 | |
| Senior 65-75 | $76 / $78 | $71 / $74 | $39 | $299 | |
| Super Senior 76+ | $39 / $41 | $39 | $149 |
Prices are the same at Alpine (no night skiing).
What happened to $5 kid tickets? That was one of the few deals that Squaw had, ticket-wise.
>>Alpine has yet to post what they will have open, but most likely Roundhouse and some beginner lifts
In an email I got yesterday 12/7, Alpine stated it would be Roundhouse and Meadow. (This email looked like it went to all Passholder & Alpine club members)
>>
| Join us for Opening Day! December 10 |
|
It's time to officially kick off the 2011/12 season. Join us at Alpine Meadows as we start spinning our lifts for you at 9am! Meadow and Roundhouse are on the schedule for your skiing and riding pleasure. We are expecting a beautiful sunny weekend, with highs in the mid-40s, which means it will be perfect for getting out and enjoying the snow. According to the Tahoe Weatherman, looks like there are some storms on the horizon the week of the 12th. Keep dancing!
|
Squaw / Alpine just posted day ticket prices for the season.
What happened to $5 kid tickets? That was one of the few deals that Squaw had, ticket-wise.
Those day ticket prices make the "buy by May 15th" prices look even better. Break even is like 8 days....
With Alpine at $92/$96, maybe Alpine will be less crowded not more. especially on the holidays.
What happened to $5 kid tickets? That was one of the few deals that Squaw had, ticket-wise.
Clear sign Squaw is focused on the week long vacationer. At 6 days, the 6 pack is $24.83 which does not seem that bad.
What happened to $5 kid tickets? That was one of the few deals that Squaw had, ticket-wise.
$5 kid tickets had become $10 or $15, IIRC. But this puts kid ticket pricing more in line with Utah. (Snowbird is $33 chairs only, $42 chairs and tram.)
Kid lift tickets used to be a bargain. $10-15 lift tickets made it easy for me to think about having some of my kids' friends join us for a weekend at our cost. Now, not so much.
Holy crap, $70 for the AFTERNOON..... Wow...
My wife was also complaining about the kids ticket prices (my kids have passes, so that does not concern us directly), but that was indeed one great feature that made Squaw attractive for families. It certainly looks like the new Squaw is run by people driven by spreadsheets and not by passion or ideals. The new kids price is still lower than Northstar, so they know how to run their spreadsheets, but the great deal that let kids get into the sport is now gone. Another thought is that a more expensive kids ticket may drive up the Squaw Kids sales.
Find the cure for ordinary - Squaw Valley
A bit of good news: Squaw confirms opening of Squaw Creek lift this weekend. Hooray, two lifts instead of one.
Find the cure for ordinary - Squaw Valley
Oh boy. BC, surfing, and UT are more appealing options every year. A hundred a day will weed out the riff raff. Spread sheets indeed. For the price, Squaw may as well be Vail or Deer Valley if it wasn't so steep and in CA. Hell what am I writing? Mammoth is near $100 for a one day. It is a $100 a day sport if you aren't a season pass holder or "connected." Wah Wah Wah...If they raise it to $1000 a day they could really refine the clientel - VC, IB, and HF managers only. Maybe Peter Theil would come and ski. California Uber Alles.
(Hope no one takes a word of it seriously)
LET it Snow! Happy Holidays.
Just wanted to report back after this weekend at Squaw. In spite of no natural snow, the conditions were better than I had expected. They had Squaw Creek, Red Dog and Searchlight open. The man-made snow was decent, if icy in patches. Probably Red Dog was my favorite, although my older daughter enjoyed the little terrain park at the foot of Searchlight. She always sends daddy ahead to check out the jumps first.
Find the cure for ordinary - Squaw Valley
One of the first news on the potential future of the Squaw/Alpine connection:
http://unofficialnetworks.com/squaw-alpine-connect-interview-white-wolf-owner-troy-caldwell-58703/
Looks like the future may potentially look like the White Wolf may stay a separate ski area with Squaw/Apline users having the right to use an interconnect. I would prefer to just add the White Wolf terrain to the Squaw/Alpine area and treat it as one skiable piece, but I will be very happy if they just build a gondola connecting top of KT with the base of Alpine (or extend that gondola down to the bottom of KT and treat the top of KT as a mid-station). But it sounds like a decade-long project, so get used to riding those shuttles now...
Find the cure for ordinary - Squaw Valley
One big disappointment- Squaw Kids (ski school) prices are also up this year. If you want to send your kid to ski school for a day, you need to shell out $179. Yepp.... So, a day at Squaw for a family of 4 with 2 adult lift tickets, 2 rentals, and full ski school for the two kids is $600 (!!!!!) plus the food. Do the math, a weekend of skiing is $1,200, a week-long vacation is $4,200, JUST FOR THE SKIING!. If you want to save a bit of money by sending your kid in for only a half day, do not despair, you get nailed there pretty well too: it is... are you sitting down,... $149. At these prices, the teams start to look like a bargain... I really don't know how an average family can get into the sport now given the huge financial outlay required for it. And the bad part is that you pay $600 and you get to ski on a crappy rental gear, and half of the mountain may be closed because of the weather.
Find the cure for ordinary - Squaw Valley
Alex, Don't despair. The kids' lesson prices are lower (at least at Alpine, and I think prices are the same this year on both sides of the hill) if you have your own equipment. There are also special deals for passholders, for paying in advance, and for buying multi-day packs. Your point though about it being expensive for the family to go skiing, is valid. But it has always been expensive to take the family skiing. It's just that lots of us have figured out a way to make it somewhat less expensive (at least on a per diem basis).
Regarding the bigger news though, here's the full text of the UnofficialNetworks report by Miles:
[quote]
Squaw & Alpine WILL Connect | Interview with White Wolf’s Troy Caldwell
By Miles Clark · December 13, 2011 · 13 Comments
Some of the incredible terrain at White Wolf. photo: travis ganong
The threat of Squaw Valley & Alpine Meadows connecting and creating the largest ski resort in the USA has been talked about since Alpine Meadows opened in 1961. Alpine is just on the other side of the ridge from Squaw and they’re only separated by a small zone called “White Wolf.”
White Wolf is 460 acres of convoluted alpine terrain that is owned by one Troy Caldwell. Troy is a former U.S. Ski Team member, construction contractor, and all around solid person.
Troy bought White Wolf in 1990 from the Southern Pacific Railroad and was instantly greeted by a frenzy of lawsuits from Squaw Valley that lasted over 15 years. Troy survived the legal lashing and the two eventually settled their differences. But the connection of Alpine & Squaw never happened.
WHITE WOLF DEATILS:
460 acres
Purchased by Troy in 1990 from Southern Pacific Railroad for $350,000
Includes 75 acres of Squaw Valley ski resort that includes the upper half of the Olympic Lady chair and the top third of the KT-22 chair.
Troy Caldwell at White Wolf. photo: seth lightcap
In 2010 Squaw Valley was sold to a private equity firm named KSL Capital Partners. KSL wasted no time in acquiring Alpine Meadows in 2011. Their obvious next move is to team up with White Wolf and connect Squaw & Alpine.
What we all want to know is:
Is KSL working with Troy to gain access to White Wolf and build the Squaw/Alpine connect?
The answer is YES. Troy and KSL have already begun negotiations. I interviewed Troy this past Friday to gather the latest details on the situation.
“We wanna work with the KSL boys” – Troy Caldwell
Troy and KSL have been discussing how they can make the White Wolf connect work and what each party aims to gain out of the deal.
“I told ‘em that I don’t wanna take a phat check and go away” – Troy
Troy wants to remain an integral part of the creation, development, and management of the White Wolf ski area. The vision he is working out with KSL involves him staying on board with White Wolf and making the White Wolf ski area not only a connect between Alpine & Squaw, but it’s own entity with it’s own attractions.
“In the planning world I’m on top of the world right now and there are no tracks in front of me and I’m the one who gets to help lay the tracks. And that’s a good feeling.” – Troy
Squaw in blue. White Wolf in purple. Alpine in red. Voila, the biggest ski area in the US of A.
“We’re trying to synchronize dreams” – Troy
TROY’S WHITE WOLF DREAM:
A small high-end ski resort
Gondola & 3 ski lifts
Mid mountain hotel
Small village complete with ice skating rink
Troy understands that all of the above may not come to fruition, but this is his grand vision for White Wolf
Troy just got back from 2 weeks of traveling all over the American West visiting the best ski resorts in the land and studying their layouts to aid in the development of his White Wolf. He visited Jackson, Vail, Aspen, Snowmass, Buttermilk, Aspen Highlands, Beaver Creek, Steamboat, Grand Targhee, & Big Sky. KSL footed the bill for that on-site research and “treated us like kings and queens.”
One more reason Troy fits right in around here. He lit himself on fire and did ski stunts for the 1974 ski movie “Children of the Morning"
By now, the reader is fully understanding that yes, White Wolf will connect Squaw and Alpine making the largest ski resort in the USA. Well, how soon?
“In the next year or so we are gonna make our battle plan. We are hoping to keep some flexibility in that battle plan. As the world turns we will be able to turn with it. It’s good to have that flexibility because things are going to change.” -Troy
Once Troy and KSL hash out their agreement in the next year or so, they’ll start the business of acquiring the proper permits to make White Wolf into a ski area. Troy estimates this process to take somewhere in the range of 6-7 years if everything goes smoothly. Homewood ski resort (on the west shore of Lake Tahoe) is currently going through the process of acquiring similar permits and is facing the same timeframe.
Screen shot 2011 12 12 at 11.38.46 PM Ski News
In 2004 Troy installed 17 lift towers into White Wolf that end at the top of KT-22. photo: seth lightcap
POTENTIAL TIMEFRAME:
1 year or so to reach agreement between KSL & Troy
+
7 years of permit acquisition
+
2-3 years of construction
=
In about 10-11 years we could see Squaw + Alpine + White Wolf
=
One combined ski zone = Over 6,000 acres = Biggest ski resort in the USA
Screen shot 2011 12 12 at 11.39.08 PM Ski News
Terrain at White Wolf. photo: seth lightcap
For Northern Californians, the prospect of Squaw & Alpine connecting has always been a distant, intangible, nebulous dream. That dream has now morphed into a blunt reality that can no longer be ignored. Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows will connect. They will connect because of our local boy Troy Caldwell and his powerful vision of what will soon be White Wolf ski area.
“We’re looking to be a little bit different from the rest of the world. We’re gonna be a little bit special.” – Troy Caldwell[/quote]
Alex, Don't despair.
Well, I personally do not really care, as my kids are signed up for the teams. But it will be harder for me to invite my friends to share the experience. Skiing has always been an expensive sport for a casual user, but it starts to feel ridiculous.
BTW, as a conditions report, here is Red Dog last weekend (that's my 6-y/old):
Find the cure for ordinary - Squaw Valley
Here is a run-down on the new food options from the Squaw Press release. I am pretty ambivalent about he new ski-through Starbucks at Gold Coast. Ever been scolded by a hot latte in a Gold Coast lift line? Get ready... Skiing MR is stressful enough, I don't want people to get distracted even more by their coffee. I am also not looking forward to empty coffee cups littering he Mountain Run. I somehow don't think Squaw thought this idea through well enough. The bigger Wildflour may be a good thing, depending how well Susan executes it. I'd hate to see it loose its authentic feel or the quality. We are all rooting fior her success through, she is (used to be?) a true Squaw's hidden treasure.
________________________________________________________________
Rocker@Squaw
The Village at Squaw Valley welcomes Rocker@Squaw – the valley’s newest hotspot for delicious food, cold brews and signature drinks for groups of all sizes. Deemed “comfort with a kick,” Rocker @Squaw will serve up dishes like XXX Hot Wings, the Red Eye Burger with a fried egg, hot sauce and cheddar cheese, and the outrageous 5lb G.N.A.R Burger to be shared with a group or taken on as a challenge. Rocker@Squaw will also offer lighter and healthier options such as the ZLT (zucchini, lettuce and tomato) sandwich and the signature Tahoe salad. Click here to view full Rocker@Squaw menu.
The inspiration for Rocker@Squaw comes from real people, amazing athletes and the mind-blowing lore that have made Squaw the legend that it is. The space is designed to give all Squaw enthusiasts a chance to celebrate and tell the stories of their runs, tricks and mountain discoveries through easy to use and share technology features. Whether it’s uploading a GoPro helmet cam video from the day onto the restaurant’s 10 flat screen TVs or enjoying one of 38 beers including the signature Rocker Blond, the color and vibe at Rocker@Squaw is truly one of a kind, just like its guests.
Rocker@Squaw will host a public grand opening party on Friday, December 16 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Party goers at the grand opening can enjoy half-priced draft beers and half-priced appetizers. Rocker@Squaw will be open every day for lunch, après ski and dinner – as well as late night on weekends and holidays.
KT Base Bar + The K’Tchen
Squaw Valley’s iconic peak, KT-22, is the backdrop for the now equally as epic après ski party hosted on the deck of Olympic House. The KT Base Bar will be the ultimate spot for skiers, riders and guests to gather and bask in the day’s adventures, the mountain’s afternoon light and the energy of great times. The sundeck will be enhanced with outdoor fire pits for lingering, live music and an industry-first, on-mountain K-banas, Squaw’s own cabanas with views of KT-22. For those looking to reconnect with friends and family, the K-banas will provide an intimate après ski experience.
The KT Base Bar will feature an outdoor bar serving beer, cocktails and just about anything one can think of to toast the day. Great bar food and snacks will satisfy the biggest appetite including flatbread pizzas, burgers and appetizers for sharing. Just inside, the K’Tchen invites guests to indulge in big-on-flavor burritos, burgers and pizzas for on-the-go food and beverage options. Eating areas inside will be enhanced with comfortable seating options – and, as always, incredible mountain views. The KT Base Bar and the K’Tchen will open for the 2011 holiday season.
The Terrace
Squaw Valley's most breathtaking venue, The Terrace, will reopen this winter as a renovated sit-down restaurant serving lunch daily, as well as dinner during winter night operations. Located at High Camp, elevation 8200 feet, The Terrace features panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Sierra. With crisp white table clothes, The Terrance will be serving up dishes such as homemade roasted pumpkin gnocchi, portobello fries and everyone’s favorite – Squaw Valley’s signature pheasant soup. The Terrace will open for the 2011-12 winter season on Saturday, December 17.
Funi’s Moutaintop Café + Market
Funi’s will open as an on-mountain market designed especially for the skiers and riders who want to hit the slopes right away. Wired for convenience and flavor, the menu will offer breakfast sandwiches, performance-oriented snacks (including a make your own trail mix bar), homemade soups, hot and cold sandwiches and pocket-ready desserts. In addition, a new signature dessert called Funi Crepes, created with a nod to the resort’s high-speed Funitel, may quickly become the most craved item on the mountain. Funi Crepes will feature delicious crepes filled with one’s choice of fruit, Nutella or Dulce de Leche, tucked inside an ice cream cone. Funi’s will open for the 2011 holiday season.
Ski-In/Ski-Out Starbucks
The Gold Coast Complex will be host to North America's first ski-in/ski-out Starbucks, which will serve as a fun and innovate way for skiers and riders to get their daily dose of caffeine. Starbucks will offer a full menu of breakfast items and coffee drinks - as well as hot cocoa for kids. The Starbucks is scheduled to open in mid-January 2012.
O-Lounge
The East end of Bar One will be transformed into a new dining experience for guests who desire a more relaxed experience. A signature chef’s harvest table will offer an ever-changing, seasonally inspired menu that allows guests to savor fresh soups, salads, antipasti, hand-carved meats and desserts. The new area will be home to afternoon events such as wine and chocolate tastings. The O-Lounge is scheduled to open for the 2011 holiday season.
Bar North Sports
High Camp’s Bar North has been renovated into a mountaintop sports bar. Featuring a new pool table, two foosball tables and eight flat screen televisions, Bar North Sports is the best place to enjoy a casual meal and a drink at elevation 8200 feet. Featured menu items include elevated wings and nachos, as well as homemade chili and soups served in bread bowls. Bar North Sports is currently open for the 2011-12 winter season.
Full Belly Deli Express
Lake Tahoe locals’ favorite sandwich spot, Full Belly Deli, will be opening a second location in the Tram building at the new Full Belly Deli Express this December. Known for incredible food, service and Truckee authenticity, Full Belly Deli is revising their menu to best service the grab-and-go crowd. Menu items will include breakfast sandwiches, yogurt parfaits, wraps, salads and their unbeatable signature sandwiches. Full Belly Deli Express is schedule to open for the 2011 holiday season.
Batch Cupcakery
Guests with a sweet tooth will enjoy the new sweet shops that are coming to The Village this winter. Batch Cupcakery, located on the base floor of Olympic House, will feature gourmet cupcakes baked fresh daily using the finest natural ingredients, including gluten free and organic options. The new cupcakery is scheduled to open for the 2011 holiday season.
Euro Sweets
A distinctive desert and Candyland-like experience awaits the whole family at Euro Sweets. Euro Sweets will be opening in The Village for the 2011 holiday season, serving up gelato, frozen yogurt, specialty candies, chocolates, and other sweets.
Euro Snack + Euro Crepe
Squaw’s Euro Snack kiosk will return, this winter to be accompanied by a new Euro Crepe kiosk, serving sweet breakfast crepes and veggie and cheese-filled lunch crepes. Opening now, the two kiosks will be located at each end of The Village, so one will never be far from a delicious taste of Europe’s best snacks.
Wildflour
Squaw Valley’s favorite cookie shop will be reopening in an expanded location in the base floor of the Olympic House. In addition to their world-renowned cookies, Wildflour will be offering an expanded breakfast menu, delicious sandwiches, and a new express line reserved for cookie pass holders and past and present Olympians. The expanded shop is expected to open in December, in time for the 2011 holiday season.
Find the cure for ordinary - Squaw Valley
At these prices, the teams start to look like a bargain...
That's been true for a while. In 2004-05 at Squaw, we were spending $300/night for lodging, $100 x 3 for the kids' ski school, $60/day x 2 for tickets for my wife and me, or $720/day before we ate. In 2005-06 at Alpine, well before the days of cheap passes, we spent $4500 for our share of a ski lease with Sinecure and $3800 for the three kids' teams and my wife and my passes. Our break-even was 12 days.
I'm officially worried about my Jan 5-11 Tahoe trip now...the forecast shows no hope for the next 10 days or so...
You should start worrying only by New Year. If it starts to dump, it usually keeps dumping and very strongly.
Find the cure for ordinary - Squaw Valley
Don't worry... yet. For starters, those 10 day forecasts are notoriously inaccurate in northern California.
I'm officially worried about my Jan 5-11 Tahoe trip now...the forecast shows no hope for the next 10 days or so...
It looks like there might be some snow now next week. Maybe things will start to turn around.
Squaw is building a new expanded permanent valet parking enclosure. Looks like all the area close to the village is going to be valet parking. So if you bring your kids to the teams early on the morning you will have to trudge through the parking lot or pay up. So the Northstarization of the place is in full swing. What is next- preferred lift lines on a powder day?
Find the cure for ordinary - Squaw Valley
