Winter blends into summer for 2017 at Squaw Valley, California as they celebrate over 700+ inches of snow.

Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, California emerges from a historic winter and sets the stage to operate July 1-4 and Saturdays thereafter as long as conditions allow. How is that possible?  714+ inches of snowfall was recorded at Squaw this winter, equaling nearly 60 feet. 10 Atmospheric River weather events hit the resort, where the average season sees two to four. Squaw Valley currently has a base depth of 20 feet and is primed to offer skiing and riding in the Shirley zone for winter enthusiasts looking to boot-up long into the summer. As the only Tahoe resort planning to operate beyond the month of May, Squaw Valley will offer skiing and riding on July 4 for the fourth time ever and will venture beyond Independence Day for the first time in its history.

Snow at Squaw - Januburied

Snow at Squaw – “Januburied”

The California Department of Water Resources has declared the 2016-17 water year the wettest on record, just over half way through the water year (October 2016-October 2017). January 2017 at Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows broke the resort’s record for most snow in one month, with 282 inches, followed by the snowiest February ever with another 196 inches. With the Tahoe Basin snowpack currently at more than 300% of average, the Squaw Valley operations team plans to work in conjunction with Mother Nature, as they have all season long, to provide a skiable surface in July and beyond, narrowing the gap between the 2016-17 season and the 2017-18 season.

Shirley Lift at Squaw Valley

Shirley Lift at Squaw Valley

Thinking of going skiing or snowboarding this summer?  Here’s what you need to know:

Alpine Meadows will operate on Saturdays & Sundays only through closing day on Sunday, May 14. Operations at Squaw Valley will continue seven days a week through May, on weekends in June and July 1-4. Beyond the 4th of July, Squaw Valley is planning to operate the Shirley Lake Express chair on Saturdays for 2017-18 Tahoe Super Passholders. Discounted daily lift tickets will also be available.

Folks planning to ski or ride will access High Camp at 8200’ via the Aerial Tram and make their way on foot between High Camp and where the snow remains. Through the strategic movement of snow using grooming machines, Squaw Valley mountain operations team members will transport snow from areas with ample snow to areas with lower amounts of snow, effectively maximizing the snowpack long into summer. The Shirley zone also benefits from a northwest aspect, limiting sun exposure and snow loss due to melting.

As always, skiing and riding operations are weather and conditions permitting. Summer operations will continue as long as the snowpack allows, with no closing day currently scheduled.