Squaw Valley is a ski resort located in California, United States, sitting at an elevation range of 6,200ft (1890m) to 9,050ft (2758m). With a vertical drop of 2,850ft (869m), the resort offers 170 trails served by 29 lifts across 3,600 skiable acres. The nearest airport is Reno-Tahoe International (RNO), approximately 45 minutes by car. Known for exceptional snowfall, Squaw Valley averages 400 inches of snow per year, making it one of the snowiest resorts in United States. Snowmaking covers 15% of the terrain, ensuring consistent conditions throughout the season.
Mid November to Late May
Fresh, uncompacted snow. Ideal conditions.
125cm
Snow Depth
(49")
-1°C
-8°C to -1°C
(18°F / 30°F)
400"
Annual Snowfall
(1016cm)
15%
Snowmaking
coverage
400"
annual avg
170
Total Trails
29
Lifts
3,600
Skiable Acres
2,850ft
Vertical Drop
Squaw Valley offers a balanced mix of terrain with 25% beginner, 43% intermediate, 22% advanced, and 10% expert-only runs. The generous proportion of green runs makes this a solid choice for beginners and families learning to ski.
29
Total Lifts
2,850ft
Vertical Drop
869m
(2,850ft)
9,050ft
Peak
6,200ft
Base
Day pass pricing across the season
$223
avg/day
January offers the best overall balance of snow quality, crowd levels, and pricing at Squaw Valley. Expect reliable powder days with an average of 125cm of fresh snowfall. Moderate crowds mean reasonable lift lines, especially on weekdays.
March
115cm snow, high crowds, $239/day
May
$179/day, 10cm snow, very low crowds
125cm
snowfall
-1°/-8°
high/low °C
crowds
$239
day pass
135cm
snowfall
0°/-7°
high/low °C
crowds
$249
day pass
115cm
snowfall
3°/-4°
high/low °C
crowds
$239
day pass
55cm
snowfall
7°/0°
high/low °C
crowds
$209
day pass
10cm
snowfall
13°/4°
high/low °C
crowds
$179
day pass
40cm
snowfall
4°/-3°
high/low °C
crowds
$199
day pass
95cm
snowfall
1°/-7°
high/low °C
crowds
$249
day pass
Monthly conditions are based on historical averages. Actual conditions vary year to year. Click on any month for detailed weather forecasts, crowd analysis, and packing tips for Squaw Valley.
Adult Day Pass
$219
per day
Season Pass
$879
full season
Multi-Resort Pass Inclusion:
Day pass pricing at Squaw Valley varies by date. Peak periods (holidays and weekends) may cost 10-15% more. Purchasing lift tickets online in advance typically saves $10-20 per ticket. Squaw Valley is included on the Epic pass, which can offer significant savings for skiers visiting multiple resorts per season.
Reno-Tahoe International (RNO)
Approx. 45 min drive
California, United States 🇺🇸
39.1970°N, 120.2350°W
Squaw Valley is conveniently located within an hour's drive of Reno-Tahoe International. Most rental car agencies operate at the airport, and shuttle services are often available during peak season.
Squaw Valley offers a range of accommodation options for every budget. On-mountain lodging provides ski-in/ski-out convenience but typically costs 30-50% more than staying in the nearest town. Budget travelers can find hostel-style accommodations starting around $120 per night, while mid-range hotels and condos average $250-500 per night. Luxury ski-in/ski-out properties can exceed $800 per night during peak periods.
Booking 2-3 months in advance secures better rates, especially for holiday periods. Many resorts offer lift-and-lodging packages that bundle accommodation with multi-day tickets at a discount.