by Jason Adair

The last time I went to a ski resort, I did so with the intention of wooing a young lady. After a long day of some of the most pathetic skiing on record, I wound up bruised, wet, frozen, and alone. Since then I have shunned all ski resorts and snow in general, that is, until I learned about the off-season double life of a certain ski resort not far from home. Less than two hours from Sac, Squaw Valley—Home of the 1960 winter Olympics—has an all-in-one summer vacation town they call “The Village at Squaw Valley.” Part of the magic of Squaw is the unbelievable beauty of the high mountain valley, so, for those of you looking to do some hiking and wildlife exploration, Squaw offers plenty that will fit the family budget. On the other hand, if you’re looking to splurge on some serious pampering and enjoy one-of-a-kind recreation and relaxation, Squaw’s also got you covered, as long as you bring your credit card. For once, I decided to go the pampered route, and I’m glad I did.

The afternoon we left for our alpine adventure, the Central Valley was at day seven of a record-setting heat wave. By the time we rolled into Truckee, the sun was setting and the week of hundred-plus weather seemed like nothing more than a strange fever dream. We rolled down the windows and drank in that crisp mountain air and the scent of pine forests. We remembered what it was like to breathe deep and not feel like our lungs were filling with corn syrup. Point being, temperatures up at Squaw Valley are between twenty and thirty degrees lower than the Sacramento Valley. In my opinion, this fact alone is reason enough to go.

After loading our gear into our room, we all sat around and poured over the brochures of things to do in and around the valley. It became immediately apparent that there was too much to do in just one weekend and that we were going to have to prioritize. This was harder than we thought as everything was within walking distance of our room, leaving us unable to discount anything for being too out of the way. It was the first time we couldn’t count on our laziness to help us make tough decisions. That said, it was exciting to think that we wouldn’t have to drive anywhere for fun. Maybe it’s just me, and the years I spent commuting, but nothing says “vacation!” like not having to get in a car until it’s time to go home.

Awakened the next morning by the sun peaking over the mountaintop, we breakfasted on an incredible amount of scrambled eggs and then rode up to High Camp on the cable car. Now, this is not your typical Rice-a-Roni-type cable car. It’s more of a flying glass box that wooshes you upward 2,000 vertical feet to a truly amazing mountain-top oasis. Honestly, we could have stayed up there all weekend. There’s a giant pool where you can backstroke around while checking out the snow on the surrounding peaks and a giant hot tub where you can literally and figuratively look down upon the people in the pool. As an added value bonus, admission into the pool includes a locker, towel, and sunscreen, so you don’t have to carry around a beach bag. If swimming and lounging by the pool isn’t your thing, they also have an outdoor ice skating rink, tennis courts, and miles of great hiking.

Upon returning from the top of the mountain, my wife and I indulged in a mountain valley power nap while the kids watched TV (because that’s what vacation is all about). Recharged, we then headed out on a bike ride along the Truckee River bike path. I was told by my wife and daughter that the ride was “really great” and “scenic.” I would attest to this myself if I could. But having been the one who championed my four-year-old son’s bike riding abilities, I was elected to carry him back when—almost immediately—he got too tired to ride. I can, with great journalistic integrity, say that the parking lot has a cool old-timey lift chair that serves well for resting with a preschooler.

The next morning, we split up—my wife took our son and daughter to check out the kids’ activities while I, purely for research purposes, went to Trilogy spa for a Kukui, Coconut Milk & Honey Ali’i Treatment. This was “a hydrating body polish” wherein I got scrubbed down, massaged, and covered with honey. It was the kind of experience that made me realize what a horrible idea it was to get a bachelor’s degree in theater instead of a more lucrative field, something that would afford me the ability to pay people to massage me at least once daily.

While I was wrapped in a thermal cocoon, getting my feet and scalp massaged, my family was up to their elbows in some serious candle making at this place called Waxen Moon. This shop was my family’s favorite stop of the weekend, (as testament, the kids have yet to light their candles).

After we met back up, I made everyone touch my arms while I talked about how soft my skin was. Then we headed out for some dangerous-seeming fun. From the 30-foot climbing wall to the Sky Jump bungee/trampoline, the kids were in a near-constant facsimile of peril. Around every corner there was something new and exciting for kids to try.

After lunch we were ready for something less X-treme, so we took a turn on Squaw’s new miniature golf course, which winds its way around the Village’s shops and restaurants. As we walked the putt-putt links and talked about all the things we’d seen and done, and how incredibly soft my skin was, we realized that spending long summer days at a ski resort is way more fun, and way less crowded, than going in winter.

For more information about everything Squaw Valley has to offer, including reservations & accommodations, prices for activities, and dates of special events, check out squaw.com.

Let’s Go! From Sacramento:
• Squaw Valley USA is 96 miles from Sacramento and generally takes about 2 hours to reach, depending on traffic and weather.
• Take Interstate 80 East into the Sierra Nevadas.
• Exit at Truckee, onto Highway 89 South, towards Lake Tahoe/Tahoe City/Squaw Valley.
• Follow Highway 89 south 8 miles to the Squaw Valley Rd. Exit. Turn RIGHT and follow Squaw Valley Rd. to the base of the mountain.

OR BIKE TO SQUAW THIS SUMMER! Enjoy North Lake Tahoe's scenic bike trails and a little cycling camaraderie, while helping reduce vehicle emissions and "Keep Tahoe Blue."

Upcoming events at Squaw:
June 9- Mini Golf Opening Day Tournament
Contestants will test their putt-putt skills to celebrate opening day of mini golf season in the Village at Squaw. Starting and finishing at hole 9, this is not your average golf game, so turn up that Rocky theme song, adjust your sweat bands and get ready to play some very small golf.

June 16- Opening Day for High Camp and the Cable Car
Kick off summer at Squaw with a visit to High Camp (elevation: 8200') for swimming, skating, concerts, shopping, dining, hiking and… relaxing.

June 17-Father's Day at High Camp
Treat Dad to lunch, a High Sierra hike and a cool dip in the High Camp swimming pool & spa. Cable Car discounts for dads.

Call 530-583-6985 for more details on these, or other, events.