When you're planning a family ski vacation be sure to look at the North Lake Tahoe, California area. North Lake Tahoe is home to several world class ski areas such as Squaw Valley USA, Alpine Meadows Mountain Resort, Sugar Bowl and Mt.Rose along with a variety of smaller areas.
Whenever I am offered a plateful of great ski resorts in fairly close proximity to each other I like to find lodging accommodations that offer ski-in/ski-out at one major area and the opportunity for either a shuttle ride or short drive to explore other resort in the region. I found all this and much more at the Resort at Squaw Creek in Olympic Valley, California (photo gallery).
The Resort at Squaw Creek - Ski Central for North Lake Tahoe
In Olympic Valley, California, the Resort at Squaw Creek, sits at the south corner of Squaw Valley USA with the Squaw Creek chairlift right outside the door, you can't get much closer than that to all the great skiing Squaw Valley has to offer. The resort also offers a daily shuttle around to Alpine Meadows Mountain Resort. Sugar Bowl is less than a half hour and several other North Lake Tahoe areas are also close. Heavenly Mountain Resort, another world class resort in South Lake Tahoe is less than a scenic hour drive.
The Resort at Squaw Creek - A Family Friendly Ski Vacation Destination
As I have said - and I'll say again - The Resort at Squaw Creek offers easy access for skiing Squaw Valley and it is a great location for day trips to all the other ski resorts around and near Lake Tahoe. However, it's what is offered aside from location, location to make a family ski vacation enjoyable for mom and dad, little ones and big kids is what makes Resort at Squaw Creek a destination well worth the trip. To begin with, it's also only an easy 35 minute drive from Reno International Airport, or you can arrange to shuttle over.
Lodging accommodations range from guest rooms to suites and penthouses, and the resort can provide luxury lodging for parties up to nine people, which is perfect for a family ski trip. Amenities include free wi-fi, custom furnishings, slate entryways, ceramic-tiled bathrooms, granite vanities, and LCD flat-screen TVs. The suites and penthouses also feature gas fireplaces and kitchens. Coffee and tea are provided, as is daily maid service.
On Family Vacations - Little Things Mean A Lot
I remember well getting a jumbled armful of skis after the kids clicked out and were off to the room so it is appreciated when a friendly Resort at Squaw Creek ski concierge is based right where the ski-out snow meets the heated sidewalk. He has a cart to load the family skis and takes the full cart to the overnight ski storage. One family had not set up the ski id into the system and the concierge took the information right there saving dad a ski boot trek to the storage area.
There is a full ski shop with rentals and repairs and if someone want to try cross country skiing or snow shoeing all the equipment is available.
Don't Ski - Still Fun to Be Had
If, as can often be the case, a family member doesn't ski there are plenty of off-the-slope activities at Resort at Squaw Creek. Outside, there is a well maintained ice rink with skate rentals, snowmobiling, dog sled tours and horse drawn sleigh rides are also available. The large heated pool and hot tubs are a short walk across the snow free walks.
If you still have energy left after skiing, the Health and Fitness Center offers a full spectrum of exercise equipment. There are men's and women's locker rooms with dry saunas and steam rooms.
Also, for quieter activities inside, you'll find a selection of board games set up on tables in the great room that opens off the main entrance. The floor-to-ceiling windows open the area to the Sierra Mountains and everywhere there are comfortable chairs and couches arranged in various settee for family gathering
.The stone fireplace with sitting pillows is just beyond two large granite boulders, maybe 6 foot tall and 10 foot around. If I have to tell you where every boy between 4 and 14 tries to sit then I know you never raised boys - but you'll enjoy watching them try to climb.
For mom and dad who want to go off and ski alone for the day 'Mountain Buddies' is the resort's children's program. You can sign up children for all-day sessions, morning or afternoon sessions, or evening sessions. Ages 4 - 12 can enjoy both indoor and outdoor activities.
Spa at Resort Creek
You may technically and literally be on a family ski vacation at the Resort At Squaw Creek, but you can still take time to pamper yourself and your favorite chairlift partner with a soothing, relaxing time at the Spa.
With 10 treatment rooms the Spa features birch tree trunks emerging from river-rock bases that reach upward to create privacy and solitude. Soothing background sounds of cascading water add to an ambiance of calm and tranquility where you will deservedly, forget all about the visions of sugarplums dancing in little heads.
