Up to four vehicles at a time may plug into Squaw Valley’s new electric vehicle charging stations. (Squaw Valley photo)

Squaw Valley recently installed four new electric vehicle chargers, which will be free for resort guests to use throughout the year. Squaw appears to be the first ski area in California to offer the service.

“We are committed to making Squaw an environmental pacesetter for the Lake Tahoe region,” said Andy Wirth, president and CEO of Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows. “We know the region’s success is dependent on our dedication to protecting the special mountain environment, and these new charging stations are a part of our extensive efforts that we’re taking on as part of our environmental stewardship efforts.”

In technical terms, the two new CS-40 pedestal chargers from Clipper Creek feature four 30-amp, 240-volt J1772 charging stations. J1772 is an SAE standard, meaning the chargers will be compatible with most electric cars on the market today.

“We’re proud to provide this service to our guests who currently own electric vehicles, and we hope that this might even compel a few more people to look into electric-powered vehicles,” Wirth said.

The charging stations are located at the western edge of the Far East Building at Squaw Valley, next to the Cornice Cantina. They will be available seven days a week.

The EV chargers are an example of Squaw Valley’s ongoing environmental and sustainability efforts. In 2013, the resort hosted the first carbon-neutral U.S. Alpine Championships, reduced the carbon footprint of its infrastructure by 10 percent, and launched a new farm-to-table menu option at the Rocker@Squaw restaurant.

Squaw Valley also has been a key player in the region-wide Green Bucks program. Proceeds from the program support the Tahoe Fund, the Truckee River Watershed Council and other public and nonprofit organizations, which work to improve, enhance and restore watersheds, hiking and biking trails, and boost environmental stewardship initiatives.