Kids ski, too, and Squaw Valley’s new Teaching Tykes program will give parents the pointers they need to help their little ones get the most out of the experience on the slopes. (Jeff Curtes photo)
Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows will be unveiling nearly $8 million in capital improvements for the 2013-14 winter season. The improvements are part of the resorts’ five-year, $70 million renaissance designed to improve all facets of the resort experience.
The investment for the first two years of the renaissance totaled $38 million and brought new chairlifts, expanded kids’ activities, new restaurants, redesigned terrain parks, and the world’s first ski-in/ski-out Starbucks to the resorts. The improvements continue this winter with a new yoga studio, $1.2 million in lodging improvements, electric car chargers, food trucks and a mid-mountain beer garden. The highlights:
Teaching Tykes program
This winter, Squaw Valley is offering a new program called Teaching Tykes, designed for parents who want tips on how to teach their little one (ages 3-5) to ski or snowboard. Available for $169, the price includes a one hour lesson for parent and child, beginner lift ticket for parent and child if 5 years old (ages 3 & 4 are already free) and kids ski or snowboard rentals.
Kids programs
Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows are each offering a new kids team program for the 2013-14 winter season. The snowboarding equivalent of Squaw’s long acclaimed Mighty Mites program, the new Mighty Riders program will offer young riders ages 7-13 the opportunity to develop skills and passion for snowboarding over the course of the winter season at Squaw Valley.
At Alpine Meadows, the new Snow Rangers program will offer winter adventures and on-mountain training such as backcountry touring, snow science, avalanche awareness, snow camping and more for past ski team members ages 12-18 who have a solid base of alpine skiing.
Wanderlust Yoga Studio
Squaw and Wanderlust have partnered to open the new Wanderlust Yoga Studio. In addition to classes seven days a week, the new yoga studio will offer workshops that incorporate Squaw’s extraordinary landscape, including pairing yoga classes with hiking and paddleboarding in the summer and skiing and riding in the winter. Squaw Valley was the original birthplace of the Wanderlust Festival, now the world’s largest and fastest growing music and yoga festival.
Lodging renovations
The slope side condominium suites at The Village at Squaw Valley have received $1.2 million in renovations in summer 2013. Each bedroom in every rental unit at The Village at Squaw Valley has been upgraded with new mattresses and triple-sheet bedding with a sophisticated feel. Many units have also received new furniture, carpet, additional flat screen TVs and air conditioning. The Village offers spacious condominium suites in one-, two- and three-bedroom options complete with a full kitchen, fireplace, balcony and one bathroom per every bedroom in the unit.
The food truck phenomenon has made it to Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley. (Matt Palmer photo)
Mtn Roots Food Trucks
Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows have purchased two new fully-outfitted food trucks to serve fresh, new dining options at the resorts this winter. The food trucks, named Mtn Roots, will offer an eclectic mix of regionally and sustainably sourced food. The Mtn Roots trucks will serve up quick bites as well as more substantial options for sit-down meals that can be enjoyed on nearby outdoor tables. The food trucks will feature rotating menus based on the ingredients available locally as well as feedback from diners.
Many of the sustainable menu offerings will be created in partnership with the Tahoe Food Hub, a local nonprofit organization committed to increasing the availability of nutritious, ecologically grown food by connecting small-scale, regional food producers with schools, restaurants and resorts like Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows. More information on the Tahoe Food Hub can be found at www.tahoefoodhub.org. In partnership with K2 Skis, the food trucks will also offer a signature K2 dish. One of the food trucks will be parked primarily on First Street at The Village at Squaw Valley and the other at the base of Alpine Meadows – though both trucks will roam for special events.
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