Ski Chalets in Squaw Valley, USA

Squaw Valley, the birthplace of American extreme skiing, is a mecca for freeriders and extreme skiers. But don't be put off if your style is more sedate or family oriented: this resort also boasts gentle mountain-top beginner terrain as well as mountain-top ice-skating and swimming.

Nestling at the end of a stunning alpine valley, Squaw Valley lies cradled by six Sierra peaks dominated by Squaw Peak at 8,900 feet (2,715 m). Squaw is historic: it famously played host to the 1960 Winter Olympic Games (the first to be televised), and Squaw Valley’s Olympic heritage continues to be evident throughout the resort.

Squaw Valley is unique in the U.S. as it offers wide-open bowl skiing rather than traditional, named ski trails and the ski area is famous for terrain ranging from the tamest to the toughest.

It’s not unusual to hear a first-time skier at Squaw ask “Where are all the trails?” and it’s true that Squaw is unique in the U.S. as it offers wide-open bowl skiing rather than traditional, named ski trails.

There are a range of great après ski spots in Squaw Valley, from Le Chamois to Bar One. Le Chamois is home to Squaw Valley’s liveliest outdoor après, and it’s always buzzing with skiers and boarders exchanging stories of the day skiing. The inside is decked out with ski gear from the last forty years, and there are a whole host of drinks specials to try out.

More refined après skiers can hit the upmarket PlumpJack Bar, which is right next to the PlumpJack Cafe; one of Squaw Valley’s best restaurants. The bar has a happy hour from three o’clock to six o’clock in the afternoon, and you can make a reservation for dinner while you’re there.

Other hotspots include the Cornice Cantina, where the lifties and the ski patrol frequent, Rocker at Squaw is great for getting in some modern day ski culture as the bar pays homage to Squaw Valley’s various ski heroes, both of these bars are great whether you’re looking for an après ski drink or a late night on a Friday.