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• Squaw Valley Travel Guide
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Squaw Valley © Squaw Valley Ski Resort

Overview: The second largest holiday resort in Lake Tahoe receives over 600,000 visitors annually and is regarded as one of the best resorts in the world. Squaw Valley was the site of the 1960 Winter Olympics (the first-ever televised Winter Olympics) and has attracted millions of holiday visitors to its varied terrain. Nowadays the resort is packed with several accommodation options, restaurants, bars, entertainment venues and shops. The resort attracts a mixed crowd or all abilities from across the world.

Skiing: At 9050 feet (2760m) above sea level and spread across six peaks and 4000 acres of terrain there are enough runs for every level of skier and snowboarder at the resort. Squaw Valley attracts plenty of expert skiers drawn to the cliffs and chutes rivalling some of the best found across the continent. Squaw Valley also offers the best nightskiing in Tahoe.

Shopping: Certainly all holidaymakers' skiing and snowboarding needs will be taken care of in shops that include Squaw Valley Outfitters, The North Face and the Orange Oval Boardshop. There are other smaller grocery stores offering enough for all self catering needs and several other novelty stores include Black Diamond Wine Exchange, Waxen Moon and Double Diamond Jewellery, selling liquor, candles and shiny stones. Granite Chief, voted the #1 ski shop in the far west by SKI magazine, can handle all tuning and waxing needs.

Restaurants: There are any number of restaurants serving just about all holidaymakers' tastes and budgets at Squaw Valley. The Fireside Pizza Company serves some of the best pizza in Tahoe, while Mamasake has a wide selection of sushi and sashimi. The Wildflour Baking Company has plenty of home baked goods and snacks, and Northern Lights boasts a fantastic variety of ice cream and frozen yoghurts.

Nightlife: The Auld Dubliner is a great place to savour a few pints after a hard day on the slopes and was originally a pub built in Ireland until it was dismantled and brought all the way to the US. Bar One has some great specials throughout the week and is really popular for shooting some pool, live music and karaoke. Zenbu Tapas Lounge offers some late night fine dining and a quieter lounge atmosphere.

Activities: Ice-skating, snowtubing, wall climbing, dog sledding, or simply relaxing in one of the heated pools and Jacuzzis is bound to keep those needing a break from the skis and snowboards occupied.

Negatives: Squaw Valley can get quite busy over the Christmas and Spring Break periods.