Discover Squaw Valley

For planning, consider specific starting points and conditions—for example, High Camp as the destination of the Aerial Tram, a trailhead on Highway 89, or an activity that depends on whether it is operating. Think about which of these aspects of the destination you want to focus on during your stay.

Olympic History and Ski Resort

Olympic Valley hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics. Palisades Tahoe is designated a California Historical Landmark and also bears the designation Pioneer Ski Area of America. The ski resort spans six distinctive mountain peaks, and its skiable area covers 6,000 acres. The area therefore combines a specific Olympic past with an expansive ski resort.

High Camp: Mountain Views, Museum, and Activities

The ten-minute ride on the Palisades Tahoe Aerial Tram takes you to High Camp and offers mountain views as well as views of Lake Tahoe. High Camp is at an elevation of 8,200 feet and has dining, exhibits, and museums. The Olympic Museum displays historic memorabilia and archival videos about the 1960 Winter Olympics. It is open when the Aerial Tram is operating, so this is an important consideration when planning a museum visit.

Other offerings at High Camp include Washoe Cultural Talks. Members of the Washoe Tribe share the history and culture of the Washoe people from the valley and surrounding mountains. Guests can see artifacts that illustrate the Washoe way of life. Guided Naturalist Walks focus on the geology of the Sierra Nevada, seasonal alpine wildflowers, local wildlife, and cultural history. Their schedules depend on operating conditions. At 8,200 feet, there is also a nine-hole disc golf course with views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Sierra Nevada.

Hiking and Climbing Around Olympic Valley

The trails described here differ in their starting points and landscape features. The Shirley Canyon Trail begins at the Aerial Tram and leads to Shirley Lake below the Solitude Lift. The World Cup Trail to Western States Trail route passes through a mixed conifer forest and descends to a trailhead on Highway 89 between Palisades and Alpine. On the Thunder Mountain Trail, after its first mile, the route crosses a stream on a bridge with a small waterfall. The Granite Chief Trail begins near the Olympic Village Events Center, climbs through the forest, and meets the Pacific Crest Trail.

Those planning to cycle or ride horses as well as hike will find an extensive network of trails for these activities in the Sierra around Olympic Valley. The paved Squaw Valley Trail is 3 miles long and runs along Olympic Valley Road from Highway 89 to the Palisades at Tahoe Ski Resort. Tahoe Via Ferrata is offered as a guided climbing experience on Tram Face at Palisades Tahoe in Olympic Valley. A bungee trampoline session at Palisades Tahoe lasts five minutes; temporary interruptions to operations are possible.

Parks and Transportation

Olympic Valley Park offers activities year-round. In winter, it becomes a snow park with free parking for visitors and opportunities to play in the snow. There are also two bus services for trails and activities in the valley, each with different details: TART’s Highway 89 line has additional stops in Olympic Valley and is free for all passengers. Mountaineer provides free on-demand transportation within Olympic Valley in winter. As its schedules may change, it is advisable to check the latest information before traveling.

For activities that depend on timing, check the operating conditions mentioned and choose your stay based on the activities you actually plan to do.

Discover more destinations: Tahoe City, Tahoma, Foresthill, Emigrant Gap, Kings Beach, Alpine Meadows, Carnelian Bay, Roseville.

For the broader travel overview: Placer.