Squaw Valley is the American birthplace of extreme skiing. About twenty years ago, Squaw locals began skiing impossible lines from the Palisades, essentially a cliff with snow stuck to it.

To earn your spurs as an extreme skier or snowboarder—or “freerider” in the current nomenclature of mountain sports—all roads lead through Squaw.

But the extreme reputation aside, Squaw is actually a reasonably well-rounded ski area. There’s a good amount of skiing for all ability levels, and the relatively new Resort at Squaw Creek is an exercise in extreme pampering. Squaw skiing can be ridiculously intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. An on-mountain demo center opened in 2005.

Squaw’s extreme rep may overshadow the mellower side of the mountain, which is more substantial than you might think. From High Camp, about halfway up the mountain, there is plenty of novice and lower-intermediate terrain.

Intermediates tend to congregate around High Camp, too, although there are longer intermediate runs from the Squaw Creek Chair.

As for expert skiing, the number of intriguing lines is impossible to calculate. KT-22 and the Headwall Express are particularly popular.

Squaw Valley USA
Snow Phone/24 Hour Info: (530) 583-6955

Park City, Utah started its humble beginnings as a small silver mining town in the Wasatch Mountains.  No more.  This winter mecca is now a hot ski destination, but also an appealing place for second home buyers.  Real estate is booming and baby boomers are quickly snatching up homes in the $2.5 million-plus range.

In the Tuhaye community, homes have been selling for an average of $600 a square foot! Park City offers home buyers breathtaking views, world-class ski resorts, as well  as a charming, historic community that definitely hasn’t forgotten its humble roots.  Full A rticle