“Squaw or Bust!”

As almost any observant individual could tell you, the storm systems that soaked us here in Redding in the last few weeks have been good for the mountains. Sure, sure, the weather was beneficial for California’s chronic drought and all, but our interest lies at a slightly higher elevation, yes?

Resorts all over the state are up and running after a lean December snowfall left many literally high and dry. Mt. Shasta Ski Park gets a lot of attention from Simpson’s finest, due mostly in part to its proximity to Redding followed closely by its affordability (it can’t be for its size or atmosphere). Another reason for Shasta’s popularity may lie in ignorance. You do realize there are other winter destinations out there, don’t you? Offering a couple more hours to the great American interstate system, and a few more dollars to the economy, can provide the avid winter sportsman (or woman) with a much more lively scene. Squaw Valley, just South of Truckee (the greater Tahoe area for those less geographically inclined), is a powder lover’s dream location.

Located 96 miles from Sacramento, or around 250 miles from Simpson’s doorstep depending on your route, Squaw deserves some consideration. Sure, it’d require a little more premeditation than a Facebook update 30 minutes before your intended departure time from “The Y” and slightly more fuel (for both vehicle and passengers), but the payoff far outweighs the hassle a little distance imposes.

Squaw Valley boasts 33 lifts traversing one of the largest ski areas in the country. It hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics and is still guarded by the fabled flames of Olympus at the resort’s entrance on Highway 89. For the skilled boarder, multiple terrain parks dot the slopes, such as the Ford Belmont Park and Riviera Superpipe. Besides the obvious pastimes of skiing and snowboarding (as if you’d need any other reason to venture forth), Squaw boasts many other recreational opportunities. For the less daring: cable car rides, ice skating, a heated swimming lagoon and spa, tubing, rock climbing, snowshoeing, and night riding possibilities abound. Looking for a spiritual experience whilst partaking in creation? Mountaintop church services are given on Sunday afternoons.

The runs are groomed, the lodge fire is crackling invitingly, and Squaw Valley is begging for your attention. Restaurants and lodging abound both in the Olympic Valley and in nearby destinations. Next time you feel that call of the mountains, give Shasta a break and experience all that Squaw Valley has to offer.