Number 05

Squaw Valley has been called a lot of things. Epic. Rugged. Legendary. Be- Believe the hype; Squaw is all that and more. The Palisades, the Fingers, the Headwall, Silverado and Granite Chief are all among the best inbounds terrain on the continent. Squaw’s hometown crew is legendary, including Ingrid Backstrom, Scott Gaffney, Michelle Parker, and the late Shane McConkey, to name a few. And that doesn’t include the dozens of amazing skiers who you have never heard of.

When it dumps in the Sierras, the scene is as intense as Squaw’s terrain. Squaw’s extensive — and fast — lift system accesses all the storied terrain, so if you want fresh tracks, get yourself up early (like 4 a.m.early) and line up at KT-22. At the end of a very longday, grab an après beer and slice at the Chamois with generations the locals or grab an early dinner at Mamasake sushi.

Squaw isn’t known for its pipe and park prowess, but it does have a pretty damn good terrain park. Squaw has hosted the 48Straight and Ski Tour halfpipe events, and a string of spring fi lm shoots last season give Squaw decent street cred. Ultimately, Squaw is a big-mountain skier’s paradise, and a must-ski for generations of shredders: from the 1960 Olympics to Hot Dog, from Plake and Schmidt to Kreitler and McConkeyto tomorrow’s legends like Backstrom and Parker.

Resort Ranking:
Snow Quality-9
Terrain Quality-10
Hike-to Access-8
Park Quality-6
Nightlife-6
Accessibility-10

Vital Stats:
Squaw.com
Vertical: 2,850 feet
Acreage: 4,000 acres
Snowfall: 450 inches
Ticket: $74 (2008-2009)

North America’s Top 10 Ski Resorts

1. Whistler Blackcomb, BC
2. Aspen/Snowmass, CO
3. Mammoth Mountain
4. Jackson Hole, WY
5. Squaw Valley, CA
6. Alta/Snowbird, UT
7. Breckenridge, CO
8. Telluride, CO
9. Heavenly, CA
10. Vail, CO

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