Conditions Report
Squaw Valley opened this last Friday. I went there on Saturday to check it out.
Despite the limited terrain, everyone was stoked to be back on the snow. There was only a beginner run open, and you could only go up the First Venture chairlift or the Tucker Carpet, but it was still a good time. After a whole summer away from snowboarding, this little run was just enough.
The snow was all artificial, as to be expected. So that wasn’t ideal. I definitely washed out a few times while goofing around, and the snow was pretty firm and unforgiving. But still, I’d rather snowboard on funky man-made snow than nothing at all.
Red Dog wasn’t open, but it was rad to see how much snow they’ve been able to make on the run.
Alpine Meadows also opened on Friday. That might’ve been the place to be. Kangaroo Chair was opened over there, which has a longer run than First Venture, so there’s a bit more potential for real skiing.
The bottom line: the snow is all artificial so it’s a little funky, and the terrain is really limited, but if you want to get a few runs in to get your legs ready for the real season, its perfect.
Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows is just one of 38 iconic destinations available on the Ikon Pass.
The soul of Snow Tubing lives here.