Here Are All the Fun Activities You Can Do this Summer at Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows

Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows’ summer season kicks off Friday, June 18, when the resort reopens for mountain exploration, outdoor adventure programming and family-friendly activities. This gives visitors to enjoy the beautiful mountains near Lake Tahoe through hiking, biking, events and other great activities.

With the sunshine upon us, let’s look at all the activities you can do this summer at Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows:

Aerial Tram

Offering sweeping, panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and surrounding mountain vistas, the Aerial Tram is a 10-minute ride that carries passengers up 2,000 vertical feet over rocky ridgelines and the iconic Tram Face, before landing at High Camp. Ticket prices are $39/adult, $29/child, and free for 2021-22 Ikon Pass holders, with access to many free activities at High Camp.

Beginning June 18, the Aerial Tram will operate Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Labor Day weekend, followed by weekend service from Sept. 11 through Sept. 26 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

High Camp Activities

Situated at 8,200 ft. above sea level in a picturesque setting alongside the Sierra Nevada mountains and Squaw Valley’s legendary granite peaks, High Camp is home to a variety of activities for all ages. With the purchase of an Aerial Tram ticket, guests receive complimentary access to The North Face Guided Hikes, geocaching, disc golf and the High Camp Roller Rink for skating. Guided e-mountain bike tours will give guests a new way to explore the upper mountain. The 1.5 hour tour costs $99/person, and includes a bike rental, but does not include a Tram ticket. The High Camp Pool and Hot Tub will remain closed for the season.

For seated lunch, guests can check out Granite Bistro Cafe, open daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Diners can enjoy the panoramic view of the peaks while fueling up for their mountaintop adventures on classic lunch favorites with a California twist. For grab-and-go snacks, sandwiches and homemade baked goods, High Camp Marketplace will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Kids Adventure Camp

 Launching June 21, the Kids Adventure Camp welcomes Explorers (ages 5-7) and Mountaineers (ages 8-13) to Olympic Valley for summer day camp. Operating Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., children will enjoy the great outdoors through daily rotating activities and Aerial Tram rides, with snacks and lunch included. Single day pricing begins at $130/day for advance registration (minimum 48 hours ahead) and $150/day following that period. Or, parents can purchase a five-pack of camp days at just $110/day. Reservations are highly encouraged with limited availability for walk-ins. 

Village Events 

The Village at Squaw Valley is bringing back a robust calendar of events this summer. Weekly favorites like Bluesdays and First Street Yoga will be joined by new weekly events like The Great Bingo Revival and the Sunset Live Music Series. Much anticipated events that will be returning this summer include:  

• Bluesdays: Tuesdays, July 13-Aug. 31
• Brews, Jazz & Funk: Aug. 14-15 
• Guitar Strings vs. Chicken Wings: Sept. 3
• Alpen Wine Fest: Sept. 5
• Oktoberfest: Sept. 18-19
• Made in Tahoe: Oct. 9-10

A full schedule can be viewed here with all events subject to change.

Funitel Plaza 

Down in the base area, guests can rent bicycles at Parallel Mountain Sports, and ride the paved bike path that runs alongside the Truckee River from the Village all the way to Tahoe City. A Mountain Host tent can be found in front of the Aerial Tram building for activity recommendations and guest questions. And stop by Alpenglow Expeditions’ Tahoe Via Ferrata tent in the plaza to learn more about this unique hiking and climbing experience on Squaw Valley’s most iconic rock face. Guided group and private tours are available daily.

From the base, hikers can check out the Shirley Canyon trail, one of our most popular summer hikes. The 3.6-mile trail winds past waterfalls, the base of the Silverado chair, Shirley Lake and ends up at High Camp. From there, hikers can download the Aerial Tram for free. Hikers should park in the Squaw Valley parking lot and walk along Squaw Peak Rd. to the trailhead; there is no trailhead parking available. A Trail Host will be stationed at the Shirley Canyon trailhead on weekends to assist guests with questions.