Where to Ski And Snowboard - Lake Tahoe ski resorts to link

Lake Tahoe ski resorts to link

14th April 2015, by Abi Butcher

Plans are being drawn up for lift link between Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows in Tahoe

A long-discussed lift link between Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows in Tahoe, California, will finally go ahead if plans are approved. An agreement was reached this week on the build of a link that would create a 6,000-acre ski area that receives significant snowfall each year.

The owner of both mountains has finally reached an agreement with the owner of the land between them — a 460-acre plot known as “White Wolf” that includes Squaw’s KT-22 chairlift — to build a base-to-base gondola connection between the two. Since Squaw Valley Ski Holdings bought Alpine Meadows, the two have shared a lift pass which has resulted in an increase in the number of cars between the two as skiers enjoy both mountains — just a 10-minute drive.

“For decades, skiers and riders have talked about connecting these two world-class resorts,” said Andy Wirth, president and CEO of Squaw Valley Ski Holdings, LLC. “Over the past four years, we’ve made significant improvements to enhance the skier experience at both Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows. The base-to-base gondola will offer our guests the ability to easily explore and experience the unique attributes of these two mountains via a brand new aerial connection, while simultaneously reducing vehicle traffic between them.”

Plans are being drawn up for the construction of a high-speed, detachable gondola that would operate between the base of Squaw Valley and the base of Alpine Meadows, traveling over the KT-22 Peak. There are no plans currently being contemplated to allow skiing on the so-called White Wolf terrain.

The plans need to be approved by Placer County and US Forest Service approvals, but Squaw Valley Holdings and Troy Caldwell, owner of White Wolf, are planning to design a gondola with minimal impact to the surrounding environment, by minimising the number of lift towers and eliminating the need for access roads. The plans are expected to be submitted to authorities this summer — but Squaw Valley is also currently trying to expand its base village, too.

“The plan itself will be executed with incredible care and concern for our environment, and with the intention of taking cars off the road, effectively reducing vehicle travel between the two mountains,” said Michael Gross, director of environmental initiatives for Squaw Valley | Alpine Meadows.

“Our guests will no longer have to drive from one mountain to the other to choose where they would like to ski. They will have the ability to simply ride a gondola to experience these two iconic, diverse mountains.”