US resorts join forces

6th October 2011, by Chris Gill

Ski Squaw Valley then try Alpine Meadows ... [Squaw Valley (c) Snowpix.com]

As the first snowfalls arrive in California this week, Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows have announced that they are to form a partnership this winter.

The two Tahoe resorts are neighbours, and the new deal means that skiers and boarders will have unrestricted access to over 6000 acres of slopes, available on one of the newly revamped lift pass schemes. The Tahoe Super Six lift pass offers six days of unrestricted skiing at both resorts for $399, the lowest priced of the new passes.

Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley are not linked, and local authorities say it is unlikely that a new lift would be built between the two mountains, at least for the foreseeable future. But the shared lift pass will be a first.

KSL Capital Partners, which owns Squaw, will operate the two resorts under the name of Squaw Valley Ski Holdings LLC. Alpine Meadows sister resort Homeward is said to be unaffected by the merger, and will operate under separate ownership.

Squaw Valley is the larger of the two ski areas, with over 4000 acres terrain, while Alpine Meadows has 2400 acres. Both have similarly lightly wooded slopes and the benefit of an impressive snow record.

The latest news from Squaw Valley comes shortly after the resort also announced a lift pass share with Whistler-Blackcomb in Canada. The Ultimate 7 card will permit four days of skiing at Squaw and three days in Whistler (should you wish to travel that distance for a two-centre holiday!). The pass costs $479 and is valid at any time during the season - extra days can be added on too. It can be bought only through Squaw Valley USA online.

• lift pass
• squaw valley
• california
• alpine meadows

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