Where to Ski And Snowboard - Work starts to link Squaw and Alpine Meadows

Work starts to link Squaw and Alpine Meadows

19th April 2021, by Abi Butcher

Work starts soon to link Squaw Valley (above) and Alpine Meadows ski areas

Work will start this summer on a gondola link between the bases of the Californian ski areas of Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows, eliminating the need to drive between the two.

Between them, Squaw and Alpine Meadows have 6,000 acres of slopes and the lift has been talked about since the two areas merged in 2012. Although it still won’t be possible to ski between the two Tahoe areas, the gondola creates the third-largest linked ski area in North America, behind Whistler-Blackcomb, BC and Park City, Utah.

The new gondola will take 16 minutes, transporting 1,400 people per hour in eight-passenger cabins that will offer 360-degree views. It is currently a seven-mile drive between the two areas, though the gondola will operate during the winter only.

Alterrra Mountain Company, which owns both ski areas, has allocated US$60 million to the project, which will include two new terminal stations, two mid stations and additional base area improvements in both ski resorts.

No opening date is yet given for the link, because construction times are dependent on weather, conditions and logistics — not least coronavirus.

The funding is part of a US$207 million spend announced by Alterra Mountain Company last week, including base redevelopments at Deer Valley, Mammoth Mountain and Steamboat and a new technology system to enhance the user experience at all of its 44 ski resorts around the world (ikonpass.com).