Living the Ski Dream in California

Posted by - Craig Burton on Mon 16th April 2012

So, I am in fantastic Squaw Valley California for Mountain Travel Symposium. For those of you not in the trade, Mountain Travel Symposium (MTS) is THE industry event of the year where ‘ski people’ from across the world come together for a week of meetings, forums and dare I say it, partying. For Ski Solutions, this means negotiations with resorts and hotels from across North America and the Alps to ensure we come away with the best products and rates for next winter. We’ve made some exciting new finds, and will have some incredible new offers to launch later this month.

Of course, it wouldn’t be right to come all this way and not enjoy a little of what the area has to offer. I have been out to California for a number of years now, and for me it pretty much has all of the ingredients for a perfect holiday for skiers and boarders who want some variety from a ski holiday. It’s often not the first place you think of when it comes to skiing, but honestly, it should be a part of everyone’s ‘must do’ list. Most ski trips to this area start in San Francisco, one of the greatest cities in the world. It’s a 10 hour flight from the UK, and with no fewer than 5 direct flights a day from the UK, it’s a doddle to reach and outside of the peak summer season, pretty good value. I stayed in the boutique Hotel Abri in Union Square, and ate at the ‘oh so funky’ NOPA serving simple ‘urban rustic’ food. It’s one of the hottest spots in town right now. Book early.

The car is king out here, and I picked up a hire car for the 4 hour drive to Lake Tahoe. In three days, I have skied three different and contrasting mountains – Mount Rose, Northstar at Tahoe and Squaw Valley – all no more than 20 minutes drive of each other. There is over 17,000 acres and over 100 lifts in this area, all skiable on one pass.

Next stop when the business is finished in Squaw Valley? 2 nights in Las Vegas (and a date with Elton John at Caesars Palace!)

Honestly, California offers one of the finest and best value holidays you could imagine. A ten night trip could take in San Francisco, 5 different ski mountains around Lake Tahoe, a drive through Death Valley and a couple of nights in Las Vagas.

Ski Solutions can put together 10 night California ‘ski safaris’ from £1095pp. Do it!