Squaw Valley Ski Report
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 29, 2025
Bluebird skies meet fresh corduroy this morning at Palisades Tahoe (formerly Squaw Valley), where crisp overnight temps dipped to 17.8°F, preserving a modest but rideable snowpack of 35 inches. Squaw Valley ski resort in the United States offers over 3,600 acres of skiable terrain, including some of the best trails in North America.
Snowfall Totals & Snow Forecast
Hourly Snowfall
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Wind
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Summary
While that's nearly 22 inches below average for this time of year, the resort is making the most of it, with snowmaking operations in full swing as part of the 70th anniversary celebrations. Groomed runs are skiing fast and firm early, softening into forgiving carvable snow by midday. The Snow Water Equivalent sits at 9.3 inches—low, but expected to climb soon.
Hold onto your goggles—there’s a storm brewing on the 5-day outlook. A light dusting of 0.66 inches is expected over the next 72 hours, but the real story is the 32 inches forecasted in the next 120 hours. That could be a season-defining dump. Meanwhile, high winds earlier this week clocked in at a staggering 191 mph on the ridgelines, temporarily halting some upper-mountain lifts. As Palisades Tahoe continues its transformation post-name change and embraces a legacy rooted in the 1960 Winter Olympics, skiers are finding joy on iconic terrain like The Fingers and Headwall, with locals reporting playful conditions and even backflips in Chute 75s.
Weather Forecast
Seasonal Comparison
Year over year snow water equivalent
Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) shows how much water the snow holds. This is ideal for year-to-year tracking of real snowfall and water resources. Measurements from Squaw Valley G.C..
Regional Snowpack Depth
Snow levels measured from Squaw Valley G.C.
Snowpack depth measures how much snow has accumulated in the area. This is a key indicator of powder quality, trail coverage, and how epic your runs are going to be this season at Squaw Valley.
Historical Air Temperature
Temperature fluctuations at Squaw Valley
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Squaw Valley impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
About the Area
Squaw Valley ski resort in California is situated in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The resort is surrounded by several prominent peaks and mountain features, including:
1. Squaw Peak: The resort's namesake peak, Squaw Peak, is a prominent mountain in the Sierra Nevada range. It offers stunning views of the surrounding area and is a popular destination for hikers and skiers.
2. KT-22: Known for its steep terrain and challenging runs, KT-22 is a famous peak at Squaw Valley. It is a favorite among advanced skiers and snowboarders for its challenging terrain and deep powder.
3. Granite Chief Wilderness: Located adjacent to Squaw Valley, the Granite Chief Wilderness is a protected area of the Sierra Nevada range known for its rugged terrain, alpine lakes, and diverse wildlife. It offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, skiing, and backpacking.
4. Palisades: The Palisades are a series of steep cliffs and chutes at Squaw Valley known for their challenging terrain and breathtaking views. This area offers some of the most challenging skiing and snowboarding in the resort.
5. Emigrant Peak: Another prominent peak near Squaw Valley, Emigrant Peak offers stunning views of the surrounding area and is a popular destination for backcountry skiing and snowboarding.
Overall, Squaw Valley ski resort is surrounded by stunning mountain ranges and features that offer endless opportunities for outdoor adventure and exploration.
The resort's longest trail, Mountain Run, spans 3.2 miles and boasts stunning views of Lake Tahoe. As a fun fact, Squaw Valley hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics, which was the first time the Olympics were held in the United States. For beginners, the resort offers a variety of gentle, beginner-friendly runs such as First Venture and Red Dog Ridge. For après ski, the Auld Dubliner Irish Pub offers a cozy atmosphere, live music, and a selection of craft beers and hearty pub fare.
Night Skiing | Yes |
Lift Count | 34 Lifts |
Hourly Lift Capacity | 49000 per hour |
Base Elevation | 1890 Meters |
Terrain Park | Yes |
Acreage | 4000 Acres |
Established | 1949 |
Run Count | 170 Trails |
Squaw Valley FAQ
How much snow did Squaw Valley receive over the past day?
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
What's the weather like at Squaw Valley today?
Weather today, sunny, with a high near 37. east wind 10 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.
How much new snowfall is forecasted for Squaw Valley this week?
Squaw Valley is expected to receive up to 32.07" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
What are some ski resorts near Squaw Valley?
Alpine Meadows Ski Area
Granlibakken Ski Resort
Sugar Bowl Resort
Northstar
What are ski area conditions in California like right now?
California’s Sierra Nevada is primed for significant snowfall in the coming days, with the heaviest accumulations forecasted around the Lake Tahoe and Central Sierra regions. Top snowfall projections include Palisades Tahoe and CSS Lab (near Donner Summit), both expecting up to 32–33 inches over the next five days. Independence Lake, near Sugar Bowl Resort, follows closely with 26 inches forecasted ... Read more
Tahoe State Recreation Area
Donner Memorial State Park
West End Beach Park
Granite Chief Wilderness
Bill Rose Park