Location: Olympic Valley
Top Things to do in Olympic Valley
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10 Things to Do in Olympic Valley That You Shouldn't Miss
Northwest of Tahoe City, the site of the 1960 Winter Olympics still seduces ski fanatics to its slopes. Squaw Valley's impressive stats--34 lifts, 6 awesome peaks, 4000-acres of world-class terrain - give winter visitors a major high. High Camp's Olympic Museum provides skiers sights to aspire to.
Restaurants in Olympic Valley
1. Matt Heron Fly Fishing
Overall Ratings
5 based on 67 reviews
Matt Heron Fly Fishing is an all inclusive fly fishing school and outfitter in North Lake Tahoe, CA. Our school is widely regarded as one of the best in the country, offering daily classes on our private stocked ponds, spring through fall. Our year round outfitter is based out of Truckee CA, and provides trips on the Truckee River, Little Truckee River and Sawmill Lake. We also have access to many other creeks and lakes, as well as private water options. During the winter, we host trips to some of the worlds finest saltwater destinations and lodges. Next time you're in Tahoe, let our talented team of experienced guides and instructors show you an amazing experience on the water!
Reviewed By wolfturbo - Laguna Niguel, California
Wow - I just got back from 3 days on the Truckee and Little Truckee with Matt and I couldn't be happier. I have fly fished extensively throughout the Western United States and two things about this trip stuck out with me: I can't believe how fabulous these wild trout are and Matt Heron is in the top 1% of all the guides I have ever used!
He knows these rivers like the back of his hand and he is tenacious in making sure his clients have the best experience possible. He has a positive attitude, he is fun and he knows just the right balance between instructing versus letting you do you own thing. Your worst case scenario with Matt is you'll have a great day on the river. But if you want to learn, we will gladly make you a better angler.
I also like to fish with my teenage daughter, so I greatly appreciate the fact that Matt is polite, doesn't use profanity and isn't sneaking a smoke whenever I'm not looking. Sadly, I've had more than a few guides who don't fit this description.
I've already scheduled my next trip so I can settle a score with a few fish that broke my heart on this trip. I give Matt my highest recommendation without reservation!
2. Emerald Bay State Park
Overall Ratings
5 based on 691 reviews
This spectacular bay in Lake Tahoe is best approached by hiking trails.
Reviewed By Andy L - Allen, Texas
Great stop to view Emerald Bay and a short downhill hike, but not when there is a lot of snow. Great photo opportunity. Fees are apparently charged for the summer time but not in the winter time.
3. ProPowderGuides
Overall Ratings
5 based on 19 reviews
Lake Tahoe’s independent, affordable family instructor mountain guides. Safely building beginner to advanced skills for skiing, boarding, snowshoeing and alpine sightseeing.
Reviewed By BayAreaSkier - Palo Alto, California
For years we have planned our annual ski vacations around the availability of ski school lessons for our three pre-teen children. While this works well, we have always thought that the kids spent less time on the slopes and more time in the lodge eating gummy bears than strictly necessary.
So this year we decided to try something new and hire a private instructor/guide to ski with the children and help them improve their technique. We weren’t sure how this would work out—but in fact we were delighted with the results!
We were lucky enough to find Dave, who is as solid and knowledgeable a ski instructor as we have met, and one who quickly established rapport with our three children (two girls and a boy). He gave them all exercises and pointers to improve their skiing, and exposed them to challenging terrain and conditions. Our son went from someone who merely enjoys skiing to being *ambitious*, asking to ski bumps and difficult off-piste terrain.
We also really enjoyed the flexibility this approach gave us over putting the kids in ski school. For one thing, it was easy to plan when and where to meet up for meals. For another, we could split up into different groupings depending on where we wanted to go and what we wanted to work on. And for the first time ever, the kids hit the slopes with us at first lift, and skied until exhaustion!
Dave was supportive of all of our children, observing them as individuals and advancing their technique as needed. In addition, he was always kind and funny, and an excellent conversationalist as well. He also gave us a huge trove of photos and videos for the family album.
We highly recommend Dave and look forward to working with him again next year.
4. Squaw Valley Ski Area
Overall Ratings
4 based on 517 reviews
Famous ski area with Olympic memories.
Reviewed By Keith D - Atlanta, Georgia
I skied at Squaw Valley March 4 - 10 and we had sunshine filled days in the Mid 30’s and 100 plus inches of base snow. These days were 11’s on a scale of 1 to 10 and we felt like we were lucky to be skiing at this resort. I used the Squaw app but Squaw needs trail markers and signs on every run like they do in Colo.
KeithDeCay
5. Eagle Falls Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 236 reviews
A beautiful and well-marked trail.
Reviewed By bverbos - Milwaukee, Wisconsin
The hike to Eagle Falls is an easy 1/2 mile, with a clearly marked trail, some elevation gain, and some rocky steps. The falls are visible at a bit of distance on the trail and from above at the falls themselves. If you continue to Eagle Lake it is about one more mile uphill with many rock steps. This part of the trail is rather strenuous and not recommended for children (despite what some tourbooks might say). The lake is quite scenic and you may need to relax on the rocks there for a rest. Returning on the rocky trail requires much care and I would strongly recommend against this trail in or close after rain.
6. Shirley Lake Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By quikwhit - Newport coast
Most beautiful hike I've ever done, but beware this is a strenuous hike unlike "easy to moderate" as many guides say! It is about a 2800'+ elevation change that takes you over every terrain possible. It starts off beautifully with a creek and waterfalls alongside (this is July) and then over granite rocks, past Shirley Lake, beautiful wildflowers and then snow. Go to the top and you're rewarded with a gondola ride down to the base of Squaw and the views are spectacular! TAKE PLENTY OF WATER!!!!!
7. Squaw Valley Aerial Tram
Overall Ratings
4 based on 89 reviews
Take a panoramic 10 minute ride that climbs 2,000 vertical feet and soars above a mountainscape of granite rock, waterfalls and the iconic Tram Face. And that's just the beginning. Once you reach your destination at High Camp, located at 8,200', breathe in the fresh mountain air and immerse yourself in the High Sierra. Whether you're looking to set out on one of the many hiking and walking trails, cool off in the mountaintop pool and hot tub or take a spin around the roller rink overlooking Lake Tahoe, there is something to spark everyone's inner mountain explorer.
Reviewed By SimbaTheExplorer - California
We love Squaw Valley. The tram is an amazing ride. It is a great way for non-skiers to experience the splendor of Squaw Valley in the summer and winter. I do not recommend it for experienced skiers since it is too crowded and time consuming. This is mainly for beginning skiers and tourists,
8. Alpenglow Expeditions
Overall Ratings
5 based on 28 reviews
Alpenglow Expeditions is the premier mountain guiding service in Lake Tahoe, California. With AMGA certified guides Alpenglow combines their deep experience in international mountain guiding and brings that same attention to detail to Lake Tahoe back country ski tours in the winter, and in the summer rock climbing, hiking, camping and more. Alpenglow Expeditions was founded in 2004 by IFMGA certified guide Adrian Ballinger and continues to be an industry leader when it comes to leading clients in the mountains of the world.
Reviewed By A TripAdvisor Member
I have dealt with Alpenglow on two occasions and both have gone perfectly. This past weekend I took a WFA (wilderness first aid) and CPR course with Nick Bliss teaching, and everything I wanted covered was discussed. There were thorough discussions, scenarios and plenty of...MoreThanks, Josh! We hope to get out there with you again very soon. Cheers!
9. Spa at Squaw Creek
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By adventuresforus12
Called the spa to see if there was availability but they were booked. However they said they would call if they had a cancellation. Sure enough they called back within 30 minutes and I scheduled a 75 minute Deep Tissue massage. There is a sauna and steam room in the locker room so was able to spend some time in both before and after my massage. The "Sanctuary" is the room where you wait for your massage and they provide comfortable chairs, snacks, and chilled flavored water. Andrew was my massage therapist and did a great job getting deep into my tissues. The spa includes an automatic 18% service charge/tip on the massage bill and since it's a resort spa, be prepared to pay resort prices for your massage. All in all, it was worth it and had a relaxing couple of hours after 4+ hours of skiing.
10. Alpine Meadows
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 126 reviews
Intermediate and advanced skiers and riders will most enjoy this resort, known for its especially long season.
Reviewed By GottaRun - The Woodlands, Texas
Great uncrowded hike away from Lake Tahoe. This trail is moderate, steep in some areas. The lakes are clear and picturous, very inviting for swimming (if you don't mind cold water!). The fresh mountain air and views are amazing. Views include granitic bedrock to volcanic rocks and ski resorts to pristine wilderness. Bring plenty of water.
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