The 10 Best Things to do in Olympic Valley, California (CA)

December 4, 2021 Renato Branum

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. Tahoe Via Ferrata

Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 29 reviews

Tahoe Via Ferrata

The Tahoe Via Ferrata is Squaw Valley's newest outdoor adventure. Located on the iconic Tram Face, the Tahoe Via Ferrata towers above The Village at Squaw Valley. A Via Ferrata, which means “Iron Road” in Italian, is a protected hiking and climbing experience that will scale the iconic rock face. Using permanent steel anchors and cables, participants are safely attached to the rock throughout the experience.

2. Matt Heron Fly Fishing

Excellent
99%
Good
1%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 160 reviews

Matt Heron Fly Fishing

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!

3. Tahoe Dave's Skis & Boards

3039 Highway 89, Olympic Valley, CA 96146 +1 530-583-5665 [email protected] http://www.tahoedaves.com/
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 5 reviews

Tahoe Dave's Skis & Boards

Tahoe Dave's Skis & Boards is annually voted North Lake Tahoe's BEST ski & snowboard shop & has been locals choice since 1977. We have the largest fleet of demo and powder skis & boards in North Lake Tahoe. We're open late, rent the evening before at no extra charge, the 5th day is always free, and we have great customer service!

4. Alpenglow Expeditions

Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 93 reviews

Alpenglow Expeditions

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.

5. Granite Chief

Olympic Valley, CA
Excellent
78%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 9 reviews

Granite Chief

Granite Chief is located next to and offers great views of Squaw Valley.

6. Squaw Valley Ropes Course

1901 Chamonix Place, Olympic Valley, CA Located across the parking lot from the Olympic Village Inn, Olympic Valley, CA +1 530-581-7563 https://squawalpine.com/events-things-do/lake-tahoe-ropes-course
Excellent
44%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 9 reviews

Squaw Valley Ropes Course

In 1998, this ski area began offering challenge courses to strengthen teamwork, confidence and trust for individuals, business groups and college students.

7. Five Lakes Creek Trailhead

Alpine Meadows Rd, Olympic Valley, CA 96146
Excellent
71%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 7 reviews

Five Lakes Creek Trailhead

8. Spa at Squaw Creek

400 Squaw Creek Rd, Olympic Valley, CA 96146-9778 +1 530-583-6300 [email protected] http://www.destinationhotels.com/squawcreek?utm_source=google-local&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=gmb
Excellent
75%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 63 reviews

Spa at Squaw Creek

Reviewed By Jamesfamily81713

Our experience did not start out the best. Allow me to explain... My husband and I booked hotel reservations and spa services about a month prior to our visit. We were so excited to spend the weekend in Tahoe at such a beautiful establishment. When we arrived to our spa appointment we were greeted by the manager. To my delight it was the same person I had previously spoken with that book our appointments. She had a delightful accent, and after speaking with her twice on the phone (once to book, and a second time to confirm) it was no mistake that it was the same person. We were so excited to begin our 80 minutes of relaxation. However, when we provided her with our names and appointment time, she could not find us in their system. As we stood and waited approximately 5 minutes elapsed while she frantically searched for our reservation. With no success, she apologized profusely and offered 2 complimentary massages during our next visit. She also offered us to complimentary gift bags. We decided it would beveirth tge two hour drive to return the following month. Of course I asked for some sort of "proof" as I had little confidence in their "system". She gave me her personal cell phone # with which she provided a follow up text message. About a month later, I called the resort to redeem our two complimentary messages. It was another voice on the other end of the phone this time. She was very helpful as she reserved our appointments. I explained the mix up from our previous reservation and she was equally apologetic. She told me that the manager who made the mistake was no longer employed with the spa but that she would honor the complimentary massages. We faced a few more hiccups along the way (e.g rescheduling due to sick employees) but the new management remained communicative and accommodating. And boy did they honor the massages!!! Wow. The Massage Hand down. One of the best massages I have ever recieved. I am a bit of a massage snob, so I know a quality massage when I feel it. I had the Mountain massage and it was pure bliss. A perfect blend of Swedish, trigger point therapy, and gentle stretching. They even provided complimentary enhancements that included aroma therapy. I felt completely relaxed at the end of the session. Oh yah, and the also have a beautiful locker room and sanctuary area to rest and prepare for your massage! They took all of tge necessary precautions for Covid and we couldn't have asked for a better experience. Well done Megan and to all of the staff at Squaw Creek. You turned a bad experience into a 5 star review. Thank you for your time and dedication to serve your customers well.

9. Factory Bike

3039 Highway 89, Olympic Valley, CA +1 530-581-3399 http://squawbikes.com/index.php/rentals
Excellent
87%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
7%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 15 reviews

Factory Bike

10. Squaw Valley Aerial Tram

1990 Squaw Peak Road, Olympic Valley, CA 96146 +1 800-403-0206 [email protected] http://squawalpine.com/events-things-do/aerial-tram-rides
Excellent
55%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 148 reviews

Squaw Valley Aerial Tram

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 21jem - Wake Forest, United States

Our family of 4 spent the afternoon at Squaw Valley. We ate at the Dubliner ( would highly recommend the Chicken Boxty with Whiskey cream and the Rueben Fries!!) The tram was such a fun ride during the summer- so much and so far to see! We walked on several trails and enjoyed the views and wildflowers. There are so many things to do here-swim, hike, mt bike, etc. Smoke from the Yosemite fires blew in which obscured the views late in the afternoon but it was still amazing! Would love to ski here someday!

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.