Squaw Valley-Alpine Meadows, others, expect to extend skiing into May

Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, the spring skiing capital, is gearing up for a highly anticipated spring season on the mountain. As a result of El Niño snowfall topping 36 cumulative feet for the season, the resort anticipates a long spring skiing and snowboarding season. Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows has committed to offering the longest season in Tahoe and will offer skiing and riding into May as long as weather and conditions permit.

Beyond sun-soaked skiing and riding, and events and activities ranging from annual classics like the WinterWonderGrass festival, Cushing Crossing contest and Snow Golf Tournament, to the opening of High Camp Hot Tub, parties and live concerts, 2016-17 Tahoe Super Passholders can take advantage of the long season with free skiing starting April 1, 2016. Offering even more access to the mountain with a new daily nonstop flight and airport Mountain Concierge, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this spring at Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows. The springtime fun kicks off this weekend with the legendary tradition, the Pain McShlonkey Classic.

6th Annual Pain McShlonkey Classic – Saturday, March 19 – Sunday, March 20
Dress up in your most outrageous ski duds and come out to Squaw Valley for a day full of belly laughs, camaraderie and philanthropy in celebration of legendary skier Shane McConkey. Festivities include the Hot Dog Downhill and Snowblade Slalom Invitational, where pros and amateurs battle it out on snowblades for the highly coveted Golden Saucer trophy and ultimate bragging rights. Other events include a costume contest, awards ceremony, and a colossal raffle giveaway. For the complete schedule and more information, click here.

Second Annual WinterWonderGrass Tahoe – April 1-3, 2016
The excitement of music, mountains and brews returns to Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows for the second annual WinterWonderGrass Tahoe festival April 1-3, 2016. WinterWonderGrass Tahoe is a unique three-day event featuring world-class bluegrass and acoustic roots performances, craft breweries and local food vendors under the snow covered peaks of Squaw Valley. The festival is hosting its first ever WinterWonderGrass Tram to Table Dinner at 8,000 feet on the top of Squaw Valley. Festival-goers can join for a Tram ride to the top of Squaw with live performances by WWG artists to kick off the festival weekend on Thursday, March 31st! For the complete lineup and to purchase tickets, click here.

High Camp Hot Tub Opening & Spring Music Series – Saturdays This Spring
Squaw Valley’s scenic High Camp Hot Tub opens for the spring season on Saturday, April 2. Located at 8,200 feet and surrounded by the beauty of the Sierra including Lake Tahoe, the High Camp Hot Tub is one of the most breathtaking places in the world to relax. Kick off your boots after a day of skiing or riding and unwind on the top of the mountain! For more information about the High Camp Hot Tub, click here.

At Alpine Meadows, guests of all ages can sit back, relax and enjoy the tunes of acclaimed Tahoe musicians during the Spring Music Series. Hosted at the deck of the Alpine Meadows Lodge, these free outdoor concerts are the perfect ending to a day on the slopes, and the perfect way to start an afternoon après session. Performers include Mojo Green, Lumanation, Nibblers, and Joy & Madness. To view the complete lineup and schedule, click here.

33rd Annual Snow Golf Tournament – Saturday, April 9
Ditch your ski jacket for a collared shirt and khakis – Alpine Meadows’ Annual Snow Golf Tournament is back! As the only top-to-bottom snow golf course, the highly anticipated spring event is a unique way for the family to spend a day on the slopes. Teeing off at 9 a.m., the nine-hole course starts at the top of Summit Express Chair, with the last hole leaving golfers at the base of Alpine Bowl Chair. After a day of bogies and birdies, golfers and spectators can join the After Party and take part in a Costume Contest and enter to win fun prizes at the tournament’s raffle held at the Main Lodge Sun Deck. For the complete schedule of events and more information, click here.

26th Annual Cushing Crossing – Saturday, April 16
Sponsored by Alaska Airlines, GoPro and KTKE 101.5 Truckee Tahoe Radio, the iconic pond skimming event returns to the resort for its 26th consecutive year, challenging participants to cross the chilly waters of Cushing Pond on skis, a snowboard, or any ski- or snowboard-based vessel – resulting in colossal crashes, ultra-creative contraptions and hilarious costumes, with the spectacle being judge by a celebrity panel. This year’s Cushing Crossing starts at 1:00 p.m. at Cushing Pond, located adjacent to the KT Base Bar. The legendary competition will be limited to the first 50 registrants, and participants can register on the day of the event at KT Base Bar. Registration opens at 9 a.m., and is $20 per competitor. For the complete schedule and more information, click here.

2015-16 Passholders Party– Saturday, April 23 and Saturday, April 30
Come celebrate spring ski and snowboard season at Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley for the 2015-16 Passholder Party. Alpine Meadows will host a Passholders Party celebration at the Main Lodge Sun Deck on Saturday, April 23 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Squaw Valley will host another celebration at KT Base Bar on Saturday, April 30, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Both parties include $5 food specials, drink specials, and free live music. Grab your passholder pals for the year end party under the sun! For the complete schedule and more information, click here.

Cinco de Mayo Party at High Camp – Thursday, May 5
Grab your skis, snowboards and swim suits for a unique Cinco de Mayo party at 8,200 feet. Cinco de Mayo specials include ice cold margaritas, Mexican themed food specials and live music at the High Camp Pool & Hot Tub. Get out on the mountain in the morning then head over to the fiesta for a fun afternoon under the California sun with entertainment and games including a poolside DJ, snow volleyball, baggo and ladder toss. Costumes are highly encouraged. Let’s celebrate skiing and riding in May. For the complete schedule and more information, click here.

Photo: Hank deVre

— Text by Squaw Valley | Alpine Meadows