Ride the Squaw Valley Cable Car

Squaw Valley calls it a cable car and others call it a tram. Either way, taking a ride on this conveyance from the Village at Squaw Valley to High Camp at 8200 feet is an adventure you will remember for a long time. Simply put, it's a spectacular ascent of 2000 verticle feet. I especially like the part where the cable car heads straight for a granite wall, then rises abruptly to sweep you over the rocks and on to the top station. The trams have have huge windows, giving riders a 360 degree view. There are no bad seats on this gondola.

High Camp can be a destination in itself. There is a big swimming pool, ice rink, restaurant, and mountain meadows for casual strolling. The Olympic rings from the 1960 Winter Games are still standing out on the deck overlooking Squaw Valley. For hikers and mountain bikers, High Camp can be your base for trips into the back country on a series of nearby trails. When the snow flies, the whole summer scene changes gears and the tram becomes a luxurious transport for skiers (no freezing on long lift rides).

During summer 2008, the Squaw Valley cable car will run through September 14. Hours and rates vary, so check the Squaw Valley cable car schedule and rates before heading out. Weather is a factor that can affect operation - if in doubt, call for information at (530) 583-6985.