The latest chapter in the saga of the huge snowfalls in California has seen Squaw Valley pass it's all time snowfall record this week, announcing it will extend its season by more than three weeks to at least the end of may, and possibly open for US Independence Day on July 4th.
Already known as America's Spring Skiing Capital, a $199 spring season pass is available from today. Now valid for two months, anyone buying it and skiing to the end of the season pays less than $4 a day. Opening after May 7th is for long weekends only – not midweek.
Squaw Valley passed the season-total 50 foot snowfall mark a few weeks ago for only the fourth time since it began compiling data in 1970, and the first time ever in March. It has now passed the previous record total and hit 691 inches (17.3m) thanks to a further fortnight of heavy snow showers which have brought more than 150 inches (3.75m) more fresh powder to the resort.
The total is already nearly three feet more than the previous highest season snowfall total on record of 662 inches (16.55m) set in the 1994-1995 winter season.
"With this much snow, Squaw Valley will have great coverage through May 30 and possibly even longer," said Andy Wirth, Squaw Valley's Chief Executive Officer. "We will certainly be examining the possibility of opening for July 4, conditions permitting."
With the resort's popular on mountain Swimming Lagoon and Hot Tub set to open today (April 1) and other High Camp activities, spring at Squaw can provide almost as much excitement off the slopes, as it does on them. Next weekend on April 9th guests can join Olympic Gold Medalist Julia Mancuso at the Julia Mancuso Kiss My Tiara Pool Party followed by a free outdoor concert by Donavan Frankenreiter on the KT Sundeck.