Squaw Valley
Squaw Valley by Lake Tahoe in California looks to be one of the resorts with the biggest changes planned for the coming winter. It has announced a $50 million capital investment plan spread over five years.
There will also be fundamental changes on the mountain, such as the ending of the resort's more or less unique resistance to naming names of ski runs, only the lifts and next winter there'll be named runs, complete with hi-tec electronic signage to them.
"Squaw Valley is an incredible and diverse mountain, and we are committed to honouring every aspect of the mountain's history, legacy and legend," said Andy Wirth, Squaw Valley's president and chief executive officer.
Capital spending plans, which will see an initial $15m spend for this winter, will cover everything from new food and hospitality offerings to new beginner and advanced high-speed chairlifts and trail improvements.
First off the base level of Squaw Valley's Olympic House base lodge will be transformed into a new day lodge and family recreation centre and there'll be a new ticket and sales centre. The main snowboard rental shop and demo centre will be re-opening in a new slopeside location next to the resort's main ski rental shop, allowing skiers and riders to effortlessly rent or exchange gear, and will offer the latest in ski and snowboard technology, including a new Salomon rental fleet.
The skier experience will be further enhanced by new magic carpets, new rental equipment and new progression-based features. Additionally, a major portion of the interior of the 17,000 square foot Squaw Kids facility is being remodelled and refurbished.
There'll be a bigger spend of approximately $20 million in capital improvements the following year for the 2012-13 winter season, including the installation of two new high-speed detachable lifts—one lift replacing Granite Chief servicing intermediate and advanced terrain, and the other lift replacing the High Camp chairlift. The existing High Camp chairlift will be refurbished and reinstalled in a new location with improved alignment.