Two of the largest ski areas in the USA, Alpine meadows and Squaw Valley at lake Tahoe in California, have announced that a long standing plan to link the two area's ski slopes is finally set to move ahead.
The plan is for a base-to-base gondola link with no ski runs between the two resorts in the initioal proposal.
The two resorts have been jointly operated for several years with a joint lift pass but the stumbling block to the connection had been the land owner who controls the parcel of land between the two and had previously stated his own despite to create a small ski resorts there rather than allow it to be absorbed by his larger neighbours.
"For decades, skiers and riders have talked about connecting these two world-class resorts," said Andy Wirth, president and CEO of Squaw Valley Ski Holdings, LLC. "The base-to-base gondola will offer our guests the ability to easily explore and experience the unique attributes of these two mountains via a brand new aerial connection, while simultaneously reducing vehicle traffic between them."
The combined area would be one of the largest in the US, with around 6,000 acres, if created today, but no timescale has been given for creating the lift as yet and Vail resorts are due to create an area with over 7,000 acres next winter by linking Park City mountain and Canyons ski areas in Utah. However the Alpine Meadows/Park City link, although not connected by ski runs, could be counted as top three in the US, top four in North America.
Squaw Valley Ski Holdings and Troy Caldwell, the owner of the land between the two areas, will now work with mountain planners at SE Group to design and construct the gondola connection. The estimated completion date of the project will be subject to Placer County and US Forest Service approvals once applications are submitted.