What's New for Winter 2015-16 at Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadow

For Immediate Release

Media Contact:
Michael Radlick
Cinch PR & Branding Group
michaelr@cinchpr.com
415.392.2212

New offerings include replacement of the Siberia Express lift, upgraded snowmaking and grooming technologies, new programs for children and families, and the ski industry’s first-ever “Worry-Free Guarantee” for season pass holders

Olympic Valley, Calif. August 12, 2015 – Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows is gearing up for the 2015-16 winter season with significant on-mountain improvements and new experiences that will enhance the guest experience. This winter, the resort unveils the new Siberia Express chairlift, additions to its snowmaking and grooming fleet, new ski and snowboard rental equipment – plus the ski industry’s first-of-its-kind “Worry-Free Guarantee”.

Siberia Express Replaced
The Siberia Express chairlift, one of the most popular lifts at Squaw Valley, has been replaced in an effort to enhance the on-mountain guest experience for the 2015-16 winter season and beyond. The high-speed quad was replaced with a high-speed six-passenger chairlift to improve reliability, efficiency, and operational effectiveness. The Siberia Express lift is primarily used by intermediate and advanced level skiers and riders to access Siberia Bowl, Mainline and the Mainline Terrain Park, as well as the sprawling Gold Coast area. The lift was constructed in the same location and will open at the start of the 2015-2016 season.

Providing the Best Snow Surfaces in the Region
Two PistenBully 600 winch cats will join the grooming fleet at Alpine Meadows. In keeping with the mountain’s longstanding commitment to environmental stewardship, these “powerhouse” machines allow for maximum ground coverage and high angle grooming while providing approximately 40 percent fuel savings over current machines. With the new cats, skiers and riders can expect high quality grooming on Alpine’s signature slopes like Alpine Bowl, Sherwood and Wolverine.

At Squaw Valley, a new PistenBully 400 Park Pro joins the fleet. This machine will allow the terrain park crew to perfect takeoffs, kickers and landings. The versatility of this machine will ensure continued creativity and impeccable contouring. Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows is committed to providing improved and expanded groomed terrain and the addition of these new machines, along with a highly tenured Mountain Operations crew, means more impeccably groomed runs, man-made terrain features and high angle groomed runs.

Improved and Expanded Snowmaking
Alpine Meadows has added fifteen new HKD SV10 high-efficiency snowmaking guns, allowing the resort to expand snowmaking on the lower portion of the very popular Summit run. Five of these guns were awarded by a grant from the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) Sustainable Slopes Grant Program and HKD Snowmakers. Recipients are selected based on demonstrated commitment to sustainability and energy conservation. The added snowmaking in this location will allow for more consistent snow surfaces and early-season snowmaking.

Squaw Valley added high-capacity snowmaking fan guns at key lifts that will allow the resort to improve its lift access ramps and the lift-loading process. Lifts slated for new snowmaking to support the loading areas include: Big Blue, Siberia and Headwall.

Worry-Free Guarantee
Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows is making it easier than ever for skiers and snowboarders to commit to the purchase of next winter’s season pass. The resort is offering an unprecedented “Worry-Free Guarantee” to those who purchase the 2015-16 Gold or Silver Tahoe Super Pass. The “Worry-Free Guarantee” includes the ability to roll over up to four unused days during the 2015-16 winter season for credit toward the purchase of a 2016-17 Tahoe Super Pass. Visit squawalpine.com for complete details and restrictions.

Roundshot Cameras
Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows is home to state-of-the-art, streaming cameras with the launch of new Roundshot webcams at each mountain. High-definition Roundshot Cameras have been installed on the upper mountains of both Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows, providing crystal clear, 360 degree views of each mountain. Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows is only the second resort in North America to install the cutting-edge technology which allows guests to get a very clear image of the current mountain conditions and weather, and make visitation decisions based on real-time, high definition images of the mountain and snow conditions. The Roundshot cams also allow users to download images for their own use so they can be inspired even when they cannot make it to the mountain.

Facility and Kids Program Improvements
The private members locker room will be refreshed with a new outdoor deck for social gatherings, new interior paint and larger wooden lockers. Becoming a member of the locker room is the most convenient way to enjoy the mountain, with lift access right out the back door of the locker room. Space is available for just $1099 per winter season. Click here for complete details and to purchase.

At Squaw Kids, over $100,000 in investments to the building include new carpeting and flooring throughout, plus a refurbished entry and registration area that makes for more welcoming registration. Additionally, children enrolled in the Squaw Kids and Alpine Kids program will have the convenience of equipment valet. When registered for multiple days of instruction, Squaw and Alpine Kids’ skis or snowboard will be safely stored for them overnight, making it even more convenient for parents and kids to get out onto the slopes.

New Ski Rental Inventory
The ski rental shops at Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows will offer the latest Head skis for single-day and multi-day rentals. The Rental Shops and Ski & Snowboard School were jointly involved with the selection process, which included on-snow testing by instructors and students to ensure that the equipment is a good match for the resort’s variety of terrain and learning programs. The topsheet graphics include a customized design as part of Squaw Valley Alpine Meadow’s partnership with Head skis, and offer the maximum in performance for all ability levels.

Enhanced Family-Friendly Terrain Park Features
Look for creative new features designed specifically for families and intermediate terrain park users at Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows. These new features will complement the robust terrain park and learning features currently available to skiers and riders of all ages and abilities. Additions may include family cross course features such as gently banked turns, small rollers and jumps, in areas like the Belmont learning park at Squaw or the Loop Road at Alpine Meadows.

Tahoe Fun Facts Map
New this year, Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows will offer a kids’ map of the mountain that includes the locations of “Tahoe Fun Facts”. The facts will be found on signs in key locations that guests of all ages can locate by using the map to explore the mountain to learn about snow, Lake Tahoe, animals and trees of the region, and much more. The map will be available to the public and will also be a part of the Squaw Kids and Alpine Kids learning programs.

Burton Relax & Ride
Squaw Valley has partnered with Burton Snowboards to host Burton Relax & Ride – an exclusive learning program for women snowboarders of all abilities. The program, for groups of two to six guests, is designed for women who have a tough time fitting winter sports into a busy schedule and crave a fun learning environment with friends. The program includes the Burton beginner rental set up, a two-hour lesson and an afternoon mini-spa treatment. The program is $249 with lift ticket or $189 for season pass holders, and is available every day of the season with the exception of peak dates.


For more information about Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, to purchase a season pass or to make lodging reservations, visit squawalpine.com

About Squaw Valley | Alpine Meadows
Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows is an internationally renowned ski resort in North Lake Tahoe that spans over 6,000 skiable acres. The resort features 42 lifts and 270 trails, as well as the European-inspired Village at Squaw Valley featuring nearly 60 bars, restaurants, boutiques and art galleries. Snowfall averages 450 inches, providing one of the longest ski and snowboard seasons in Lake Tahoe, and establishing Squaw Alpine as a top destination for spring skiing and boarding. Squaw Alpine also boasts one of the region’s only mountain-top beginner areas and several intermediate skier havens including Shirley Lake and the newly renamed Pacific Crest Bowls.

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