Squaw Valley, CA – With record-breaking snowfall totals now reaching nearly 800 inches, Squaw Valley USA announced today that the California ski resort will open for skiing and riding for 4th of July Weekend, joining neighboring Sierra resorts Alpine Meadows and Sugar Bowl to offer skiing and snowboarding for the mid-summer holiday.
The Lake Tahoe resort will operate five lifts from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 2 through Monday, July 4, weather permitting. Lifts scheduled to run will be the Funitel, Gold Coast, Shirley Lake, Links and the Cable Car. Lift tickets for 4th of July weekend will be priced $49 per day for adults and $12 for kids 12 and under. Skiing and riding will be free for 2011-12 Squaw Valley season passholders, and all tickets for the weekend will include a free commemorative T-shirt.
“It is certainly uncommon to be able ski July but it is truly unheard of to be operating at the capacity that we will be operating on July 4th Weekend,” said Andy Wirth, Squaw Valley’s Chief Executive Officer. “With five lifts including the Funitel and Gold Coast Express, pool parties, live music and the Lake Cushing Crossing, this will be the Ultimate Independence Day Weekend.”
The Ultimate Independence Day Weekend will include pool parties, barbecues and drink specials at Squaw Valley’s High Camp Swimming Pool and Hot Tub at el. 8200’. Down at the base, the KT Sundeck will offer music and cold beers to après skiers while the 4th of July Fine Arts and Crafts Festival kicks off in the Village at Squaw Valley on Friday through Sunday. A full line-up of events will be available soon on squaw.com.
On Sunday, July 3, Squaw Valley hosts the 21st Annual Lake Cushing Crossing, the resort’s annual pond skimming event that was postponed due to winter-like weather this past weekend. This competition challenges participants to cross thechilly waters of Lake Cushing on skis, a snowboard or any ski or snowboard-based vessel. The event, known for its colossal crashes, hilarious costumes, and ultra-creative pond skimming contraptions, kicks off at 2 p.m. at the Cushing Pond near the base of the mountain.