This Scenic Tram Ride In Northern California Will Take You To The Top Of The World
There’s nothing quite like a scenic tram ride at Squaw Valley Ski Resort. It runs year round and takes you up out of the quaint village of Squaw, above condos and over skiers sliding on the slopes, and finally to the top of the mountain.
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Your scenic tram ride at Squaw Valley starts far below in the charming and fun village. It features plenty of boutiques and outdoorsy shops as well as some delicious places to grab a bite to eat.
From the bottom of the mountain, you won't be able to see your final destination at the top. The view is obscured by this ridgeline, called "tram face."
Hop in the tram, however, and you will quickly crest this peak and see your final destination, known as Tram Face. To ride in the tram, it costs about $30 a person. You can ski into the resort from this spot in the winter, but be sure to purchase your lift tickets if you want to explore other runs down at the base.
It's pretty cozy and stable in the tram, but you might want to hold on to something. It does tend to sway a bit when it passes over the supporting posts that hold it up in the air.
The view of the surrounding ski area and all the folks below you will entertain and delight you as you ride. Skiers and snowboarders who know Squaw Valley well can even scope out their favorite runs.
Whether you are interested in skiing or merely taking a gander at all the winter sports enthusiasts, you'll definitely get a kick out of the experience.
The sight of the 1960 winter Olympics, Squaw Valley is known for being a world class ski destination. You might even spot a few professional athletes who call this resort home!
If the weather is nice, it also makes for an amazing place to picnic or have a coffee. Bring an extra layer, though. When you reach the top you'll be over 8,000 feet above sea level. The winds are fierce and the temperatures chilly up at these elevations.
If you feel like taking a dip, you can also swim in the pool or splash around in the hot tub at high camp. I bet you never thought you would be able to do that at the top of the world!
The pool is open year round, winter and summer. It's fun to see the ski hill when the snow melts because you can better understand the steepness of the slopes.
The tram ride definitely is the icing on the cake here, however. It's the only tram of this size in the North Tahoe area and is thoroughly exciting for all visitors.
Jill is a freelance writer from a small Northern California town and lives in the Sierra Nevada mountains. If you have an idea for an Only In Northern California story, email her at jsanford@onlyinyourstate.com.
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