TWIRLING SOMEWHERE HIGH IN THE PEAKS, like Maria Von Trapp might, might not be in your immediate plans, but connecting with an alpine setting on a glorious, not-snowy day is a notion a lot of travelers can get into, whether or not they own a dirndl or know every single word to "Climb Ev'ry Mountain" or not. For enjoying the long, distance-testing vistas of other mountains, and clear, breathe-it-deep air, and not having to wear a parka to do so is summertime classic, one that typically involves a conveyance that moves people from lower elevations to somewhere over 8,000 feet. It's a tram we speak of, the windowful, move-up-the-mountain ride at Squaw Valley | Alpine Meadows that's currently keeping open hours over the warmer months, all to whisk travelers in shorts and tees up to High Camp, which is found at...
8,200 FEET: That's an elevation skiers know well, but if you aren't into schussing, summertime is prime time to get to know what it feels like to be on top of the world, or at least near the top of the Sierra. There's "dining, shopping, and access to the mid-mountain hot tub" at High Camp, but you might choose simply to pose for a few above-it-all snapshots, do some contemplative journaling, get into some meditating, or simply stare into the far, far horizon while letting it all go (whatever that might be for you on that day). As for your ride up? You'll "(c)limb over 2,000 feet... with 360° views of Lake Tahoe and the High Sierra." Your ride down will afford the same, of course, except, instead of climbing, you'll descend. As for hours and rates during this not-so-snowy stretch of the year? You'll find all of your Von Trapp-ready info on the Aerial Tram page. Surely you'll sing a few bars of "Climb Ev'ry Mountain" once you reach the summit?
