Not many would disagree that skiing at any of the Tahoe resorts is at a world-class activity.
When it comes to Tahoe, locals know there are two additional factors to consider: the state line and the lake itself. Heavenly is, in part, across the state line into Nevada and has spectacular views of Lake Tahoe as you ski down the mountain.
Squaw has a rich Olympic history and is surrounded by the Village at Squaw which holds million dollar condos and high end stores.
Enter the latest Golden Local debate which put Heavenly up against Squaw.
The little reward character we call the Golden Local clearly isn't dressed enough to do anything but spring skiing with his scantily clad Jesus-like look. That's OK. Look at the calendar and you'll see we are getting close to the time when you will see bikinis on the mountains up and down I-80.
So who won?
This one was a squeaker that could make the losing side's fans call for a hanging chad re vote. But the numbers don't lie and Squaw is the big winner of the coveted statue.
Local
The Squaw Valley Ski Resort in Olympic Valley, California, is one of the largest and most high-concept ski areas in the United States, and was the site of the 1960 Winter Olympics. It is the second-largest ski area at Lake Tahoe (after Heavenly), boasting highly-advanced chairlifts that include high speed quads and high speed six packs, as well as the only Funitel in the United States.
The Squaw Valley Ski Resort in Olympic Valley, California, is one of the largest and most high-concept ski areas in the United States, and was the site of the 1960 Winter Olympics. It is the second-largest ski area at Lake Tahoe (after Heavenly), boasting highly-advanced chairlifts (High speed quads and High speed six packs), as well as the only Funitel gondola in the United States.
It also has the added option of taking in some ice skating at the top of the mountain.
Here are some of the comments from Squaw fans:
Linda Lou SAYS
"Better shopping at the bottom when you're group spends too much time on the hill."
Gremlin SAYS
"Squaw trumps Heavenly in quality of terrain, diversity of terrain, lifts, vibe...and POWDER DAY experience."
Now, to close runner-up Heavenly. No other mountain compares to the inspiring scenic beauty and exhilarating experience of Heavenly.
Heavenly Mountain Resort is located on the California-Nevada border in South Lake Tahoe. It has 97 runs and 30 lifts that are spread between California and Nevada and four base facilities. The resort is Tahoe's highest ski resort, with a peak elevation of 10,067 ft, peak lift-service elevation of 10,040 ft and a vertical rise of 3,500 feet. With an average of 360 inches of snow annually and one of America's largest snow making systems, their season usually runs from mid November to late April or early May.
Here are some of the comments from Heavenly fans:
Patty SAYS
"Love the friendliness of the staff, love the price of the season passes, love the views and the grooming is always the best Love the friendliness of the staff, love the price of the season passes, love the views and the grooming is always the best."
Max Dreyer SAYS
"Heavenly is not a good boarding hill. There are many flat sections that are easy to get stuck in, like Alpine Meadows. Avoid the casino crowds, go to Squaw. You can't beat the $10 lift ticket rate for kids 7-12, or the 2 for 1 $49 2 hour lesson for people 13 yo or older. You have to pay $29 extra if there are less then 3 in the class, but even at $79 this is amazing! You're getting private instruction at a fraction of the cost".
