Pulling onto the Resort at Squaw Creek property, we were taken aback by the explosion of colors. Set in Olympic Valley, the property is surrounded by stunning mountains and a beautiful golf course. The leaves were bursting with a warm rainbow of greens, yellows, and reds and snowcapped mountains loomed in the distance; it was a breathtaking sight to take in.
Floor-to-ceiling windows are the first thing we noticed when we walked into the lobby. The day was drizzly and cold but inside, the views were stunning and the lobby fireplace warmed the entire, expansive space.
The lobby here is the ideal place to sit and plan our your day. Whether it’s filled with hikes and exploring the beaches of North Lake Tahoe, packed with a round of 18-holes played right at the resort, or lazily scheduled with shopping in town and a trip to the spa on-site, the lobby is the perfect cozy space to decide the day. We loved sitting by the fire watching the staff abuzz setting up for a wedding. Later in the day, my daughter Penny was in awe of the beautiful bride and groom and their lovely attendants who celebrated while huge snowflakes fell like confetti.
The vision of the snow falling while steam rose from the heated pool and hot tubs is one I won’t soon forget. We put on our winter hats and wrapped ourselves in robes and headed down to the hot tub. Wet, heavy snowflakes the size of quarters blurred our vision while we kept only our faces above water to stay warm. On a cold day the hot tubs are a popular spot but lucky for us there are three which means plenty of room for everyone. The rushing water of the waterfall, which begins on the side of the hotel and runs until it trickles like a stream throughout the pool deck, nearly lulled us all into a nap once we were good and relaxed.
To warm up, we got dressed and headed down to Sandy’s Pub, the causal yin to the yang of Cascades, the more upscale restaurant on site.
Downstairs, we noshed on delicious pub fare like Bavarian pretzels, burgers, buffalo cauliflower, and chicken wings. The place was filled with people watching football at the bar and groups of friends enjoying stick to your ribs kind of food after spending the day outside in the cold. Sandy’s Pub is a cozy, inviting space that’s perfect with kids. The cavernous space vibrates with laughter and conversation so any loud kid sounds get enveloped into the noisiness. It was in the pub that Penny had her first ever milkshake – a literal life changing moment -and I doubt she’ll ever accept a boring bowl of ice cream again after enjoying this decadent dessert.
In the evening, the glow of the lighted evergreens was the loveliest nightlight as we walked back to our room. The lobby and restaurants are in a separate building than guest rooms. You must stroll alongside the pool, gift shops, and clothing boutiques to reach the quest tower so the cheerful lights on the trees provided a welcomed glow.
In the winter months, the Resort at Squaw Creek has ski-in/ski-out access and the chair lift is just near the pool deck, not far from the guest tower at all. Our room was a queen suite with attached living room and kitchenette which provided a great amount of space for two adults and a child to spread out and sleep comfortably. For families looking for a ski resort vacation, this property is a great choice. With several restaurants, the pools and hot tubs, and plenty to do right at the hotel, there really is no reason to leave!
Compass + Twine was a welcomed guest of the Resort at Squaw Creek and thanks them for a nice stay. As always, all opinions are our own.
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