Here We Go…

Posted by Big Al on November 19, 2009 under The Weekly Deal | 3 Comments to Read

FR 11/20/09, 2:38 Update: IT IS DUMPING!!!!! BIG WAVES ON THE LAKE, SNOW IS PILING UP – WE ARE IN IT!!

Saturday is the first day of skiing for The Big Year! Before this storm was forecast most of us were thinking it would just be nice to spend time at the hill, a little wind in the hair on a lower mountain schuss. But now that we’re supposed to get two feet or more, well, we might have to actually consider which boards we’re going to ride.

If you think about it this is the perfect weekend to get started for the season (you can’t really call it a ‘dry run’ because there’s potential for weather through Sunday). The meat of the storm is supposed to roll through on Friday afternoon and winds are to be light and westerly after that. It’s not Thanksgiving yet so everyone should be able to sneak away for at least a day. And the crowd is going to be a fired-up gathering of diehards, comers-back (thanks to the 50/60 Pass), and newbies who want to see what this Squallywood stuff is all about.

And you know what? We’re all going to walk away psyched! Here’s why: Squaw is this huge, bold place with unbridled talent and terrain yet it’s got significant history and tradition such that you can see and hear and touch it everywhere you go. Squaw Valley has a knack for throwing huge parties that have an intimate feel. And all you have to do is show up.

So here’s the plan, short version first: Ski. Sip champagne. Chuck some guy out of the Cable Car. Boogie. Flick. That’s Saturday.

Long version: First we’ll click in and ski for a while. Will it be faceshots? I’m not going to say it is but neither am I going to say it isn’t…! Then we’re going to enjoy a delicious brew and kick back on the KT Sundeck. Then we’ll watch 9 year olds who can outski just about everyone watching as they do their Mighty Mite parade. Then we’ll lift a glass with Squaw President Nancy Cushing and the most famous bump skier of our time, Olympian Jonny Moseley. They’ll offer toasts to Squaw’s proud heritage. Next we’ll watch JT Holmes fly from the Cable Car and BASE jump into the Valley. The pageantry continues with the official 50/60 birthday cake and biodegradable balloon drop from the Funitel. After that we’ll get treated to a movie dedicated to the last 60 years at Squaw. For those with the juice, or babysitters, to continue there’ll be a DJ party at Plaza Bar and then another movie called “Flame in the Snow.”

So here’s to it! Get some early use out of that pass and let’s help Squaw combine two of the best things we have up here at elevation 6200: snow and show….

Nuts and bolts (which, of course, are available on squaw.com):

Anniversary Toast and Celebration with Jonny Moseley on the KT Sundeck (2 – 3:45)

2 pm: Mighty Mite Parade and Cake Lighting

2:10 pm: Champagne Toast by Nancy Cushing

2:15 pm: Jonny Moseley toast

2:20 pm: JT Holmes BASE Jump from the Cable Car

2:25 pm: Balloon Release from the Funitel and 50/60 Anniversary Cake

2:35 pm: Screening of “Squaw Valley USA – 60 Legendary Years”

A screening of Flame in the Snow Movie & Gathering with DJ Paul at the Plaza Bar to follow.

In addition to skiing, riding, and opening day festivities, guests can enjoy the snow as Papoose will be open for snowtubing from 10 am to 3:30 pm. High Camp, el 8200′, will be open for ice skating from 11 am to 4 pm and for lunch and drinks at the Terrace overlooking Lake Tahoe from 11:30 am to 4 pm. Beginning at 10:40 am, Sat & Sun, the Cable Car will be leaving every 20 minutes, with the last trip up at 3:40 pm and the last trip down leaving at 4:40 pm. All lift tickets also include Cable Car access. The Cable Car will be closed for uploads and downloads from 2:15 to 2:45 pm for JT’s BASE jump.

© 2009 Alex West, photos and copy (unless noted otherwise)