Squaw Valley Park to stay open for free snow fun this winter

Finding a spot to build a snowman or do a little snowshoeing will be a little easier this winter as Placer County’s Squaw Valley Park in Olympic Valley will remain open to offer a free snow play option for visitors and residents.

The park’s parking area will be plowed all winter long, creating a free and convenient place to park and play.

“By plowing the snow at Squaw Valley Park’s parking area, we are able to keep the park open year-round, creating new recreational opportunities for residents and visitors,” said Placer County Parks Administrator Andy Fisher. “I’m excited for people to enjoy the park during a time when it would otherwise be closed."

For the experienced backcountry enthusiast, the park offers access to a spur trail that leads up a steep ascent to the Western States Trail, providing backcountry skiing and snowshoeing opportunities.

The Squaw Valley Trailhead is also located at Squaw Valley Park, connecting the park to the Village at Squaw Valley with a nearly 3-mile stretch of paved, multi-use trail. Thanks to a partnership with Squaw Valley Public Service District, the paved trail will be plowed, keeping the trail open during the winter season.

Squaw Valley Park, located at the intersection of state Route 89 and Squaw Valley Road, just across the road from the iconic 1960 Winter Olympics Squaw Valley torches, offers many other amenities during spring through fall, including a playground, soccer field, picnicking and pickleball courts.

Keeping the park open during the winter season is in response to feedback provided through the Placer County Park and Trail Master Plan surveys and focus groups; many respondents expressed a need for more snow parks and backcountry recreation opportunities in the county. In addition, opening the Squaw Valley Trail for winter use eliminates the need for providing winter parking for trail users.

Placer County team members will be conducting community surveys at the park throughout the winter to evaluate this new service and help guide continued improvement of the park.