December

Tails by the Lake is once again hosting the Animal Gift Giving Tree this holiday season. Help support the local homeless dogs and cats in shelters by donating a collar, toy, treat or bed to a sheltered animal this holiday season. Bring your own gift or receive 25% off your purchase for donation at Tails by the Lake – all the gifts will be given to the sheltered dogs and cats on Christmas Eve so they too can have a Happy HOWLiday. Come by the Village at Squaw Valley and pick out an ornament on the Animal Gift Giving Tree representing the many homeless pets currently sheltered by the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe. Simply pick an ornament off the tree and help supply that pup or kitty with any item of your choice. The Animal Gift Giving Tree starts Thanksgiving Holiday weekend and continues through Christmas Eve.

Help celebrate the holidays by donating a new, unwrapped toy to charity. Drop Boxes are located at Mindplay in the Village at Squaw (store hours are from 9:30 am to 6 pm).

With Dried Flowers at Waxen Moon.

With Dried Flowers at Waxen Moon.

At Atlas Men's Clothing, Shoes & Gifts. Featuring DJ Shift and your ticket to this season's fashion.

Squaw Valley joins other North Lake Tahoe resorts for this regional Learn to Ski & Ride weekend. First time skiers and snowboarders are eligible for $25 beginner packages all weekend, space permitting. Cost includes equipment, beginner lift ticket and instruction. Adults, follow the green balloons to the Far East/Papoose Discovery Center where you can join in a lesson any time between 9 am and 3 pm. Details: 530-583-6985. For children 12 & under, follow the red balloons to Squaw Kids Children’s Center. Reservations recommended for children and can be made by calling 530-452-7166.

In memory of local snowboarder, Charles "Coogan" Kelly, the Coogan Kelly Memorial Rail Jam is open to riders of all ages and talents and will consist of open and amateur classes in both men's and women's ski and snowboard divisions. Helmets are mandatory for all competitors. Athletes under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian present at registration to sign a liability release form.

Santa Claus on skis, Christmas carolers, movie nights, holiday parties, and the Christmas Eve torchlight parade are a few of the “Squawlidays” events and festivities bringing Yuletide cheer to the Squaw Valley community through the New Year. Throughout the month of December, every outing is colored with holiday spirit as the village is sparkling and guests can enjoy shopping, dining and a variety of activities in the classic winter wonderland.

The marquee event of Squawlidays takes place on Christmas Eve, as guests are treated to a special torchlight parade. A traditional family favorite, the Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade can be seen from anywhere in the Village or Squaw Valley base area. A beautiful procession of lights wows spectators as Squaw Valley Ski School instructors descend the lower mountain carrying brightly lit torches.

The Squawlidays celebration comes to a crescendo on New Year’s Eve when parties (for every age and reveler) erupt all over Squaw Valley, from High Camp, el. 8200’, down to the Olympic House and Le Chamois. Guests can start the New Year off right with the 2009 Resolution 1k, a snowshoe fun race up the lower mountain. The first snowshoer to the finish wins a free Squaw Valley lift ticket. First place finish will be awarded in four classes: adult (13 & up) male and female and child (12& under) male and female.

Squaw Valley and Martinelli's bring Christmas revelers a glass of bubbly (apple cider) for a toast to the season. Come young, come all! Toast is at 5 pm at the Giant Holiday Tree in the Village. Santa Claus will also be strolling through the Village from 2 pm until 6 pm.

A benefit for the Squaw Valley Avalanche Awareness Education Fund. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance at $20 at the Pro Patrol Office after November 22. Details: 530-581-7260.

Look for Santa near the Giant Holiday Tree & Big Chair for your holiday picture opportunity.

At The Rainbow Bridge.

Santa and his elf tour Squaw Valley USA spreading holiday cheer. Catch jolly old St. Nick skiing and snowboarding around the mountain, sliding rails in the Belmont Terrain Park, skating at the Olympic Ice Pavilion, assisting with lessons, and entertaining children at the Squaw Kids Ski School.

This Christmas movie is shown on a big screen in the Olympic Village Lodge. The movie is free for all and begins at 6 pm. Movie snacks available for purchase.

Everyone is welcome to join the Sierra Nevada Chorale for holiday caroling in the Village.

A traditional family favorite, the Christmas Eve torchlight parade can be seen from anywhere in the Village or Squaw Valley base area. Watch in amazement as Squaw Valley Ski School instructors descend the lower mountain carrying brightly lit torches in a beautiful procession of lights. Parade begins at dusk on Christmas Eve. Details: 530-583-6985.

Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, ice skating and dining under the starry sierra skies until 9 pm, Friday through Sunday and 7 pm, Monday through Thursday. Twilight Dinner Specials are offered nightly at Alexander's. Night operations run December 25, 2008 through March 29, 2009 (conditions permitting). Details: 530-583-6985.

Specifically designed for ski and snowboard crazed 13 to 18 year-olds, Squaw Sessions is coached by local pros who teach teens to take their skills to the next level.

With the Jeff Jones Band.

This post Christmas movie is shown on a big screen in the Olympic Village Lodge. The movie is free for all and begins at 6 pm. Movie snacks available for purchase.

An ideal New Year's Eve alternative for early birds and families is the Mountaintop New Year's Eve Dinner Celebration at High Camp, 8200'. The all-ages soiree includes a starry-night Cable Car ride, ice skating, a delicious diner in the Terrace Room, piano entertainment, and a 9 pm East Coast New Year's champagne toast (sparkling apple cider for the youngsters). Tickets will be available at www.squawshop.com and in Squaw Valley's Special Tickets office. Call 530-452-7122 for more information.

Squaw Valley’s “mature” guests can choose from a myriad of New Year’s Eve celebrations including the biggest party on the North Shore in the Olympic House. The Fresh Tracks New Year’s Eve Party hosts three parties in one, with live music and house DJ beats in all three Olympic House bars. Tickets are $15 and guests must be 21 & older with a valid ID.

Live Music and complimentary glass of champagne for midnight toast with cover charge.

Squaw Valley’s Le Chamois/Loft Bar has it going on two levels. Downstairs transforms into a dance club with DJs spinning disco & funk all night long. Upstairs the disco ball will be spinning. After 8 pm only guests 21 & older can attend.