Olympic Valley, commonly known as Squaw Valley, is close to beautiful Lake Tahoe and the Truckee River. Olympic Valley got its name because it was the site of the 1960 Winter Olympics. In the mid-1800s, the Squaw/Olympic Valley area was known for its abundance of gold which brought many fortune seekers. However, the boom was short-lived and only lasted from 1863-1864. The tides changed from gold mining to skiing in 1942 when a former professional skier, Wayne Poulsen, obtained over 2,000 acres of prime mountain land. In collaboration with others, they decided to invest in a ski resort, and from there the Squaw Valley Ski Resort was born.
Today, thousands of people flock to Squaw Valley to ski the magnificent slopes, take in the gorgeous views of Lake Tahoe, and to try their hand at gambling on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe. No matter what brings you to Olympic Valley, be sure to have the best accommodations to make your stay as comfortable and pleasurable as possible.
When Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Olympic Valley, CA?
Because Olympic Valley is well-known for its world-class skiing, November through March is the popular season up in the mountains. With hundreds of miles of ski trails, from downhill style to Nordic style, you'll want to reserve any hotel room far in advance during this season. Thanksgiving, the Christmas season, and especially New Year's Eve is really busy and room rates are at their highest. The holidays are certainly a magical time to be in Olympic Valley, but book your rooms early and expect high room rates
The end of May until after Labor Day is the second busiest season for the area. Many of the ski resorts open the chair lifts for mountain bikers to ride to the top of the mountains and then barrel down in an exhilarating downhill ride. There is plenty of hiking, mountain biking, boating, and swimming activities that you can enjoy in and around the Lake Tahoe area. Big-name performers and musical acts fill the local casinos with visitors, so again, book your rooms in advance and expect high room rates.
Spring and fall are the quiet months in Olympic Valley. However, there is a magic to the mountains in the spring when the snow melts and the wildflowers begin to bloom in the spring. In the fall, the trees begin to turn pretty colors, the nights are crisp and you can enjoy a nightcap before a crackling fire at many of the local establishments. There are fewer visitors during the spring and fall and finding a great deal on a room is easy.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Olympic Valley, CA:
Olympic Valley, CA: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below are 3 charts illustrating avg. nightly cost trends by star rating class in Olympic Valley, CA. Browse these charts to evaluate the best seasons to book a room in Olympic Valley for your upcoming travels.
What Are the Top Hotels in Olympic Valley, CA?
4 Star Average Prices: £172.50
When you're looking for more of an upscale hotel, the Resort at Squaw Creek is ideal. The rooms are luxurious, there is an on-site spa, golf course, and heated pool, and it's located at the base of some of the best skiing in the country with ski-in/ski-out lodging. The suite rooms offer resort-style kitchenettes, fireplaces, and LED flat-screen televisions while the hotel rooms have a mini fridge and coffee maker. Sleep on luxurious pillowtop bedding and enjoy premium bath amenities. Wi-Fi is available. Conde Nast Traveler magazine claims the Resort at Squaw Creek is one of the top 50 ski hotels in North America.
Another top hotel is the Plumpjack Squaw Valley Inn. You can book a guest room or various -sized suites that offer full kitchens and fireplaces. The guest rooms offer plush bedding, a 31-inch flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi, and a coffee maker. The hotel has upscale bath amenities with thick robes to wrap up in, and also included is a hot delicious breakfast.
What Options Do I Have For Budget Hotels in Olympic Valley, CA?
3 Star Average Prices: £155.09
You might be surprised at the budget option hotels surrounding Olympic Valley. The Village at Squaw Valley is affordable and is right in the town so it's easy to walk to restaurants, the aerial tram, and dazzling shops. The rooms are condominium-style, with select rooms featuring fireplaces and fully-equipped kitchens. You can stay connected through free Wi-Fi, relax in one of the eight outdoor hot tubs or workout in the fitness center. The rooms are warm and well-appointed with ultra-comfortable bedding, nice bath amenities, and flat-screen televisions featuring premium cable channels.
Another great budget hotel is the Americas Best Value Inn Lake Tahoe Tahoe City just a few miles from Olympic Valley. This budget-friendly hotel is in a great central location where you can walk to restaurants, bars, and shopping. Rest comfortably on a pillowtop bed watching cable programming on flat-screen TVs. The hotel features complimentary Wi-Fi, a game room, and you can fuel up with the free, daily continental breakfast.
What Discount Hotel Options Are There in Olympic Valley, CA?
The best hotel that offers discounts in the area is the Pepper Tree Inn, which gives AAA members a nice discount. This modest hotel has basic guest rooms as well as larger rooms and select rooms have a whirlpool tub. All rooms have free Wi-Fi, a mini fridge, a microwave, and DirectTV. Relax on comfortable bedding and indulge in a free hot breakfast before you start your day.
Can I Find Hotels With Extra Value in Olympic Valley, CA?
While you're visiting Olympic Valley, you might as well get a bit of extra value from your hotel. The ski-in/ski-out Squaw Valley Lodge features condo-style suites that are perfect for families or groups. After a day of playing, relax in one of the resorts six hot tubs, or enjoy the comfort of the steam room or sauna. In the summer, take a dip in the heated outdoor pool or workout in the year-round fitness center. From the studio rooms to three-bedroom suites, you'll enjoy premium bedding and flat-screen TVs with DVD players. The smaller rooms have a kitchenette, while the larger rooms offer you fully-equipped kitchens. Select rooms have fireplaces and private balconies. Take advantage of their package specials such as their romantic package or ski and stay package.
Another value hotel that invites business travelers or groups, is the Tahoe City Basecamp Hotel. Gather inside the 374 square foot rustic meeting room with sweeping views of the mountains, as well as a fireplace. The staff can assist you in setting up electronics and screens for your meeting. The inmate Basecamp Hotel offers free continental breakfast, outdoor fire pits, and a cozy bar. The rooms feature premium bedding, free Wi-Fi, and luxurious bath amenities. The hotel is also pet-friendly. If you stay for three or more days, you receive a discount.
Where Are the Best Places to Play in Olympic Valley, CA?
While there are no shortages of ski and snow opportunities in the winter, and hiking and mountain biking fun in the summer, you want to be sure that you have the right accommodations for your visit.
No matter what season you are visiting Olympic Valley, don't miss taking a ride on the Squaw Valley Aerial Tram. The 10-minute ride takes you up 2,000 feet with jaw-dropping views of the mountains and Lake Tahoe, plus you'll have a chance to see the Olympic Rings up close.
Get your adrenaline pumping with Tahoe Via Ferrata which offers safe climbing tours and experiences up the iconic Tram Face. Using permanent anchors and cables, you are safely attached to the rock face throughout the whole experience. During the winter, take a thrilling dog sled ride around the Lake Tahoe area with Wilderness Adventures Dog Sled Tours. This is an amazing adventure with gorgeous views that you won't forget.
Once the sun goes down, enjoy the entertainment offered at many of the casinos on the Nevada side of the lake. The Crystal Bay Casino is smaller than some of the mega-casinos on the south shore of the lake and is one of the closest casinos to Olympic Valley. They offer great live entertainment and everything you would expect from a casino.
During the summer, head over to the Squaw Valley Mountain Bike Park. Made for upper-intermediate and advanced riders, enjoy miles and miles of trails to ride, including the challenging three-mile mountain run that you climb to get to the top of High Camp. Once at the top, you can have a blast riding down the mountain and over the various trails.
If you enjoy a good hand-crafted beer and tasty burgers, try Sandy's Pub. If you're looking for pizza, chicken wings, and other great bar food while hanging out with your friends, stop by Le Chamois & Loft Bar. You can even get discounts on beer when you pre-purchase a beer pass from the Loft Bar.
No matter whether you're going skiing, mountain biking, or want to relax in a hot tub with stunning views, you'll find the perfect accommodations to fit your budget and lifestyle while visiting Olympic Valley.
FAQs about hotels in Olympic Valley
Recent traveler reviews of Olympic Valley, CA
Below are reviews of the city of Olympic Valley, CA from an actual visitor's perspective.
"Good Mountain Views"
Score
4.0 / 5
The mountain views are good!
Ronald H., from 24-Oct-2023
"Beauty of Nature!"
Score
4.0 / 5
The natural beauty.
Diane F., from 17-Jul-2023
"Beautiful!!!"
Score
5.0 / 5
The stunning beauty of the valley!
Jonelle K., from 30-Jun-2023
"Beautiful Little Village"
Score
5.0 / 5
Beautiful little village at night.
Trish K., from 12-Dec-2022
"Nice and clean."
Score
5.0 / 5
very easy to get to everything in the valley
Delicious food at the CoffeeBar Cafe
Joel S., from 31-May-2022
The average traveler rating of the city of Olympic Valley, CA shown above is
4.6 out of 5 based on 5 reviews