By The Wayfarer
Lake Tahoe Everline Stroll
If you’re headed to Olympic Valley, CA, you’re in for more than just mountain air and postcard views. Tucked into the Sierra Nevada just northwest of Lake Tahoe, this alpine gem (formerly known as Squaw Valley) is one of the most naturally dramatic and historically rich spots in California.
Most people know it for the 1960 Winter Olympics or for the legendary slopes of Palisades Tahoe. But Olympic Valley isn’t just a ski town—it’s a four-season playground with enough options to keep adventurers, families, and even introverts with sketchbooks happy.
Here’s your curated, practical, and story-rich guide to things to do in Olympic Valley, California.
1. Start With the Lake Tahoe Everline Stroll
Before you charge up a mountain or strap on skis, take 15 minutes to get your bearings—and a little mountain inspiration—with Wayfarer’s Lake Tahoe Everline Stroll. It’s a self-guided audio walk through the meadows and creeks surrounding Everline Resort & Spa, perfect for anyone curious about the land’s deeper story.
You’ll:
- Smell a Jeffrey Pine that gives off a citrus scent
- Hear stories about the valley’s Olympic legacy
- Learn why this valley was chosen for one of the greatest global sporting events of the 20th century
It’s part orientation, part meditation—and it’s free. Your trip deserves a good first step. Start here.
2. Ride the Aerial Tram to High Camp
One of the most iconic activities in Olympic Valley is the Palisades Tahoe Aerial Tram, a scenic 10-minute ride that climbs over 2,000 feet from the village to High Camp.
Once you’re at the top:
- Visit the Olympic Museum, where you’ll find vintage gear and stories from the 1960 Games
- Take in sweeping views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding wilderness
- Hike, skate, swim, or snowshoe depending on the season
Pro tip: Ride up, hike down—or do the reverse if you’re feeling ambitious.
3. Ski or Snowboard at Palisades Tahoe
In winter, Olympic Valley transforms into a snow globe with edge. Palisades Tahoe offers:
- Over 6,000 skiable acres
- Terrain parks for snowboarders
- Wide beginner areas
- World-famous steeps and chutes for experts
Even if you’re not a skier, the energy around the mountain is worth soaking in. You’ll find fire pits, hot drinks, and some of the best people-watching this side of the Sierra.
4. Hike the Shirley Canyon Trail
Olympic Valley doesn’t stop being fun when the snow melts. In fact, summer and fall bring one of the best hikes in the Tahoe region: Shirley Canyon Trail.
- Distance: 4 miles one-way to High Camp
- Terrain: Granite boulders, waterfalls, and alpine meadows
- Highlights: You can soak your feet in Shirley Lake mid-hike and take the tram back down if you time it right
This trail is a local favorite, and for good reason. It’s a way to experience the dramatic granite terrain up close—without the ski gear.
5. Explore The Village at Palisades Tahoe
Not everything in Olympic Valley requires a trailhead. Sometimes you just want good coffee, gear shopping, and maybe a scoop of huckleberry ice cream.
The Village is walkable, dog-friendly, and filled with:
- Local boutiques and outdoor outfitters
- Restaurants, cafés, and après-ski hangouts
- Yoga studios and spas
- Firepits and live music during peak seasons
It’s also where you’ll catch most of the valley’s events: Oktoberfest, Wanderlust Yoga Festival, and summer movie nights under the stars.
6. Bike the Truckee River Trail
Rent a bike right from the village and jump onto the Truckee River Trail, a paved and mostly flat path that runs all the way to Tahoe City.
- Distance: 7 miles one-way
- Best for: Families, casual cruisers, and anyone wanting fresh air without lung-busting climbs
- Bonus: There are plenty of riverside picnic spots along the way
It’s a perfect half-day outing that connects Olympic Valley to Lake Tahoe’s northern shore.
7. Visit the Site of the 1960 Winter Olympics
Even if you’re not a history buff, standing where the world once gathered is goosebump-worthy. Olympic Valley was the first U.S. site for the Winter Olympics, and while most of the original structures are gone, the Olympic Cauldron and plaza remain.
A quick walk around the base area reveals:
- Interpretive signs and maps
- Art installations and Olympic rings
- The quiet sense that big things once happened here
8. Relax at Everline Spa or Go Wild in the Meadow
Need a reset? Olympic Valley offers both extremes.
- Spa at Everline: Book a massage or soak in the outdoor whirlpool facing the mountains
- Creekside Meadows: Let the kids splash in Squaw Creek, watch trout swim, or lie back and count hawks
Olympic Valley doesn’t just deliver adrenaline. It’s also built for reflection, reset, and slow walks with people you love.
Final Thoughts
Olympic Valley, CA is more than a gateway to Palisades Tahoe. It’s a place that mixes alpine drama with small-town rhythm. You’ll come for the mountains—but you’ll remember the quiet trails, the pine-scented breezes, and maybe a few stories you picked up along the way.
Before You Go:
Download the free Lake Tahoe Everline Stroll. Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, this short audio walk will help you experience Olympic Valley with new eyes—and maybe a deeper breath.Because around here, the best things to do don’t always need skis.
Sometimes, they just need a good pair of shoes and a little curiosity.
by xotatech.com