Northern California’s iconic resort, Squaw Valley / Alpine Meadows is steeped in history. Most notably, it hosted the 1960 Olympics. Luckily, for foodies and après ski junkies, the food and drink scene has come a long way since then. Here's a short list of locales to keep your palate entertained from sunup to sundown.
1. COFFEE: Starbucks at Gold Coast
Yes, you read that right. Not all Starbucks are created equal, as a matter of fact: Squaw’s on-slope installation of the iconic coffee shop is featured just for skiers. For those who couldn’t manage to swing by a coffee shop between rolling out of bed and hitting the slopes, Squaw’s new Starbucks boasts a ski-through window at the top of the funitel. Those in search of instant caffeine can either walk in to the shop or ski by the window and come away with a coffee to pound without wasting a beat in between runs and chairlift rides.
2. BREAKFAST: WILDFLOUR, Olympic House, Squaw Valley, CA
Wildflour is a Squaw Valley must on several levels. With a shop at the base in the Olympic House and another outpost at Gold Coast, this quirky, charming local bakery has been serving up the best breakfast bagels and sandwiches you can find on your way to the lifts. While you’re at it, don’t forget to buy a few of the famed, mouthwatering cookies that are an even bigger draw to Wildflour than breakfast. If they hand them over fresh and warm, which is likely, you’re going to need to eat one right away, with your breakfast, so buy a few to put in your pocket as well for a mid-morning chairlift snack.
3. APRÈS: Le Chamois and Loft Bar, 1960 Squaw Valley Road, Olympic Valley, CA
Decade after decade since it first opened its doors in 1969, Le Chamois and Loft Bar remains the go-to spot for reliving the glory of every ski day in Squaw Valley. Affectionately known as the Chammy, this particular bar is the stuff of legend, where every Squaw skier you have ever heard, or will never hear of, comes to grab a beer, a slice and a little social scene to round out the ski day. Housed in an iconic, beloved little red building with a pointed roof, the Chammy, which offers just beer, wine and some typical post-ski dishes like wings, keeps things simple and focused on its glorious, classic après-ski bar vibe.
