Situated near stunning Lake Tahoe and cradled by six mountain peaks, Squaw Valley USA, with its array of pistes spread over a huge ski domain and a convenient location, is one of North America’s best ski destinations. There are three fabulous terrain parks (including Belmont Park for kids), a super-pipe and half-pipes.

The picturesque village of Squaw Valley oozes with charm, has all the ambience of a top European resort and boasts ski-in/ski-out accessibility from many of the lodgings, first-aid and nursing facilities, and a host of shops and art galleries. There are 40 hotels and condos within the resort and many more in Tahoe City and Truckee.

The 1,600 hectares of skiable terrain at Squaw Valley is divided into 100 slopes rated 25 per cent for beginners, 45 per cent for intermediates and 30 per cent for advanced and expert sliders. Thirty-four lifts operate over the 850-metre vertical to supply the pistes, the longest of which is five kilometres. Squaw Valley’s terrain parks feature tabletops, rails, rollers and volcanoes, as well as quarter-pipes, half-pipes and a super-pipe. Cross-country skiers have 800kms of trails.

Other winter activities and facilities at Squaw Valley USA ski resort include: ice-skating, sleigh riding, tubing, ice-fishing and mountaineering. There’s also tennis, swimming and jacuzzi facilities, as well as the family fun park. Après-ski features a selection of shops, galleries, restaurants and bars. Truckee and Tahoe City provide further entertainment.

The November to April ski season at Squaw Valley has its best snow conditions in February and various discount packages are offered. The most practical travel option for UK travellers is to fly to Reno/Tahoe International Airport and take a shuttle transfer to the resort, or hire a car. Alternatively, self-drive from San Francisco is also convenient.