To ski or not to ski: have fun off the slopes too at Tahoe's Squaw Valley

The scene at Squaw just got livelier. With the opening of the Village at Squaw Valley USA, skiers have stylish new options for shopping, dining, and unwinding.

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After a day on the snow, warm up near the firepit in the Village's plaza. Then make your way to the 22 Station West complex, slipping into Black Diamond Wine Exchange (530/584-0105) to sample vinos (from $2). Feeling famished? Grab a pear-and-gorgonzola pizza at Fireside Pizza Company ($$; 530/584-6150), in the Village's North Face Suites. Or "Eat raw at Squaw" at nearby Mamasake ($$$$; 530/584-0110), where sushi is often served atop snowboardlike platters.

If your day's not over, head to 22 Station West's Waxen Moon (530/584-6006), where you can make your own candle (from $12).

RELATED ARTICLE: Village vitals

For information, contact the hotel (rooms from $209; 1750 Village East Rd., Olympic Valley, CA; www.thevillageatsquaw.com or 888/805-5022).

COPYRIGHT 2005 Sunset Publishing Corp.
COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group