Highlights from a Winter Wedding Weekend in Squaw Valley...
Until this past MLK weekend I had only visited Tahoe once - five years ago, packed into a ski house, snowboarding the whole time with breaks for beers. This past weekend I got a more well rounded view of this ski destination. The wedding took place at The Plumpjack Squaw Valley Inn, which is where we all stayed. While the rooms are expensive (we managed to squeeze four in one room - kind of a college move, but hey we're all best friends from college anyway), you are paying to be in the heart of the action. Other amenity highlights are an elaborate, complimentary breakfast, two outdoor hot tubs, a heated pool, nice gym, and the cozy hotel bar complete with an indoor fire pit. If you choose stay at the Plumpjack, I would suggest requesting a room on the 2nd level so you are free from the noise of the bar at night and the early morning breakfast patrons in loud ski boots. 
The wedding was at 3:30 on Saturday, so knowing we wouldn't get a full ski day in, my friend, Meghan, and I decided to get out there on snow shoes. We rented our snow shoes literally three feet outside of the Plumpjack at the Inn Shop Squaw Valley. For $15, we had an inspirational morning hiking up Shirley Canyon trail. A couple awkward falls figuring out our new footwear were well worth being able to get away from everything man made and into the mountains. It was the perfect way to get a little exercise and experience the quiet and peaceful beauty of the mountains. To recharge after our invigorating adventure, we headed to Mountain Nectar for Mac Daddy smoothies - a delicious combination of almonds, coconut water, banana and mango.
After a fun night of wedding festivities, on Sunday we hit the slopes for a perfect day of what felt like spring skiing. Nothing beats skiing in warm weather with good snow and ending with a late lunch to kick off Apres. Twenty-Two Bistro was the place we chose to gather. Conveniently located a couple yards from where you take your skis off, they have great food ranging from crab nachos and curry shrimp Thai noodles, to your classic awesome burger. It's also an easy place for dinner. 
We also had a great dinner at Mamasake, Squaw's sushi restaurant. The Mama's Balls are a must!
The Auld Dubliner seemed to be the late night watering hole of choice - or at least the choice for the group we were with!
All in all it was a fantastic weekend-- the perfect balance of nature, outdoor athletics, eating and drinking decadence. Congrats to Liisa and Ethan, the newlyweds!! xoxo