SAM Magazine--December 2, 2011--Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows, Calif., have commenced a pilot study to determine the possibility of creating backcountry access gates that would allow on-snow travel between the two resorts. During the upcoming season, the management and ski patrols at the two ski areas, along with the U.S. Forest Service, will investigate the possibility and, if successful, could result in a policy which would permit skiers and riders with specialized backcountry training and equipment to access the wilderness land connecting Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows.

Since the two resorts joined under common ownership this fall, both areas can already be accessed on one lift ticket or pass and a shuttle will provide transportation between the two.

The project will include route selection, potential issues relating to backcountry access during in-bounds closures, search and rescue issues and interface with private land and wilderness areas.

While the study is being conducted, the boundary management policies of both Tahoe resorts will remain much the same. With the exception of conducting the study, Squaw's boundary will remain closed and the boundary at Alpine Meadows will be managed as it has been in the past.