Squaw-Alpine assessing possibility of putting in backcountry gates

Backcountry gates linking Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows are getting closer to being a reality.

This season the two resorts, operated by the same company since earlier this fall, are working with the U.S. Forest Service to study the practically of opening the area.

A press release says, “If successful, the pilot study would result in a policy which could permit skiers and riders with specialized backcountry training and equipment to access the wilderness land connecting Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows.”

It goes on to say, “The goal of the pilot study will be to determine whether or not feasible locations for backcountry access gates exist – and if so, where the best locations would be in terms of topography and exposure. The pilot study will be launched when adequate snow conditions have been reached.”