Olympic Valley.
- WHAT TO DO
- WHAT TO SEE
- WHAT TO EAT
Olympic Valley sits forty-five minutes southwest of Reno-Tahoe International Airport via Interstate 80 and California State Route 89. The valley is known for its steep Sierra Nevada granite bowl, deep winter snowpack, and hosting the 1960 Winter Olympics at what is now Palisades Tahoe. Beyond the lifts, the meadow floor leads into raw alpine backcountry. Olympic Valley is worth visiting if you want to tackle demanding high-altitude terrain on skis or foot and drink cold pilsner beside the granite.
Last updated 7 Sept 2026
Field notes
Photographs · Wikimedia Commons
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What to do in Olympic Valley California United States
Olympic Valley is a compact alpine basin defined by sheer granite amphitheaters and a central village cluster. Days revolve strictly around elevation: up the mountain by tram or boot in the morning, down to the meadow floor by afternoon. It suits committed outdoor purists, families seeking organized mountain sports, and anyone who prefers crisp pine air and cold beer to urban pace.
24 hours in Olympic Valley California United States
Start at 7:30 AM with coffee and warm cookies from Wildflour Baking Company. Hike Shirley Canyon up past rushing granite cascades to High Camp, ride the aerial tram down, and spend the late afternoon drinking draft lager on the deck at Le Chamois. Finish with wood-fired flatbreads in the village. Select 1 Day above to see it.
2 days in Olympic Valley California United States
Day two points you ten minutes south to Tahoe City. Rent a road bike for the paved riverside path along the Truckee River, swim the clear, bracing shallows at Commons Beach, and order smoked trout and regional pinot noir at a lakefront bistro before returning to the quiet valley. Choose 2 Days to expand the plan.
3 days in Olympic Valley California United States
A third day allows an early push into Granite Chief Wilderness. Connect to the Pacific Crest Trail along high ridgelines with expansive views across Lake Tahoe and the Sierra crest. End the trip with braised meat and a deep California wine list at PlumpJack Cafe.
Olympic Valley California United States itineraries by interest
Winter Sports in Olympic Valley California United States
Ride KT-22 and the Headwall chairlifts for legendary chutes, or take the aerial tram up to High Camp for wide groomed runs above the valley floor.
Hiking in Olympic Valley California United States
Climb the four-mile Shirley Canyon Trail past granite waterfalls and boulder fields up to High Camp, then take the aerial tram down for free.
Alpine Climbing in Olympic Valley California United States
Ascend the Tahoe Via Ferrata on Tram Face with steel rungs, suspension bridges, and fixed cables under the guidance of local mountain leaders.
Craft Beer in Olympic Valley California United States
Pull up a stool at the Chamois for cold pitchers of Sierra Nevada pale ale and hot wings alongside patrollers coming off the hill.
Mountain Biking in Olympic Valley California United States
Pedal the paved Truckee River Bike Path down to Tahoe City or tackle technical singletrack climbs into the surrounding Tahoe National Forest.
Modern History in Olympic Valley California United States
Visit the 1960 Winter Olympics monument and museum at High Camp to inspect vintage wooden skis, medals, and original competition memorabilia.
Casual Dining in Olympic Valley California United States
Grab breakfast burritos at Wildflour Baking Company before first chair, or sit down for wood-fired pizza and draft beer at Fireside Pizza Company.
Wilderness Treks in Olympic Valley California United States
Pick up the Pacific Crest Trail via Granite Chief Wilderness from the valley rim for multi-day traverses through subalpine firs and ridgelines.
Trail Running in Olympic Valley California United States
Follow the final punishing miles of the Western States 100 course through the valley meadow and up the brutal switchbacks toward Emigrant Pass.
Fine Dining in Olympic Valley California United States
Reserve a table at PlumpJack Cafe for seasonal California cooking, braised short ribs, and an encyclopedic list of regional Pinot Noirs.
Cross-Country Skiing in Olympic Valley California United States
Glide along groomed Nordic ski loops across the flat valley floor meadow beneath the towering north face of KT-22 and Squaw Peak.
Lake Excursions in Olympic Valley California United States
Drive ten minutes south to Commons Beach in Tahoe City to rent kayaks, swim clear alpine waters, or catch an open-air concert on the grass.