Squaw opens up 1st backcountry gate!!

Finally...

OFFICIAL WORD FROM SQUAW:
Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley, in conjunction with the USFS, are conducting a backcountry access pilot program that permits access to the backcountry terrain between the two resorts as of Tuesday, April 17. Once an individual leaves either boundary, he or she is on their own with no services provided. Should rescue become necessary, it is the responsibility of the Placer County Sherriff’s office. Backcountry access from Squaw Valley will be via one gate located approximately 100 yards West of the KT Saddle. From Alpine Meadows, skiers and riders can access the backcountry terrain to Squaw Valley from North Estelle Peak. Those with any questions should direct them to Ski Patrol at the top of KT-22 at Squaw or at the top of Summit Chair at Alpine. The gates may be closed at any time and access to the gates may be precluded by other mountain closures. This pilot program opens the access to the backcountry, thus permitting passage between the two resorts.

Please be aware:
Hiking is required with a substantial climb required to enter either resort.
Know how to use and carry an avalanche beacon, probe and shovel.
Alpine Tour or Telemark equipment and climbing skis are highly recommended.
There is no cell phone coverage in the area between the two resorts.
Be advised you entering United States Forest Service land.
The land to the East is private property (please, no trespassing)
The land to the West is wilderness (there is no way out)
The KT Gate provides access to Alpine Meadows with very limited downhill skiing/riding.
Partner up.
No rescue beyond this point – YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN!

True, but at least they are making it public knowledge now.  Pretty smart if you ask me.  This will put pressure on the "land to the East" private property owner to sell his land, instead of hanging on to it for his own personal use.  This looks like another step towards connecting the two resorts once and for all.  I'm all for it.    Congrats SquawPine!

they're actually about to try out something new...
a cat track has been erected and soon (days soon) you will able to ride from squaw to Alpine meadows...

that's sketchy as hell if there offering that route ,good to see some resorts are connecting with others ,the bigger the trails the more people
i guess did they mention ski patrol will be monitoring the expansion or it's pretty much ride down at your own risk?

Alpine has had an open boundary policy for a long time.  Squaw has always been lame about it.  From what I remember, there is not a lot of traffic in that zone in the past.  Too much hiking.

From what I understand the snow cat trail was put in by the owner of White Wolf as an easement through his property.  You are not allowed to travel off of it, or you will be charged with trespassing.  Which is a bummer because that cat goes over a ridge with prime looking terrain.  Still, there is plenty of other goods around. 

Overall, I am glad to see Squaw is finally getting with the times.  The backcountry is dangerous, but most of it is also public lands.  People will die, no doubt, but that is not Squaw's responsibility.  It is the individuals.  If they are jack asses out there, shit will happen.  If not that, they'd find some other way anyhow.