There are two necessities to keep in mind when booking a group or family ski trip: close proximity to the slopes, and even closer proximity to the hot tubs. Squaw Valley Lodge checks the Yes box on both, as a ski-in/ski-out stay, boasting spacious suites, a friendly atmosphere and six (yes, six!) hot tubs. Hop from lodge to lifts in minutes flat each morning. But first, carbo-load on your famous homemade pancakes, prepared right in your suite. Once everyone’s full, get ready to hit the slopes. Voted the best ski spot in North America by USA Today readers, Squaw Valley Resort enjoys 450 inches of snowfall and 300 days of sunshine, and has one of the longest seasons in the country. If it’s extra sunny, take a cue from the Californians and slather some old-school zinc on your nose (you can go classic white, but now the stuff comes in bright colors that kiddos go mad for). For any newbs in your group, the Squaw Valley Resort has classes and camps for all ages and levels. But if your whole crew is a little rusty, the ski school offers a special Private Family Lesson with an instructor equipped to coach both skiers and snowboarders of all different skill levels, together (genius!). After an adventure-filled day on the mountain, rendezvous at the base and swing by The Auld Dubliner Pub & Restaurant for a hearty Irish dinner (and maybe an après Guinness). Once back at the suite, see if anyone wants to hit the hot tubs - likely a unanimous “YES!” Change into suits, grab some towels and take your pick of the numerous spots to soak.

Suites at Squaw Valley Lodge are bright and clean, homey and spacious. Décor is simple, with some alpine accents here and there, and the furniture cozy and comfy. Every unit has a couch (with pull-out bed) and a flat screen TV, prime for watching movies on nights you feel like staying in. Well equipped kitchenettes in the studios and one-bedrooms make it easy to whip up après ski snacks. Two-bedroom and premium one-bedroom suites feature full kitchens (so you can treat the crew to your signature home-cooked lasagna), and gas-burning fireplaces to up the coziness factor. Studios are spacious enough to sleep small families and friend groups, and still feel roomy – book a studio with a loft for an additional bed and bathroom upstairs.

Thanks to the slopeside locale, the ski village shops, bars and restaurants are just steps from the Lodge. Hit Fireside Pizza Co (known for farm-fresh toppings) for a casual family meal. For something a bit more upscale, sample 22 Bistro’s “New American” cuisine and impressive wine list for date night. The ski resort also offers a variety of wintery adventures beyond skiing and snowboarding, like snowmobile tours, downhill tubing and ice-skating. And in the warmer months, Squaw Valley becomes a hub for biking, hiking and golf – not to mention all the action at nearby Lake Tahoe.