The PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn hails from the days of Bogner one-pieces and Norwegian ski sweaters. It was remodeled in 1955 with the aim of giving delegates for the 1960 Winter Olympics, held in Squaw Valley, a comfy, luxurious abode. That mid-century charm still holds in the exterior's wood-shingled facade and script-lettered marquee, but a 1995 makeover gave a decidedly mod spin to the interior. Think elegant

The PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn hails from the days of Bogner one-pieces and Norwegian ski sweaters. It was remodeled in 1955 with the aim of giving delegates for the 1960 Winter Olympics, held in Squaw Valley, a comfy, luxurious abode. That mid-century charm still holds in the exterior's wood-shingled facade and script-lettered marquee, but a 1995 makeover gave a decidedly mod spin to the interior. Think elegant brushed-silver art pieces and trendy goose-down comforters covering the beds. Wireless runs throughout the hotel and flat-screen televisions with DVDs players are standard in every room. A complimentary breakfast buffet serves gourmet dishes like roasted red bliss potatoes and waffles with Vermont maple syrup. The PlumpJack brand owns a number of restaurants and wineries throughout California, and winemaker dinners run throughout the summer. The PlumpJack Cafe Bar is cozy if upscale, with a dinner menu serving fresh local produce, seafood, and poultry (entrees $20-$35).

Squaw's High Camp Cable Car passes right above the hotel, with the base station across the street from the hotel's front doors. Roll out of bed, grab your skis from storage, and before you have the chance to down a cup of coffee, you'll be at the 8,200-summit of this Sierra Nevada gem. Admire the cliffs off of the KT-22 that gave birth to the "Squallywood" movement of the late 1990s, when ski pioneers like the late, great Shane McConkey hucked their way to ski celluloid stardom. New freeskiing competitions continue to keep that tradition alive, and provide us regular folk with plenty of opportunity to gape. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em: Squaw now offers guided backcountry excursions through its ski school.

A former senior editor at Skiing magazine, Pieter van Noordennen owns more ski jackets than any man should.