my first time skiing SQUAW VALLEY in 2021!! | vanlife california

[@LucasCatania17]

notes from the editor (me): (1.) skiing starts at the 6 minute mark. as with all my 200+ videos on this channel, my episodes document the entire experience and not simply just skiing. my aim is to show the realistic side of traveling in a van and things like that. it is often a stressful and uncomfortable experience, but it is also extremely rewarding. i dont want to ever glorify what its like being in the van, so if you want to just watch the skiing, simply skip to the 6 minute mark. (2.) i put the trail names and chair lift in the videos now due to so many requests on that. the link to the squaw valley trail map is in the description, so please click the link and follow along if you'd like. (3.) this was the most historic december snowfall that tahoe had ever on record. they have so far recorded 202" in december alone which is 16 feet of snow. my goal was to be safe both with the van and in my skiing, so i tend to move on the more cautious side so i didnt wreck my tiny home and so i can live to ski for the rest of the year. (4.) i was running off literally about 3-4 hours of sleep this day and i was highly stressed due to all of the snow and unknown area. i love all of you guys and i appreciate the support on the videos and channel. i hope some of this context helps you enjoy the video a bit more and understand my mindset on this first day especially. the rest of the weekend got easier and i wasn't as stressed or tired.

[@koalasunited]

If you ever go again, you must try silverado when it's open!

[@willbrown1616]

Love the addition of having the trail and lift names in the corner! keep up the great work!

[@LucasCatania17]

thanks will! glad you liked it!

[@TahoeTrailRunner23]

Might I ask which app you use for video editing? I love the addition of lifts/runs in the corner but have not found a solid app to edit videos and include this sort of information

[@gavinknight2019]

Started watching about 2 weeks ago and now I’m off to big sky in a couple of weeks from Florida. Thanks for inspiring me to take the leap. Video quality is stunning!

[@LucasCatania17]

Thanks Gavin! Have so much fun at big sky! I’m stoked to get up there this year.

[@TastyMcNuggets8]

Lucas you're videos are simply the best early morning coffee youtube video around. I appreciate you and hope to see you out here in Colorado at some point.

[@LucasCatania17]

thanks for the kind words my friend! so stoked you enjoy the videos as a way to start your day! i will be out in colorado soon

[@un1t453]

Also the person who motivates me to be really exited for skiing this season

[@coopersmith6978]

Go watch drew Simms you’ll thank me later

[@trevdorand]

Absolutely love your channel bro… found you in 2020 and been watching ever since. The quality of the edits and videos are top notch. Really makes me jealous living in Texas 😂. Keep on the grind, you deserve so much more. Success will come your way!

[@LucasCatania17]

Thank you so much Trevor. Comments like this really mean a lot. Stoked you enjoy the channel overall and I’m really glad to have your support.

[@justinbayola]

what an absolute gift it is to be able to watch you on the mountain. Stoke HEAVY!

[@bigslacker666]

This just popped up in my feed and as a local it was fun reliving that storm from the perspective of an out of towner. I bet it was a gnarly drive in a 2WD van. We did a *LOT* of snow clearing that week, haha! But still got in some epic riding along with all the work. We call our snow Sierra Cement, though every once in a while we'll randomly get powder like CO or UT complete with sinking to the knees and face shots. More often though it's like what you experienced.

[@benm8763]

Your videos are so sick and really well edited. Insane how you only have 15k subs

[@LucasCatania17]

thanks ben! really appreciate that man.

[@benjaminbranic3166]

been watching a bunch of your old vids, look forward to this upcoming snow season!

[@getemgirlvan]

Great video, I'm really interested in the vanlife aspect of this video. Like 1 night sleeping options when visiting, and views of any run you care to record. Love the videos, hope you keep making them for many years. 🤙🏼

[@LucasCatania17]

thank you! glad you enjoyed the van aspect in addition to the skiing!

[@pclifton4]

That was fun to watch, you skied the nose chutes and dead tree on your first time there, nice! That last chute the local took you to is called tom's tumble, really that whole ridge over there is epic on a pow day. Hopefully you make it back when the upper mountain is open along with Silverado canyon. There is much much more.

[@LucasCatania17]

Thank you! I was super impressed with the mountain. Always a bit challenging when you don’t know where you’re going but I’m stoked with what we skied. Definitely need to get back there 🤘🏽

[@dylanp3519]

Love the editing in these videos, make every run look like a dream run. Keep up the good work bro 👍

[@LucasCatania17]

Thanks Dylan! Appreciate the support 🤘🏽

[@justinbayola]

Merry Christmas dude! great video!

[@LucasCatania17]

Thanks bro! Couldn’t have done it without you!

[@waltciii3]

I remember that week. My friend in Mammoth was stressing shoveling out her house during the record snows.

[@rolansereny7565]

Looks soooo money! Great vlog. As always! Love the addition of the lifts and trail names. Totally gives viewers another reason to watch! Thx.

[@LucasCatania17]

thanks rolan! really appreciate your continued support on the channel man!!

[@briantgore]

Incredible video man! Really amazing how you pull together such a long stretch of time into a cohesive story. Look forward to the others from last weekend. Happy and healthy new year!

[@LucasCatania17]

thanks brian! that means a lot! glad you found it cohesive after all of that haha. happy new year!

[@chadnelson8259]

Lol you got the full Squaw experience. Cream cheese for snow, 24" of new snow(and you only ski the top 4"), lines everywhere, upper mtn always closed but the terrain is enough to bring ya back for more. If I remember right we got mostly rain in Reno until after Christmas.

[@chktherhyme]

Dude, have been WAITING for this to come out!!! So stoked to finally watch 🤙🏾🤙🏾

[@LucasCatania17]

thanks bijan! hope you enjoyed it!

[@bryceh7469]

Made this drive right after you, but not all the way to the resort. Glad to see these videos and glad you made it safely despite the storm!

[@LucasCatania17]

That’s awesome man! Glad we both made it safe haha

[@markwinter5285]

Great vlog Lucas. Adventurous day mate! Thanks for showing us around!

[@LucasCatania17]

thanks for taking the time to watch it mark!

[@litkruton2440]

Those are dreamy trees. Another sick vid

[@LucasCatania17]

yes the trees were amazing!!

[@JamesDavis-ne8zm]

Really surprised this channel hasn’t blown up yet! Keep it up!

[@LucasCatania17]

thank you james! really appreciate that!

[@AdiLevinson]

Unlivable snowfall. Glad you and Luna made it safe and enjoyed the snow!

[@LucasCatania17]

Thanks Adi! This was just the beginning too haha

[@TeamErmisch]

Great job, lucky the roads didn't close on you. Do they still call it "Sierra Cement." Its beautiful up there, but very heavy.. not hating on Tahoe, just different and I remember always being soaked no matter what jacket I wore.

[@LucasCatania17]

i was very lucky on a lot of levels! roads closed basically just after i got out of truckee!

[@fredrunzer9264]

These new camera angles are so sick dude! Great video

[@LucasCatania17]

thanks fred!! i appreciate that!

[@michaelpedemonte7002]

Loving the content and the channel! I’m excited to watch your channel grow!

[@LucasCatania17]

thank you michael!!

[@davidfillmore3151]

Enjoying your blog and videos! Keep it comin.

[@LucasCatania17]

Appreciate that man!

[@drewphillips704]

You nailed those lines with confidence! Thanks for adding longer shots of your runs.

[@LucasCatania17]

Thanks Andrew! Glad you enjoyed the longer shots!

[@aaromm4783]

Watching youre videos are such a great way to start my day❤️❤️

[@LucasCatania17]

Thank you! So stoked you enjoy them 🤘🏽

[@saltyalgore6386]

Another awesome video! 2022 is going to be a great year for you. 100k subs soon!

[@LucasCatania17]

Thank you for watching! That would be an insane number!

[@VSVPBiggums]

Its called palisades now isnt it?

[@TheMagicman2120]

The addition of the runs you did and lifts you used was nice. Glad you made it out safe.

[@LucasCatania17]

thanks kevin! stoked you liked it.

[@dicksonmclean1615]

Sick video!! It was great being able to see the names of the runs!!

[@LucasCatania17]

thanks dickson! glad you enjoyed it!!

[@alltimesports23]

That last run is what it’s all about. So sick.

[@LucasCatania17]

definitely, man. such a great surprise.

[@alltimesports23]

@@LucasCatania17 never know what type of people you can run into on a lift. have met some great people, excited for the next couple videos this week🔥🔥

[@grandillusion52]

Super gnarly conditions brother!! Glad you made it there and back safe!! So glad its finally been dumping in Utah, they are making good progress on opening runs at PC. Hoping to get up there again this weekend since its supposed to dump between now and then. Another great vlog dude!

[@LucasCatania17]

thanks brother! definitely was a well-needed storm! hoping they open jupiter soon!

[@rhettrossos3172]

I just went to squaw for the first time myself for my bday this year and went to that same shell! It was freaking epic!

[@johnnyscans]

Was at squaw opening day (was at Resort at Squaw Creek for a conference) and it was blower face shots left and right. When squaw gets nuked on it is remarkably good snow.

[@LucasCatania17]

That’s amazing man!!

[@vonzipper24]

Glad you were able to make it in and out, hwy 80 westbound just opened last night, KT-22 is an amazing lift, what a way to get it started, epic road trip

[@LucasCatania17]

Thanks man! And totally! I got super lucky all around with the trip. No major closures and was able to ski every day!

[@greghughes6449]

Late Merry Christmas to ya Lucas! Great vid as usual, and happy new year to you and Luna! If ya can, please send some snow back east for us, we're dying for it! Stay well!

[@LucasCatania17]

thanks greg! merry christmas and happy new year to you as well! i will try to send the snow your way after it gives us a bit more haha

[@mattpike8189]

Really good again! Those conditions looked awful to drive in. But first time the mountains have looked super wintery tho and an awesome thumbnail.

[@LucasCatania17]

thanks matt! thankful for your continued support on the stoke squad and the channel.

[@klubstompers]

Awesome ski area, i love Squaw, and Alpine Meadows. I see you had my addiction there, Chobani. :D

[@LucasCatania17]

Hahaha bro that’s been my go to desert for in the van lately

[@klubstompers]

​@@LucasCatania17 Almond Coco Loco is so good, if you haven't tried it.

[@lucamorrison6942]

Don’t know if you’re still in Tahoe but Homewood is a super cool and cheap small mountain with crazy views. Definitely worth checking out imo

[@LucasCatania17]

i left on monday!!

[@weirdbeard1980]

First couple days of the storm were definitely wet and gross. Kinda days where every article of clothing you have is soaked. Then it got cold but the two best days everything was closed (26th and 27th I believe). It's was in the teens and the snow was really good. And then it warmed back up into the high 20's by the time they opened and it was fun but just a bit heavy for how deep it was.

[@LucasCatania17]

for sure! i skied alpine meadows on the 25th and heavenly on the 26th!

[@tomscott4438]

The weather can turn quickly up there. I was on my way to Truckee in August a few years back and got caught in a snowstorm at Donner Summit... in August! Terrifying. Speaking of cliffs, Rock Garden is where I did a 360 face plant off a cliff. Glad you didn't have the same experience. The Palisades are nuts, and so is the Nose off KT-22. (That's where it got it's name when the founder of Squaw needed 22 kick turns to make his way down) Love your vids but wish you would use something other than the extreme fisheye wide-angle lens so it doesn't look so distorted. Other than that, nice to see someone exploring and living their best life. Kudos.

[@amandavokoun178]

What a crazy snow storm! Very intense I'm sure. Looking at the pictures from this storm almost seems surreal. It looks like you made the most of the wet conditions. I'm sure it was tougher to ski, but it looks like a neat mountain!

[@LucasCatania17]

thanks amanda! definitely was some tough conditions but we survived! super glad i made the trip out there!

[@nikolaikhr]

Incredible storytelling!! Keep em comming!

[@LucasCatania17]

Thank you so much man!

[@journeywithstu7199]

As this was a crazy Christmas Eve for you…peace on earth, good pow to men

[@LucasCatania17]

hahaha love it!

[@gailabbey9285]

I had to watch this episode again because it is so good! Hey Lucas, are the skiing parts sped up?

[@LucasCatania17]

haha thank you gail! and no, none of the skiing bits are sped up! just normal speed!

[@theHAHA111]

curious, did you film this on christmas day?

[@LucasCatania17]

Christmas Eve. It shows the date I filmed it at the start of the video!

[@steveharris6916]

Weather was difficult but you kept to Rudy’s rule on the slopes. 😉☃️

[@LucasCatania17]

Haha that’s right! Best rule to follow 🤘🏽

[@mtbdawg4987]

You need to get up to the Headwall chair. Upper mountain is where its at. Its colder up there so that wetness and damp snow turns into ideal conditions at higher altitude.

[@LucasCatania17]

I know! Unfortunately the upper mountain wasn’t open.

[@Authentically-Andrew]

Great vid, man! New to the channel!

[@LucasCatania17]

Thanks Andrew!!

[@seamus.dolan98]

It's called Palisades Tahoe now

[@philippefagnant1841]

No easy way down indeed,nice edit to dude.

[@LucasCatania17]

thanks philippe!!

[@gailabbey9285]

I like seeing the lift and run names on side of the screen. Is that new? Looked like some challenging runs out there at Squaw!

[@LucasCatania17]

yes! just did it starting with this video because so many people were requesting it. definitely some tricky terrain!

[@zacknewton1064]

U missed the day that Broken Arrow opened. That lift hardly ever opens, but when it does, it’s always perfect conditions because they only open it on really good days. You would’ve loved it.

[@LucasCatania17]

ahh that sounds so sick!! I gotta go back

[@BrianMcSkiBum]

Dude, I wish you would have skied Christmas Day. That storm cooled down and dried out. The snow was great on Saturday. The resort was buried and closed Sunday and Monday with heavy winds, but Tuesday it was blower and about five feet deep when KT and Red Dog reopened. The upper mountain still hasn't fully reopened. You crushed that Sierra Cement though. You would have a blast in the drier powder that followed.

[@LucasCatania17]

thats crazy man! i skiied at alpine on christmas day and the snow was so much better! i cant imagine how deep it was after they reopened there. would love to get back when the full mountain is open!

[@BrianMcSkiBum]

@@LucasCatania17 I think it finally stopped snowing overnight last night. 50% chance today. I can't wait to see the sun again for a day or two this weekend before the next big wave comes in. It's been surreal. Glad you were able to escape before I-80 closed!

[@JHSports]

Trip seemed nasty with all the snow. Glad u made it good!

[@LucasCatania17]

Thanks Josh! Was definitely tough with all the snow!

[@willmortensen6089]

So sick Lucas keep it up!

[@LucasCatania17]

thanks will! hope you enjoyed!

[@milerplus9619]

Why do your videos get so distorted on the Edges? Just wondering keep up the good work.

[@skiman4617]

Now that my good sir, is a lot of snow

[@LucasCatania17]

Haha yes it is!!

[@TimTheMusicMan]

That's my dream driving through a snow storm and skiing in a blizzard...

[@LucasCatania17]

hah that was mine too!!

[@danieljohansen3213]

Awsome content my man! You inspire me to go out and ski and enjoy what the mountains have to offer. I was wondering how you get that crisp look when you're filming with the gopro. I have the GoPro Hero 9 and i cant get the quality of the video to look as ''Crisp'' as ur videos. Can you give me some advice on what settings, lenses, ect you use? What is the setting that work best for you all around, like video settings and protune settings. Keep it up :)

[@LucasCatania17]

thanks daniel! glad you find inspiration from the videos! i will share my gopro settings below: resolution: 2.7k 4:3 120fps (for slowmo) or 4k 24fps (talking shots) bitrate: high shutter: auto EV comp: 0 WB: auto or 5500k iso min: 100 iso max: 100 sharpness: low color: flat then i go back in editing to color it and do the final processing! hope this helps.

[@irishman3375]

I'm sooooo syked to watch this, finally gonna get some POW in W. CO, and my back is acting up, but i'm going anyways

[@LucasCatania17]

Heck yea! Pow usually fixes injuries anyways!! Have fun 🤘🏽

[@washerfn]

I love your videos ❤️ hope to see you at grand targhee this year again

[@LucasCatania17]

Thank you! Might be there in a few weeks 🙏🏽

[@getgetoutout]

California is ALWAYS warm. 25 to 35 degrees. Even in the storm. Squaw Base is LOW. (warm) 6200 ft. When you hear "Sierra Cement" we mean WET cement. Not Ice. Do NOT drop into fresh powder unless it is STEEP..!! You will get stuck and have the biggest workout of your life getting out. Get your gear WAXED for these conditions before you get here. The storm 'front' coming off of the Pacific is always warm and the 'back' always cold. That is what creates "Feet" of snow here, not "Inches".

[@denigma68rltw]

I am looking forward to going to Squaw Valley, but will hit Northstar first.

[@likabletaste1610]

I’ve only skied the west 2 times cause I live in the east but we are going to Telluride soon so stoked

[@LucasCatania17]

Awesome man telluride was legit!!

[@cdawg9149]

Great video. The editing A+.

[@LucasCatania17]

Thanks man!

[@un1t453]

Great vid! Are the new boots better than broken ones?

[@LucasCatania17]

they are actually the older model of the ones i had before, but i didnt notice too much of a difference to be honest!

[@vanessawatson71]

Great vid,keep up the great work

[@LucasCatania17]

Thank you Vanessa!

[@gangstajake6455]

If you can since it’s far from where you are you should go up to big sky! Love the vids

[@LucasCatania17]

i'm playing to make a trip up there this season! probably february or march!

[@nancybashista1390]

Happy New Year! 🎉 Thanks for showing us how to put on tire chains ⛓

[@LucasCatania17]

thanks for watching! happy new year!

[@hbeytollah]

I was down the road at Alpine that day. Too bad we didn’t run into each other.

[@LucasCatania17]

Ahh bummer! I went to alpine the next day

[@adventurercarlo115]

Looks like a great day!!!

[@LucasCatania17]

thank you bro!! appreciate the support as always!

[@justinblake6543]

I want to hit Squaw valley! At Sun Valley for the winter.

[@LucasCatania17]

Nice sun valley is awesome! Gonna make a trip up there soon.

[@hokkaidoshred]

Man, I love Tahoe! But… it’s the only place I’ve ridden in the US…🤣 It was a good time though! 😆🤙

[@LucasCatania17]

thats awesome! definitely a very special place!!

[@Nick-jl2yp]

The reason why the snow is really good is because in the time frame that you went it snowed the most inches it ever has on 50 years the snow is great but not always this good.

[@LucasCatania17]

The snow was still pretty heavy just not as bad as I thought it was going to be!

[@tresterdyke596]

Come to deer valley this weekend it’s been getting dumped on and will be amazing.

[@LucasCatania17]

maybe if empire is open!!

[@tresterdyke596]

@@LucasCatania17 Empire is open with most of the chutes open,and lady Morgan just opened today.

[@rainmaker3700]

LOL, you camped outside of Truckee Sourdough, did you get some bread in the morning?

[@LucasCatania17]

haha nope no bread for me

[@nolanfoley4042]

Such good video quality!

[@LucasCatania17]

thank you nolan!!

[@joshdavis4781]

"Legit mountain" doesn't cover it! Along with JH, CB & a couple others, Squaw arguably has had more epic moments of "Sending it" coverage & iconic athlete's on film than any other resort. Starting back before 1960. Respect on the video though kid🤙

[@wknclover]

Palisades Tahoe** they changed the name, really good history and reasons why.

[@sickbird123]

Squaw forever loser

[@SnowboardJedi]

Most Indian cultures like it though....look at the Seminole Indians who defended Florida St as the culture police tried to smoke them. This modern culture is becoming Snowflake central.

[@SnowboardJedi]

It's still Squaw Valley and it always will be bro....yewwwwww!

[@seasidebeatz3524]

Weirdo

[@TradeFav444]

Love your videos just wish the body/head camera you use didn't make the world look so distorted

[@TradeFav444]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5iYnpV3lreVm5Y these type of videos i think show the skiing and the scenary much better

[@Ski_bro]

Dude the storm was so bad when I was up in the canyon leaving snowbasin I got a alert and it said it was going to be bad

[@LucasCatania17]

That’s crazy man! Glad you are all good 👍🏽

[@VenturaIT]

going to watch this to see where you parked...

[@danielkr3575]

How do you shower or wash yourself after a long day of skiing in the van?

[@LucasCatania17]

If I have to shower, I would try and find a gym or a truck stop, but typically I just warm up water and wash myself in the sink

[@spencerhill64]

What camera do you use to capture your POV skiing?

[@LucasCatania17]

Gopro max!

[@dizzydean8689]

Long day but we appreciate it.

[@LucasCatania17]

Thank you 🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@JHSports]

Yo in Oregon we got about 2 ft in 24hrs!!!

[@LucasCatania17]

That is wild man!!

[@melvinjones3895]

People were paid $40 an hour to shovel snow in Tahoe City. You could have made some money. Top of Shirly lake to base without a stop. Try it next time. You have to go back.

[@LucasCatania17]

hahaha i could have i guess but i was too busy shoveling myself out!! i definitely need to go back.

[@marcusk8114]

Look forward to your videos and happy you skied my home mountain. Appreciate you calling it Squaw Valley. Been skiing there since I the 70's. Its insulting how they changed the name to appease the twitter mob.

[@LucasCatania17]

thanks marcus! glad you enjoyed the video!

[@FlyingTomat0]

if you don't mind me asking what do you do for work?

[@LucasCatania17]

i work for a real estate brokerage in park city doing video. normal 9-5, monday through friday job, in the office, non remote. just a weekend warrior.

[@ExtremeWassabi]

Ugh, im in nyc, job dictates i stay here. Crazy jealous, enjoy!

[@LucasCatania17]

ah bummer! hopefully you can get out at some point!

[@metalgtrLTJ78]

what were those new boots you got?

[@LucasCatania17]

they are dalbello kryptons. the same ones i had before just the previous model year!

[@samkuntz4768]

As a local how did you like it!

[@LucasCatania17]

i loved it!!

[@kimmiesinnock222]

gotta go to homewood next!

[@LucasCatania17]

Definitely gotta go back!

[@kadenmetzler3235]

Awesome!

[@LucasCatania17]

thanks kaden!

[@jackschwanke4275]

double upload today? let’s go!

[@LucasCatania17]

Haha live stream later!

[@jackschwanke4275]

@@LucasCatania17 even better.

[@TimTheMusicMan]

I noticed his camera gives an impression that he is skiing on like 72's or less, but then I said it has to be the camera as he has to be skiing on 88's or more and at the end when his skis were on the back of his van it did indeed look like 88-90+ skis.

[@LucasCatania17]

if you're referring to the length, the skis are 185s!