A boutique alpine retreat at the base of Palisades Tahoe, merging historic 1960 Olympic bones with Napa Valley wine culture.
PlumpJack Inn stands steps from the KT-22 chairlift, the Funitel, and the Aerial Tram at the base of Palisades Tahoe, located in the high-altitude valley traditionally known as Wašiw (Washoe) land. The building was constructed in 1959 as the Squaw Valley Inn to house delegates, athletes, and dignitaries during the historic 1960 Winter Olympics. This athletic, mid-century pedigree remains visible in the property's clean lines and low-slung, bones-to-the-mountain architecture. Inside, the 56-room boutique hotel departs from the drafty, cavernous style of traditional ski lodges, opting instead for an intimate, warm atmosphere characterized by deep-toned natural woods, heavy textiles, leather accents, and the rich scent of aged Cabernet. Guests gather in a space that feels grounded, where the low hum of skiers and hikers swapping stories over maps blends with the sound of wind rushing through the Sierra crest.
In 1995, the property was acquired and reimagined by Gavin Newsom and Gordon Getty, founders of the San Francisco-based PlumpJack Group. The name itself pays homage to Shakespeare's boisterous, wine-loving character Sir John "Plump Jack" Falstaff, who was also the subject of an opera composed by Getty himself. This theatrical, bon vivant spirit guided the transformation of the historic Olympic lodge into a sanctuary that seamlessly marries Napa Valley's sophisticated food-and-wine culture with the gritty, hard-charging athletic spirit of Olympic Valley. Hilary Newsom, Co-President of the PlumpJack Group, maintains a deep personal connection to the valley, where her grandfather once held the master lease for the Olympic Village after the games. Under this stewardship, the inn has become a legendary après-ski hub where extreme athletes and world-class sommeliers share the same bar, and where the wine list is curated with the same meticulous precision as the daily avalanche and mountain safety reports.
A stay at the inn transitions effortlessly from high-altitude adventure to fireside relaxation. Mornings begin with a quick espresso before a short walk to the lifts, while afternoons are spent navigating the steep chutes of KT-22 or hiking the granite pathways of Shirley Canyon in the summer. Upon returning, the PlumpJack Cafe serves as the centerpiece of the property's culinary identity. Under the guidance of Executive Chef Nick Moresi, a second-generation Italian-American chef who has spent over 16 years with the PlumpJack family, the kitchen crafts seasonally rotating, locally sourced Sierra cuisine. The dining experience is elevated by an exceptional, award-winning wine list that offers rare vintages at surprisingly accessible retail prices, defying typical resort-town markups. Evenings culminate around the outdoor hot tubs and the year-round heated pool, where guests can soak under a canopy of cold Sierra stars while looking up at the dark, imposing silhouette of the mountain.
Secure a seat at the PlumpJack Cafe bar to explore the extensive, award-winning wine list without the usual resort markups. The bartenders are deeply knowledgeable and often pour rare vintages at retail pricing. If visiting during the winter, utilize the complimentary ski valet to make the short walk to the KT-22 lift seamless.
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