Most of the free world considers Squaw Valley the factual name of one of the most famed alpine destinations in the world. Nope. As any geography major will tell you, the official name is Olympic Valley. Squaw Valley is the shortened name of the Lake Tahoe ski resort (Squaw Valley USA).

Truthfulness aside, if you aren't familiar with Squaw, er, Olympic Valley's other attributes, you're in for a treat. This recreational wonderland revolves around the Village at Squaw Valley. Hiking, biking, golfing, hucking off cliffs, ice-skating, yadda, yadda, yadda: The breadth of sleeping palaces is quite vast, too. You can set up camp in everything from 4-star hotels to lofty condos and cabins. In some properties, you can even strap on your board(s), slide a few carpeted steps, cross the threshold and be on the chair lift. That is THE definition of ski-in/ski-out convenience. You can eat very well, taste wine, enjoy endless boutique shopping, even get an education at the Squaw Valley Academy.  Alex Cushing and Wayne Poulsen are the guys credited with opening the valley for human enjoyment. The first-ever televised 1960 Winter Olympics didn't hurt its popularity either.