The health benefits of yoga have been making news for years, but what about practicing yoga in the fresh mountain air with a view of pine trees and mountains? The health benefits might just increase. Squaw Valley in North Lake Tahoe has been hosting the yoga and music festival, Wanderlust, for a few years now and has been chosen by the lifestyle festival organization to feature one of their yoga studios right in the middle of the resort.

Take your yoga practice outdoors at Squaw Valley — Photo courtesy of Wanderlust Yoga Squaw Valley

The 1,000 square foot Wanderlust Yoga Studio is a sanctuary and a source of inspiration for all guests to the resort. Classes are held all day long from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. amidst the alpine scenery of this mountain getaway. The studio is unique to Squaw Valley in that some of the yoga classes incorporate the natural landscape and also feature additional exercises like hikes, bike rides, runs, Lake Tahoe swims or skiing, boarding or horseback riding–all in an effort to create a healthy environment for both the body and mind.

Wanderlust's core mission is to create a community around yoga and mindful living and the classes featured at the Squaw Valley studio include everything from Vinyasa and Hatha Flow to Alignment and Power Yoga classes all within a friendly and nurturing environment. The Wanderlust Festival at Squaw Valley also features private instruction and all the equipment you will need including mats, blocks and supports. Drop in classes cost $17 a class.

Backbends are easier in the higher altitudes — Photo courtesy of Wandelust Yoga Squaw Valley

Through Squaw’s partnership with Wanderlust, the studio offers classes taught by some of the most recognized yoga instructors both regionally and nationally, as well as multi-day retreats incorporating yoga, activities and accommodations and teacher training for those who want to teach others how to live more in harmony with nature and themselves.