Ski and Snowboard News, Deals, and Events

Most winter sports enthusiasts may be looking toward Vancouver B.C. in February for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. But North Lake Tahoe is revving up for its own Olympic celebration to commemorate the 50^th anniversary of Squaw Valley hosting the VIII Olympic Winter Games in 1960.

The Olympic Heritage Celebration, scheduled for Jan. 8-17, packs 10 days with events open to the public, including reenactments, competitions on snow and ice, and honoring the legendary and current Olympians. The celebration also is the official launch of the Squaw Valley Ski Museum, a proposed center to preserve the heritage of Western snow sports and mountain culture.

The events kick off on Jan. 8 with a Commemorative Relay to Squaw Valley and opening celebration at Squaw Valley to include live music, fireworks, and a 1960 Olympians Reception. Skiers can also join Olympic Gold Medalist Jonny Moseley for a Ski-with-Jonny tour on opening day for the Olympic celebration.

Other events scheduled during the Olympic celebration include tours of the 1960 Men's and Women's Downhill courses led by Olympians, hockey expos, ski races, and tribute dinners to previous Olympians. The 1960 Biathlon event will be re-enacted at Sugar Pine Point State Park. No commemorative event would be complete without a retro party; the 1960 Olympics Retro Party is planned for Jan. 9 at Olympic House in Squaw Valley.

Squaw Valley's Olympic Museum, located at High Camp, is featuring the resort's collection of memorabilia, news articles, and videos from the 1960 Olympics. The museum is open daily, and admission is free.

Ongoing events during the January Olympics celebration include interpretive programs at Squaw Valley and Sugar Pine Point State Park, temporary museum exhibits, Squaw Valley Institute Winter Film Festival, and the culmination of the celebration with a 1960 Olympian Gala at the Resort at Squaw Creek in Olympic Valley. Proceeds from the gala will benefit the Squaw Valley Ski Museum Foundation.

More information. Or call 530-581-8701.