In 1960, the organizers of the Squaw Winter Olympic games were nervous, as the world was about to show up at their doorsteps during an unusually dry December and January. But the weather changed in early February bringing the much-needed snow, allowing the games to go on. The organizers of the Olympic Heritage Celebration, a week-long series of skiing and historic commemorations from Jan. 11 to 19 that honor the games 54 years ago, may not be so lucky. But, there is a plan.
Worried about the lack of snow in 1960 Walt Disney, who orchestrated the ceremonies, brought in tribal dancers to coach the snow to fall. The Olympic Heritage Celebration committee followed Disney’s lead in 2012 when the same weather pattern emerged as the long-planned festivities were about the begin.
“We have invited the Eagle Wing Dancers back to our opening ceremonies at Sugar Pine Point State Park on Jan. 11 to perform, among other ceremonial dances, a snow dance in front of the iconic Tower of Nations at the park entrance,” said Heidi Doyle, Executive Director of the Sierra State Parks Foundation, one of the program sponsors. “We encourage the community to join us as we honor our Olympic Heritage and dance for snow.”
In addition to the tribal dancers, former winter Olympic athletes and dignitaries will be on hand to light the caldron and take a guided tour of the Olympic Trails at the state park where the Olympic Nordic events took place 64 years ago.
Beginning on Jan. 11, even with little snow on the ground, the events will go on.
“We have planned for this scenario and have made modifications to make sure everyone will have a great time experiencing our local Olympic Heritage, ” said Rob Weston, a park volunteer and owner of West Shore Sports, a partner for the events.
For more information, visit squaw.com/OHC or call (530) 583-9911.
All photos courtesy California State Parks unless otherwise noted.
Saturday, Jan. 11
Opening Ceremonies & Snow Dance
Free | Parking fee applies
Sugar Pine Point State Park | Tahoma
11:30 a.m.
Lighting of the symbolic caldron & Olympian Welcome
11:45 a.m.
Dedication and celebration by Eagle Wing Dancers
12:30 p.m.
Olympian Meet and Greet with refreshments
12:45 p.m.
Guided tour of the Olympic Snow Trails (Wear hiking boots and layered clothing)
Olympian Meet & Greet
4-6 p.m.
Plaza Bar | Squaw Valley
Courtesy David Antonucci
Monday, Jan. 13
Olympian Meet and Greet
5-7 p.m. | Free | Tahoe City Visitor Center
Enjoy an evening of Olympic stories by former Olympians from our past and present Daron Rahlves, Adam Hostetter and Joe Pete Wilson, along with local authors, Dave Antonucci and Eddy Ancinas. Beer and wine will be provided.
Wednesday, Jan. 15
Scholastic Ski Day
Sugar Pine Point State Park | Tahoma
State Park Rangers to present in-school programs to third-grade classes in North Lake Tahoe introducing them to the region’s Olympic heritage and the spirit of The Games.
Thursday, Jan. 16
Open House | Museum of Sierra Ski History and 1960 Winter Olympics
5:30- 7:30 p.m. | Free
Boatworks Mall | Tahoe City
Meet and greet with Olympians and refreshments, with a special display of 1960 Olympic memorabilia.
Friday, Jan. 17
Nordic Legends Dinner
5:30-8 p.m.
Granlibakken Resort | Tahoe City
Celebrate with many Olympic legends for hearty fare, Olympic memorabilia, great spirits and a fun time. A special menu will be offered in Cedar House Pub, with a no-host bar. The evening will benefit the grooming of the snow trails at Sugar Pine Point State Park. RSVP (530) 583-4242.
Saturday, Jan. 18
Citizens Race Against the Clock
10:30 a.m.-noon
Free | Parking fee applies
Sugar Pine Point State Park | Tahoma
Have you ever wanted to try out the sport of biathlon? The Citizens Race Against the Clock consists of a short, loop course with electronic rifles on a portion of the same trail used by the athletes of the 1960 Winter Olympics. In case of no snow, wear winter boots and run the marked trail. Great for the entire family.
Full Moon Snowshoe Hike
6:30 p.m. intro lesson | 7 p.m. tour
$25 | Free younger than 12
Sugar Pine Point State Park | Tahoma
Calm beauty and magical experiences await on this unique adventure. State park guides will lead the group though the historic Hellman-Ehrman estate sharing local history tidbits and the wonders of the natural environment. Suitable for beginners. Be sure to wear warm, layered clothing and bring a flashlight. Benefits the Sierra State Parks Foundation. There will be an Introduction to Snowshoeing lesson at 6:30 p.m., with the tour starting at 7. The $25 cost includes snowshoe rentals, park entrance fee and guided tour. Kids younger than 12 are free. Reservations are required and may be made at West Shore Sports at (530) 525-9920.
Sunday, Jan. 19
Squaw Valley Day | Olympic Valley
TBA | Mighty Mites Olympic Flag display
Noon | Walking Tour
1-4 p.m. | Live music | KT Deck | Free
7 p.m. | “Cusp of Glory” showing | Plaza Bar | Free
End the celebrations at Squaw Valley. Mighty Mites will race down Exhibition, ending with skiers carrying Olympic Flags. There will be a free Olympic Heritage Walking Tour at noon with David Antonucci. Meet in front of the 1960 dedication plaque in front of the cable car in The Village. Live music featuring The Nibbles will be from 1 to 4 p.m. on the KT.
