History of the Squaw Valley Ski Resort

As one of the largest ski areas in the United States today, Squaw Valley (now Palisades Tahoe) in Olympic Valley, California rose to prominence as the host of the 1960 Winter Olympic Games. Growing into a premier ski resort (one of 18 around Lake Tahoe) in the decades that followed, the legacy of the Olympics is still very apparent in this picturesque part of Northern California. 

Prior to the Olympics, Squaw Valley was largely undeveloped with only one chair lift, two tow ropes, and a fifty room lodge. In four years the area was transformed by the construction of new sporting venues, infrastructure, hotels, and an Olympic Village. The Blyth Memorial Arena, which held the ice hockey and figure skating competitions, along with the opening and closing ceremonies, became the centerpiece of the 1960 Winter Olympics.

Over 600 athletes from 30 nations competed in the Olympics at Squaw Valley, and there were some notable firsts. These were the first Olympics broadcast on live TV in the United States. The 1960 Olympics were also the only Winter Olympics to not have the Bobsleigh, due to costs and a concern that a 12 team minimum would not be met. Also, an issue regarding whether a skier had missed a gate in the men's slalom lead officials to ask CBS, who had to been televising the event, to review their footage. This is said to have inspired CBS to develop the instant replay. 

While there were many doubts leading up to the Games that Squaw Valley could handle such a large international event, the 1960 Winter Olympics were a big success. The opening and closing ceremonies were produced by Walt Disney, who attracted a lot of attention towards the Games himself. There were also a lot of Cold War tensions, and originally it was unclear whether the United States would allow communist countries to participate. Pressure from the International Olympic Committee insured they did, and in the end the Games went smoothly. 

Today, Squaw Valley is an incredibly popular destination for winter and summer recreation. While many of the original structures from the 1960 Winter Olympics have since been demolished, the area has been developed in some impressive ways. Squaw Valley / Alpine Meadows boasts over 6000 acres, 43 lifts, 270 trails, and a scenic aerial tram that rises 2000 ft. to High Camp where visitors can take in incredible views of the mountains and Lake Tahoe. This post is part one of my visual exploration of the village at Squaw Valley, California. More here.   

1960 Winter Olympics in Squaw Valley, California.

One of the few original buildings still standing from the 1960 Olympics. 

Hockey in Blyth Arena (now demolished) during the 1960 Winter Olympics.

Olympic Museum at High Camp in Squaw Valley, California.

1960 Winter Olympics in Squaw Valley, California.

One of the three buildings remaining from the 1960 Olympics.