Squaw and Alpine Join Forces

Dear Valued Guest:

Today we are excited to announce that Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows are combining operations. Now, on one ticket or season pass, our guests will have access to an unmatched variety of terrain and on mountain experiences.

Effective immediately, both resorts can be accessed with the new Tahoe Super Pass. The Tahoe Super Pass creates more opportunities for the exploration, discovery, and adventure that guests of both mountains crave. To make it easy to access both mountains we'll be providing a regular daily shuttle between them.

All of those who have already purchased an Alpine Meadows or Squaw Valley season pass will automatically have access to the other resort, while new passholders can purchase the Tahoe Super Pass for just $439 for an adult season pass. Get the details on the new season pass here.

Like many of you, I have stood at the top of KT-22 and looked at Alpine Meadows thinking how incredible it would be if the two resorts were combined. The idea of combining Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows is a long time coming, but the actual transaction originated, very fittingly, on a chairlift.

It was on a spectacular California bluebird day when I happened to be riding a chairlift with Todd Chapman, President and CEO of JMA (the owners of Alpine Meadows). We were talking about what an amazing winter we were all enjoying and lamenting that we didn't have more time to get out and enjoy the snow.

As the chairlift ride came to an end the talk turned to the obvious concerning our two mountain resorts. In the end, this was an effort forged in a passion for the mountains, snow, skiing, and riding. I'm honored to lead the new company that has been formed as its President and CEO.

I know I'm not the only one who is looking forward to skiing both resorts with one pass. Our customer research showed that the number one choice of Squaw Valley skiers and riders, when not skiing or riding Squaw, is Alpine Meadows. The number one resort frequented by Alpine Meadows customers, after Alpine, is Squaw. It’s not surprising since both resorts offer incredible terrain and breathtaking natural beauty.

I am truly thrilled to be making this announcement today and hope you will join me in celebrating as, together, we make history.

Best Regards,
Andy



Andy Wirth, President & CEO

	How the Alpine & Squaw partnership will affect Homewood
	Dear Homewood Mountain Resort skiers and snowboarders, We are pleased to share with you that Homewood’s sister resort, Alpine Meadows Ski Resort, will combine operations under one ownership with its neighboring mountain, Squaw Valley USA. This will not affect either the ownership or operation of Homewood. The new partnership between Alpine and Squaw Valley allows both mountains to offer guests an incredibly unique recreational experience – and ultimately, contributes to the Lake Tahoe region in the best social, environmental, and economical way possible. In the future, it may be possible to develop new opportunities for visitors to Homewood and Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows to avail themselves of the great programs at both resorts, however, this is not contemplated in the near future. JMA is working diligently to finalize the new partnership between Alpine and Squaw, which is expected to happen toward the end of October or early November. JMA will continue to own and operate Homewood Mountain Resort and guests can look forward to another fantastic winter skiing and riding Homewood’s slopes. Favorite lift ticket savings, season pass options, and children’s programs will be available again - as well as a few new programs, which parallel Homewood’s focus on a classic mountain experience and family focus. As well, Homewood’s West Shore Café & Inn, located next to Homewood’s North Lodge, looks forward to hosting guests for lakefront dining and lodging. JMA remains deeply committed to the West Shore community and we are excited about continuing to develop a comprehensive, sustainable master plan for Homewood that will help protect Lake Tahoe and contribute to its surrounding community. It is expected that the Homewood Mountain Resort Ski Area Master Plan and final environmental impact report (EIR) will be reviewed at several public forums over the next few months. When dates and locations for the public hearings have been finalized by the public agencies (Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and Placer County), we will send an update. Public comment at all of these meetings is welcome and appreciated. For more information, please visit SkiHomewood.com/MasterPlan. We understand that you may have questions. We will share new information with you as it becomes available, and in the interim, please take a moment to visit www.SkiHomewood.com , which provides answers to several frequently asked questions. Additionally, please do not hesitate to reach out to us by calling us directly at 530.525.2992 or by emailing smile@skihomewood.com. We’ll do our best to offer any help with your questions or thoughts. We’re excited for another great winter at Homewood, and we look forward to seeing you on the slopes soon. Best regards, Todd Chapman President, CEO JMA Ventures, LLC Art Chapman Chairman JMA Ventures, LLC

Dear Valued Guest:

On behalf of Todd Chapman, President and CEO of JMA Ventures, and myself we are excited to announce that Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows are combining operations. Now, on one ticket or season pass, our guests will have access to an unmatched variety of terrain and on mountain experiences.

Effective immediately, both resorts can be accessed with the new Tahoe Super Pass. The Tahoe Super Pass creates more opportunities for the exploration, discovery, and adventure that guests of both mountains crave. To make it easy to access all of this great terreain we'll be providing a regular daily shuttle between them.

All of those who have already purchased an Alpine Meadows or Squaw Valley season pass will automatically have access to the other resort, while new passholders can purchase the Tahoe Super Pass for just $439 for an adult season pass. Get the details on the new season pass here.

The idea of combining Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows did not originate with either of us. It was on a spectacular California bluebird day when I happened to be riding a chairlift with Todd Chapman that the actual transaction originated. We were talking about what an amazing winter we were all enjoying and lamenting that we didn't have more time to get out and enjoy the snow.

As the chairlift ride came to an end the talk turned to the obvious concerning our two mountain resorts. In the end, this was an effort forged in a passion for the mountains, snow, skiing, and riding. I'm honored to lead the new company that has been formed as its President and CEO.

I know I'm not the only one who is looking forward to skiing both resorts with one pass. Our customer research showed that the number one choice of Squaw Valley skiers and riders, when not skiing or riding Squaw, is Alpine Meadows. The number one resort frequented by Alpine Meadows customers, after Alpine, is Squaw. It’s not surprising since both resorts offer incredible terrain and breathtaking natural beauty.

We are truly thrilled to be making this announcement today and hope you will join us in celebrating as, together, we make history.

Best Regards,

Andy Wirth, President & CEO

SQUAW VALLEY AND ALPINE MEADOWS ANNOUNCE THE COMBINATION OF TWO LEGENDARY MOUNTAIN DESTINATIONS

Two of North America’s renowned mountains join forces to provide enormous variety of terrain and adventure.

[Olympic Valley, CA and Alpine Meadows, CA] September 27, 2011—Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows Ski Resort announced today that the two North Lake Tahoe ski resorts have agreed to combine operations under common ownership and offer season passes and lift tickets that will allow guests to enjoy skiing and riding on both mountains. The transaction is expected to close prior to the commencement of the 2011-12 winter season.

Squaw Valley, known for its expansive, legendary terrain – over 3,600 acres – and the host site of the 1960 Winter Olympics, opened for skiing over 60 years ago. Alpine Meadows opened in December, 1961 and quickly gained and maintained a reputation for its varied terrain, authentic friendliness, and family atmosphere. The combination of the two resorts promises to create a mountain experience like no other in California, with over 6,000 skiable acres of varied terrain spread across eight Sierra Nevada mountain peaks, which boasts some of North America’s highest average annual snowfall, last winter exceeding 800 inches. Located on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe, California, the two resorts are less than a ten minute drive from each other.

“Combining Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley will provide our guests something truly remarkable – a mountain experience unmatched in California, inclusive of expansive and family friendly terrain,” said Andy Wirth, president and CEO of Squaw Valley. “In today’s economic environment, skiers and snowboarders are looking for more – more terrain and value. The all new Tahoe Super Pass and Tahoe Super Six which allow guests, with one pass, access to both of these incredible mountains provides unmatched value,” said Wirth. Wirth will take the helm as the president and CEO of the new combined entity of Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows.

“As a long-time skier with a family dedicated to Tahoe, I’m excited to bring these two remarkable resorts together and we agree that a key element of success is maintaining each resort’s character,” said Todd Chapman, president and CEO of JMA Ventures (JMA), owner of Alpine Meadows. “While both resorts are unique, this partnership is a natural fit, as what unites our brands and the spirit of our mountains is our guests’ desire for exploration and adventure.”

The companies also announced an all new dual mountain season pass and six day card. The all new Tahoe Super Pass will be available starting at $439 for adults, with the unrestricted adult pass available for $799, providing unlimited skiing and riding at both resorts for winter 2011-12. Also, the all new Tahoe Super Six is available for $399 for adults and provides six unrestricted days of skiing and riding for the 2011-12 season. Both the Tahoe Super Pass and the Tahoe Super Six are immediately available for sale and additional information can be found at www.squaw.com or by contacting the Squaw Valley Resort & Activity Sales Department at 1-800-403-0206.

Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows also offer significant added value for all of their existing passholders (Gold, Silver and Bronze passes at Squaw, and Unfiltered, Slightly Filtered and Filtered passes at Alpine Meadows) for winter 2011-12. All of these passes previously purchased at Squaw or Alpine for winter 2011-12 will become valid for skiing and riding at both mountain resorts. Respective day of week and date restrictions will apply for previously purchased season passes. Those who previously purchased both a Squaw and Alpine pass or who have other questions regarding their existing pass can call 1-800-403-0206 or visit www.squaw.com.

As part of the transaction, an investment affiliate of JMA Ventures (JMA), will convert its ownership of Alpine Meadows into partial ownership of the combined company. KSL Capital Partners, LLC (KSL), the owner of Squaw Valley, will be the majority owner of the combined company. Both owners have a deep commitment to the two resorts and to the Tahoe region. KSL, as part of its acquisition of Squaw Valley, has earmarked $50 million in capital improvements to Squaw Valley over the next three to five years, many of which will be apparent this winter. Customers can also anticipate that Alpine Meadows will see a substantial investment in the guest experience. The closing of the transaction is subject to US Forest Service and the California Tahoe Conservancy approval. JMA will continue to independently own and operate Homewood Mountain Resort.

Situated less than ten minutes from one another, Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows are ideally located in North Lake Tahoe, California, just off Interstate 80, 45 miles west of Reno, Nevada, and 200 miles northeast of San Francisco.


Auction of the first issued Tahoe Super Pass to Benefit the Humane Society of Tahoe Truckee

For fans of both Squaw and Alpine, being able to ski and ride both resorts on one pass is a dream come true – and someone will be lucky enough to purchase the very first combined season pass for the two resorts.

“The opportunity to have bragging rights to that first Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley combined pass, Tahoe Super Pass number 00001, will be coveted and its value should benefit a local cause important to our guests and our staff,” said Andy Wirth.

Squaw and Alpine will conduct an online auction on eBay for the first issued Tahoe Super Pass. All proceeds raised from auctioning this first pass will benefit the Humane Society of Truckee Tahoe, an organization important to the guests and team members of both resorts.

About Squaw Valley
Host of the 1960 Winter Olympics, Squaw Valley is internationally renowned for its legendary terrain that spans over 3,600 skiable acres, six peaks and 30 lifts. From the expansive mountaintop beginner area to unrivaled expert steeps, trees and bowls, the resort offers terrain for all abilities. Off the mountain, families relax around the cozy village fire pits or stroll the pedestrian-friendly streets to enjoy a host of restaurants, boutiques, specialty wine shops and art galleries. This winter, guests can enjoy new dining experiences, a new day lodge, vastly improved facilities at the base and on mountain and a new snowsports school as part of the resort’s $50 million renaissance.
Click here to view the Squaw Valley Trail Map.

About Alpine Meadows
Ranked as a top winter resort by SKI Magazine, Alpine Meadows is known for its abundant and varied skiable terrain, family-friendly atmosphere, and innovative children’s ski and snowboard programs. Alpine’s seven powder bowls, summit-to-base groomed slopes, and authentic hospitality have long been the resort’s reputed attributes among the local community and visitors alike. Alpine Meadows offers skiers and riders access to more than 100 trails across 2,400 skiable acres serviced by 14 lifts. With its high annual snowfall, the resort boasts one of Tahoe’s longest skiing and boarding seasons, which this past season, along with Squaw Valley, ran through July 4th.

Squaw Valley Appoints Michael DeGroff as Vice President of Resort Services

DeGroff brings over 30 years of culinary, retail and rental experience

[Olympic Valley, CA] September 22, 2011 – Squaw Valley welcomes Michael DeGroff as the newest addition to the resort’s executive leadership team. With more than three decades of experience in the mountain resort industry, DeGroff will serve as the resort’s new vice president of resort services. DeGroff joins the team from Steamboat Ski Resort, where he served as the vice president of resort services. DeGroff’s appointment will be effective on September 26, 2011.

“We are delighted to bring Mike on board,” said Andy Wirth, Squaw Valley’s president and CEO. “With his extensive experience in culinary services, including oversight of two fine dining establishments, retail and ski rental operations and his proven track record, DeGroff will be instrumental in helping to significantly raise the Squaw Valley guest experience.”

DeGroff will oversee several of the resort’s key operational departments, working with each department to ensure seamless operations and unmatched guest service. Specifically, DeGroff will oversee all aspects Squaw Valley’s culinary services, retail operations, and ski and snowboard rental and demo departments.

"My older brothers and sister's passion for skiing was sparked while watching the first televised Olympics in Squaw Valley,” said DeGroff. “They passed their love of skiing on to me, and my passion grew greatly during my tenure in Steamboat. It will be an honor to be a part of the renaissance at Squaw Valley."

Additionally, Squaw Valley announces the appointment of Gretchen Kielas to the position of director of retail operations. Prior to joining the retail department, Kielas had over 19 years of retail buying and visual merchandising experience, with six of those years in ski resort retail. Kielas has a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art from the University of Oregon and has extensive experience in retail strategic planning, formulating, layout and design.

Squaw Valley Hires New Ski Team Program Director

[Olympic Valley, CA] September 22, 2011 – Squaw Valley welcomes Todd Kelly as the resort’s newly appointed ski and snowboard team program director. Kelly will join Squaw Valley’s Ski Team with over 25 years in the ski racing industry, moving through the ranks as an international competitor to an esteemed coach, and ultimately a program director of two award-winning race programs. Kelly will be returning to Squaw Valley to lead the same program that began his ski racing career more than 30 years ago.

“We are thrilled to welcome Todd home to Squaw Valley,” said Dee Byrne, Squaw Valley’s director of snowsports school and team programs. “With both his depth of knowledge, proven track record and unyielding passion for the sport, Todd has the skills and experience to lead us to accomplish our goal—to be irrefutably the best program in the United States.”

Kelly grew up ski racing at Squaw Valley, beginning with the resort’s Mighty Mites program at the age of seven. By high school, Kelly was recruited by the US Ski Team, and he started his professional ski racing career at age 15. Kelly competed on the US Ski Team from 1986 to 1994, including three years racing on the World Cup circuit, during which he was ranked as the #1 US Super G skier. In college, Kelly went on to be ranked the NCASA national champion in Giant Slalom in 1994.

Kelly got his start in coaching as an FIS coach on the Squaw Valley Ski Team from 1998 to 2002. In 2002, Kelly moved to coach for the Auburn Ski Club, working as head J3 coach, head FIS coach, race department director, and finally as ski team program director in 2004. In 2008, Kelly took a position to lead Northstar-at-Tahoe’s race program, serving as the ski team program director and race department director from 2008 to 2011. Kelly currently lives in Truckee, Calif. with his wife Alexis and three children, all of whom love ski racing.

“I couldn’t be more excited to be coming back to Squaw Valley,” said Kelly. “Squaw is where I learned to ski and where I got my start in racing. Since then, I have been in charge of two organizations with two completely different demographics, experience which I can now bring back to my home mountain as we work to substantially elevate the program experience for our athletes and parents.”

Squaw Valley’s current ski team program director, Mark “Sully” Sullivan, will stay on as the resort’s program director for the 2011-12 winter season, while Kelly assumes the position’s responsibilities. Sullivan will mentor and advise Kelly, as well as get back to his roots of coaching. Sullivan will continue with team in future winter seasons.

“We are so thankful and fortunate that Sully will continue to be part of the team, sharing his wisdom and experience with both coaches and athletes alike for years to come,” said Byrne.

Tahoe Sierra Century Ride Slated for Saturday, September 24

Three Great Routes Offer a Bike Ride for Everyone

[Squaw Valley USA] September 19, 2011 – The Tahoe Sierra Century Ride 2011 is slated for Saturday, September 24, offering incredible scenery and excellent exercise, all benefiting a great cause. Riders can choose a 100-mile, 60-mile or 30-mile route and enjoy breathtaking vistas and the crisp mountain air of autumn in the Sierra.

All of the Tahoe Sierra Century routes start and finish in The Village at Squaw Valley, and every entry benefits the music students at North Tahoe middle and high schools. While the event’s moniker includes the word ‘century,’ the 100-miler is just one of three rides offered in this beloved Tahoe event.

Please see below for the course descriptions.

100-Mile Route: Departing Squaw Valley, athletes ride along the Truckee River to Tahoe City and enjoy 13 beautiful miles along the Lake Tahoe shoreline before climbing Brockway Summit. Next, riders enjoy a long descent into Martis Valley, then a strenuous 8-mile climb up to Tahoe Donner. Rides will enjoy the vistas from the top before descending back into Truckee for a 5-mile cruise along Donner Lake. Competitors then climb Old Highway 40 over Donner Summit and descend to the Cisco Grove lunch stop. After refueling, riders head back up to the Summit and enjoy an exhilarating and stunning descent back to Donner Lake. Athletes will finish the ride with 15 flat miles along the Truckee River back to Squaw Valley. (6,800 vertical gain)

60-Mile Route: This is an out-and-back trip with a vertical gain of 2,500 and one summit climb. After starting in Squaw Valley, riders follow the Truckee River to Truckee and then on to Donner Lake. Next, they head up and over Donner Summit on Old Highway 40, enjoy lunch at Big Bend, continue onto Cisco Grove for the turn-around, and then head back up and over the hill to Donner Lake and back to Squaw Valley.

30-Mile Route: For those that want to participate, but are not sure they are ready for the big rides, the 30-miler is perfect for recreational riders (road bikers and mountain bikers). This route has all of the fun ride elements without any of the major climbs. Like the other routes, it starts and finishes at The Village at Squaw Valley. Participants ride to the West End of Donner Lake, enjoy lunch and then return to Squaw Valley.


Après Ride Party
Whether a rider selects the century ride or the 30-miler, they will be feted at The Village at Squaw Valley with tasty food from Fireside Pizza Co. and entertainment by the North Tahoe middle school and high school bands.

Music Matters
Launched in 2003, the event is the brainchild of the North Tahoe Music Fan Club, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds for the music programs at North Tahoe Middle School and North Tahoe High School. These award-winning programs include five concert bands and three jazz bands. Both North Tahoe schools have an extraordinarily high percent of students participating in the music program. Compared to the national average of 6 to 10 percent music program student participation, North Tahoe Middle School boasts a 63 percent participation rate, and the high school has 24 percent. Plus, of these music students, at least 60 percent also participate in a school sport.

The 10th Annual Oktoberfest at The Village at Squaw Valley Celebrates Beer, Bratwurst and Bavarian-Style Fun

[Squaw Valley USA] September 16, 2011 – The Village at Squaw Valley is hosting North Lake Tahoe’s premier Oktoberfest celebration complete with a Bratwurst Toss, authentic German beer and plenty of entertainment. The 10th Annual Squaw Valley Oktoberfest will transform The Village at Squaw Valley into a miniature Bavaria on Saturday, October 1, 2011 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Modeled after the original Oktoberfest, a 16-day annual festival held in Munich, Germany, Squaw Valley’s event is a fun day for the whole family. Guests gather for traditional German entertainment including performances by Joe Smiell and his 20-piece Bavarian band on the main stage. The Almenrauch Schuhplattler Bavarian Folk Dancers and Alpentanzer Schuhplattler Austrian Dance Troop accompanied by the Alpen Tanz Kapelle band will also entertain Oktoberfest visitors.

Event attendees can participate in games and compete for prizes. The Oktoberfest Games can get quite intense as festival goers compete in the Stein Holding competition, Keg-Rolling race and the Bratwurst Toss and new this year – Squaw Valley’s only Yodeling contest. The Bratwurst Toss puts a whole new spin on the game of catch as the traditional German sausages fly through the air. The games are just as much fun to watch as they are to play. Guests are also encouraged to get into the spirit of the event by wearing traditional Lederhosen and building their own Alpen Horns. Instructions as to how to build one can be found on squaw.com.

Beer lovers can toast each other in the Bier Garten, where they will find a wide selection of authentic German brews including Gordon Biersch, Spaten, Sudwerk, Lagunitas, Victory, Sam Adams and Franziskaner. The first glass of beer is $10, which includes a 1/2-liter festival stein and one beer. Additional beers will be available for $5 and every beer purchased helps support local youth sports. Proceeds from beer sales benefit the Tahoe Truckee Lacrosse Foundation.

Guests also can savor traditional German bratwurst with sauerkraut and a variety of other delicious foods served at The Village restaurants. Oktoberfest also features a root beer float station for the kids – the perfect way to start or finish off the day.

The event celebrates one of the most spectacular times of the year in the Sierra, when the aspen trees are ablaze in gold, red and orange and the days are pleasantly cool.

Entrance to The Village at Squaw Valley’s Oktoberfest celebration and entertainment are free. Festival goers must be 21 years or older with a valid ID to purchase beer.

For more information on The Village at Squaw Valley Oktoberfest, visit www.squaw.com or call (530) 584-6266.

The Village at Squaw Valley Rolls Out Huge Early Booking Discounts on Winter Ski Packages

Book on September 13 and save 45% off on winter packages

[Squaw Valley USA] September 12, 2011 – As the leaves start to turn, The Village at Squaw Valley is rolling out big discounts on lodging and ski packages for those who book this fall. Starting on September 13, the first 100 guests to make winter lodging reservations at The Village at Squaw Valley will save 45% on winter packages – a savings of up to $179 on a midweek two-night stay in a one bedroom condominium suite. Guests can save even more when they book lodging and lift ticket packages. Rates will start as low as $145 per person, per night for two night stays Sunday through Thursday in a one bedroom condominium, including two adult lift tickets for Squaw Valley USA for each room night booked. The offer will go live at 8 a.m. on September 13, 2011 and can be booked on TheVillageAtSquaw.com or by calling 1-866-818-6963.

The Village at Squaw Valley offers slopeside condominium suites at the heart of the mountain. Available in one, two and three bedroom options, every suite features a stone hearth fireplace, full kitchen and private balcony. Larger suites are perfect for groups of friends and families, while smaller suites make for a romantic retreat. Just steps away, Squaw Valley’s legendary peaks offer endless skiing, snowboarding and mountain adventures.

In addition to skiing and snowboarding, guests can ride the scenic aerial tram to experience mountaintop dining and ice skating, or take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the valley’s snowy meadow. Off the slopes, guests can relax in The Village’s luxurious spa, or enjoy the vibrant après scene where friends and family share laughs and memories at authentic ski bars, chic bistros and cozy firepits. This winter, guests can enjoy new dining experiences, a new day lodge, a new snowsports school and North America’s first mountaintop ski-in/ski-out coffee shop as part of the resort’s $50 million renaissance.

The 45% discount is valid for stays January 7 through April 7, 2012. There is a two-night minimum stay required to receive the discount for bookings Sunday through Thursday night, and a three-night minimum stay required for bookings on Friday or Saturday nights. The offer is not valid January 13-15, 2012 or February 17-February 22, 2012.

For more information about The Village at Squaw Valley and winter lodging packages, please see www.thevillageatsquaw.com.Offer is subject to availability and other restrictions may apply.


About Squaw Valley USA
Host of the 1960 Winter Olympics, Squaw Valley USA is internationally renowned for legendary terrain that spans 4,000 skiable acres, six peaks and 30 chairlifts, and ranges from an expansive mountaintop beginner area to unrivaled expert steeps, trees and bowls. Off the mountain, families relax in The Village at Squaw Valley around the cozy fire pits or enjoy a host of restaurants, bars, boutiques and art galleries. Guests can stay in one of The Village at Squaw Valley’s one, two or three bedroom suites, each with a fireplace, kitchen and balcony, for the ultimate slopeside lodging experience.

For more great lodging packages, call 1-866-366-7261

	Elevated Terrain Parks We couldn’t be more excited to announce that we're joining forces with Snow Park Technologies (SPT) for this coming winter to bring an entirely new level of terrain parks to Squaw Valley. Through listening to our guests, we know just how important quality parks and pipes are to many of our customers – so we’re bringing in the best of the best. SPT is the group responsible for the snow features at the ESPN Winter X-Games, Dew Tour and Signature Red Bull Events such as the world’s first cubed 22 foot pipe built at Squaw Valley last spring (see the video). Our goal is to have the quality of the parks and pipe ultimately match the incredible caliber of our mountain, and SPT is the company that will help us get there. Check out the Press Release
	Renaissance Update The renaissance is moving along swiftly and the changes at Squaw are visible. The ticket portals have been removed and the crews are working quickly building the Tickets, Passes and Snowsports building. Rocker@Squaw As part of the changes at Squaw this fall, the Blue Coyote will get a complete makeover. When the changes are complete, Rocker@Squaw will emerge from the dust. Stay tuned for updates.

Tough Mudder 2011: Squaw Hosts Extreme Mud Run

September 17 - 18, 2011

[Squaw Valley USA] September 7, 2011 – Participants from across the United States will attempt to conquer Squaw Valley USA this September for Tough Mudder, “Probably the Toughest Event on the Planet.” Athletes will be tested with an extreme on-mountain obstacle course on Squaw Valley USA’s legendary terrain for the largest Tough Mudder in the history of the growing event series. Chosen for its challenging landscape, Squaw Valley boasts 4,000 acres and 2,850 vertical feet, the majority of which will be incorporated into the unrivaled Tough Mudder obstacle course. Squaw Valley’s Tough Mudder event will take place on September 17 through September 18, 2011 at the Lake Tahoe resort.

Not your typical spirit-crushing ‘endurance’ road race, Tough Mudder is designed by British Special Forces to be the ultimate test of strength, grit, stamina, and camaraderie. NorCal Mudders will scale the Sierra on the 11 mile-long course complete featuring 24 different obstacles. From a run through a gauntlet of 4-foot-high flames called “Fire Walker”, to crowd-favorite “Electroshock Therapy,” where participants dash through a field of live wires with up to 10,000 volt shocks, the challenge does not get much tougher than this.

The military-style obstacles are strategically placed across Squaw Valley’s peaks, with many challenges visible from High Camp, Squaw Valley’s mountaintop complex complete with restaurants, bars, paintball course, roller rink, pool and hot tub. Spectators can ride the resort’s scenic Cable Car to get a front row seat of the Tough Mudder action as well as breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Cable Car tickets are available at the base of the mountain and cost $29 for adults and $10 for kids 12 and under.

With more than 16,000 participants already signed up, Tough Mudder NorCal is sure to be unlike any other. Following the event on Saturday, The Village at Squaw Valley will come alive with a free concert by Lovefool, Northern California’s most popular 90’s tribute band, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Village Events Plaza.

For more Tough Mudder event details and all the latest Squaw Valley updates, please see www.squaw.com.


About Squaw Valley USA
Squaw Valley USA was founded in 1949 and hosted the 1960 Olympic Winter Games, the first televised Olympics. Squaw Valley is one of the largest and most diverse mountain resorts in North America, with incomparable outdoor recreational amenities that attract both local residents and visitors from around the globe. For more information, please visit www.squaw.com.

About Tough Mudder
Tough Mudder Events, LLC was founded in 2009 by Will Dean and Guy Livingstone. Considered as “Probably the Toughest Event on the Planet,” each Tough Mudder endurance challenge is designed by British Special Forces and consists of a unique 10-12 mile trail run over rugged terrain, featuring steep inclines, water hazards and 18-25 military-style obstacles testing one’s toughness, fitness, strength, stamina, mental grit and teamwork. The 2011 Tough Mudder series includes 14 events taking place across various cities in the U.S. For the schedule of event dates and locations, visit www.ToughMudder.com.

Squaw Valley USA and Snow Park Technologies Partner to Bring Premier Terrain Parks to the Mountain

[Squaw Valley USA] September 2, 2011 – Squaw Valley USA announces a new partnership with Snow Park Technologies (SPT), which intends to place the resort’s terrain parks and half-pipe among the top in North America over the next few years. With a resume including the ESPN Winter X-Games, Dew Tour and signature Red Bull events such as the world’s first cubed 22 foot pipe built at Squaw Valley last spring, SPT will be working with Squaw Valley to improve all facets of the resort’s terrain park program through design collaboration, recruitment and development. SPT will also be working with the resort to develop new park and pipe-related events in the years to come.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to be partnering with SPT,” said Andy Wirth, Squaw Valley’s president and chief executive officer. “Our goal is to have the quality of our parks and pipe ultimately match the unbeatable caliber of our mountain—and there is truly no one better in the industry to help us achieve this goal. SPT is the best of the best.”

Squaw Valley’s partnership with SPT is part of the Lake Tahoe resort’s $50 million Renaissance to improve all aspects of the mountain and guest experience. In addition to several new dining experiences and new facilities for winter 2011-12, Squaw Valley is placing a renewed focus on high quality terrain parks and seamless mountain operations.

"Squaw Valley's new management team has been pushing to create positive change with visible impact, and we are excited that the terrain park/pipe program is among their top initiatives,” said Chris “Gunny” Gunnarson, president and owner of SPT. It's an awesome time for SPT to be involved with Squaw Valley and the resort’s Renaissance.”

Squaw Valley USA and SPT are currently in the process of evaluating and designing the parks and half-pipe for the upcoming winter season. Details regarding park and pipe specifics will become available as winter approaches.

About Squaw Valley USA
Squaw Valley USA was founded in 1949 and hosted the 1960 Olympic Winter Games, the first televised Olympics. Squaw Valley is one of the largest and most diverse mountain resorts in North America, with incomparable outdoor recreational amenities that attract both local residents and visitors from around the globe. For more information, please visit www.squaw.com.

About Snow Park Technologies
Established in 1999, Snow Park Technologies (SPT) is a company dedicated to the design, construction and progression of all areas related to terrain park development. SPT is the world’s leading consulting team for special projects on snow and is comprised of an all-star crew whose passion and commitment give SPT its greatest strength. SPT’s wide range of expertise includes designing and building some of the most renowned resort terrain parks and halfpipes, high profile ski and snowboard competition courses and countless on-snow productions. SPT’s client list consists of top industry leaders including Burton, ESPN Winter X Games, Winter Dew Tour, Nike and DC Shoes, as well as some of the top resorts in the country. For more information, please visit www.snowparktech.com.