Tahoe's First Ski Area to Host 1960 Nordic Olympian Anniversary Event
Lake Tahoe’s original ski resort, Granlibakken, near Tahoe City, will provide a fitting venue for the 1960 Nordic Olympian Dinner, to be held on January 15th, as part of the ten-day celebration of the 50th anniversary VIII Winter Olympics.
The Nordic Olympian Dinner will honor the 1960 Nordic events, including a reunion gathering of original participants, screenings of rare film footage, and historical recounts of the scene as the Games took place.
Biathlete Joe Pete Wilson, one of the principal speakers, will introduce other Olympians and Olympica Family: coaches, course designers, groomers and supporters. Wilson and other affiliates of the 1960 Winter Olympics will share stories, reminiscing on events and historical significance of the era leading up to event that introduced Lake Tahoe to the world.
A multimedia presentation simultaneously shown on three screens will feature rare film footage, slides and vintage photos of the winter that shaped Lake Tahoe. Items from the 1960 Winter Games will be on display, courtesy of the Sugarpine Point State Park Museum, flags from the 30 countries that competed.
While dessert is served, a meet-and-greet with Olympic athletes will provide time for autographs. Local author and Olympic historian Dave Antonucci will attend the event, and sign copies of new book, Snowball's Chance, the story of the 1960 Olympic Winter Games. Olympic photographer Bill Briner, who's images are featured in the book will also attend the dinner.
“Our Olympic roots run deep, tracing back to the 1932 Olympic ski trials held right here at Granlibakken,” said resort manager Kay Williams. “We are proud to join our community in celebrating our heritage as the country prepares for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.”
Granlibakken was the first established ski hill at Lake Tahoe, and hosted the 1932 Ski Jumping Olympic Trials. The Olympic Heritage Celebration being held January 8-17, 2010, recounts and celebrates the events that put Lake Tahoe on the map. Numerous events, competitions, tours, and receptions will be held at venues around North Lake Tahoe, including Granlibakken, Tahoma, and Palisades Tahoe USA. For complete information about the event, visit www.squawvalley1960celebration.com.
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