The second annual Toast to Tahoe Skiing returns to the Resort at Squaw Creek on November 7th with the theme of "Mountain Dreamers: Celebrating the pioneering spirit and history of skiing at Lake Tahoe."

The dynamic event, now in its second year, features entertaining and informative speakers, gourmet food, a dynamic fashion show, a video history of Lake Tahoe’s resorts, an auction, and the local premiere of the Lake Tahoe segment from a major new ski film.

Mark Wellman, a two-time Paralympian, nationally acclaimed author, filmmaker and adventurer who crossed the Sierra Nevada on a pioneering sit-ski journey, among other feats, will take the stage as the keynote speaker at the gala event. Despite being paralyzed in a mountain climbing accident in 1982, Wellman, author of Climbing Back, has inspired millions to meet their problems head-on and reach for their full potential. He has participated in two Paralympic Games, and has gained recognition for numerous accomplishments, including his historic paraplegic ascents of the sheer granite faces of El Capitan and Half Dome in Yosemite National Park.

Eric T. Brandt, of Tahoe TV, will serve as the master of ceremonies. Local author and historian Mark McLaughlin will give a presentation on the evolution of skiing and the rise of the resorts at Lake Tahoe.

In addition, local Olympians, ski film athletes, and local notables will participate in an upbeat and fun fashion show, displaying the latest ski fashions from Palisades Tahoe Sports, Sports Tahoe and Squaw Creek Sports. The fashion show will be followed by a live auction. Auction items will include a California Snow Gold Pass good at resorts throughout California and Nevada, courtesy of the California Ski Industry Association.

A Toast to Tahoe Skiing is a fundraiser for the Palisades Tahoe Institute, a nonprofit organization that brings events of cultural and educational significance to the Lake Tahoe region. The gala takes place the Grand Sierra Ballroom at AAA Four-Diamond Resort at Squaw Creek, which is situated at the base of Palisades Tahoe USA. The event begins at 6:00 PM.

A free after-event party will take place in Resort at Squaw Creek’s Sandy’s Pub from 10 PM - 1 AM, featuring ski movies along with food and drink specials.

Tickets for the gala are $85 per person in advance; $100 at the door. VIP tickets are $120. A few VIP tables remain at $1,200 per table, which offer seating for 10 close to the stage. For ticket and VIP table information please visit www.squawvalleyinstitute.org, or call 530.581.4138.

Special room rates are available at Resort at Squaw Creek for A Toast to Tahoe Skiing from November 4 through November 7, 2009. Deluxe Guestrooms start at $99 per room, per night, based on availability. For room reservations call 800.401.9501, or visit www.visitsquawcreek.com.

Sponsors for the event include Resorts Sports Network, Tahoe TV, Inside Tahoe Truckee TV, Palisades Tahoe Times, The Weekly, Palisades Tahoe USA, Alpine Meadows, Homewood Mountain Resort, Silver Bean Coffee, Sierra Heritage Magazine, Swank Audio Visual, Resort at Squaw Creek, and Christina Cutler Graphic Design.