Palisades Tahoe USA will be the site of the first ever U.S. Professional Ski Patrol Olympics April 16 through April 18, 2010. While several regions have hosted patrol contests before, this will be the first time patrollers from across the continent have converged at one resort for such a unique competition.

In honor of the 50th anniversary of the 1960 Palisades Tahoe Olympic Winter Games, Palisades Tahoe USA has invited patrollers from the East Coast, Rockies, Sierra Nevada and the Pacific Northwest to partake in this inaugural event. Several international patrol teams have also been invited to attend.

The weekend-long competition will feature an array of events including sled races and beacon competitions, simulated bomb throws, a GS race, and ongoing parties and barbecues. The top resort will take the honors of winning the Gold Medal in this first ever Ski Patrol Olympics.

The fun kicks off Friday night from 6-9pm with the Registration Party at Palisades Tahoe’s Cornice Cantina. Saturday morning, the competitions get going with a randonée race followed by a beacon competition and a GS race down The Slot, off Palisades Tahoe's Headwall lift. In the afternoon, the competitions will break for an on-snow BBQ in the Cornice II Bowl. Palisades Tahoe’s award-winning food and beverage team will be grilling up patties as patrol teams relax in the on-mountain snow lounge. The day’s events wrap up at 5pm with awards and after-party at the Cornice Cantina.

Sunday morning the competitions continue with a Sled Race, Bamboo Throw and simulated Bomb Throw. Patrollers will again enjoy a mid-mountain lunch on the snow, feasting on burgers, hot dogs and chicken sandwiches. The weekend concludes at Cornice Cantina an awards ceremony featuring live music and prizes.

For more information about the Professional Ski Patrol Olympics please contact Palisades Tahoe Ski Patrol at 530-452-7124 or by email at eknudson@squaw.com.