[Olympic Valley and Alpine Meadows, Calif.] October 31, 2012 – Skiers and riders gathered to make their first turns this winter at Palisades Tahoe on Thursday, October 25th during a special one-day 'Welcome Winter Fundraiser' event that generated $11,000 for the Palisades Tahoe & Alpine Meadows Teams Foundation.

An incredible October snowstorm that left up to three feet of snow at Palisades Tahoe's upper elevations, made it possible to open up the Searchlight chairlift for skiing and riding - making this the earliest Palisades Tahoe has been open to the public for skiing and riding on record since 1960. Happy skiers and riders flocked to the slopes to make fresh tracks at Palisades Tahoe and support a good cause.

 “We felt the best way to celebrate the early season snowfall would be to open the mountain to our guests and raise money for a great cause,” said Andy Wirth, President and CEO of Palisades Tahoe and Alpine Meadows. “It was wonderful to see such a great turnout and to be able to raise $11,000 for the Palisades Tahoe & Alpine Meadows Teams Foundation – and we couldn’t be more proud of our mountain operations team for making it all possible.”

The Palisades Tahoe & Alpine Meadows Teams Foundation is dedicated to supporting young amateur athletes interested in developing skills in snowsports through participation in a Palisades Tahoe or Alpine Meadows competitive or non-competitive ski or snowboard team. The foundation was created to help provide financial assistance to Palisades Tahoe and Alpine Meadows team athletes who either have a financial need or have achieved a higher level of competition, which requires extensive travel and specialized training programs. Additionally, the foundation will provide financial support for continuing education programs for coaches, with the goal of increasing the quality of coaching, instruction and development of athletes.

“We are incredibly thankful to the Tahoe ski community for the great turnout at this event and the show of support for our athletes," said Reem Saffouri, president of the Palisades Tahoe & Alpine Meadows Teams Foundation. "This support will make it possible for many athletes to realize their dreams. What an exciting and energizing way to start the season with this incredible fundraiser."