Each spring hundreds of Nordic skiers, snowshoers, and fit bodies race up the mountain in the Annual Billy Dutton Uphill, in honor of late local luminary, Billy Dutton. The original “run what ya brung” uphill race is an uphill answer to the famous ‘Chinese Downhill’ of the 70’s. Starting from the bottom of KT-22, the course climbs 2000 vertical feet over 3.2 miles to the finish at High Camp, el. 8200’. April 11 marks the 21st Annual Billy Dutton Uphill at Palisades Tahoe USA.

The Billy Dutton Uphill race is open to Nordic skiers, snowshoers, runners and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Registration for the April 11th race begins at 7 am in the Olympic Plaza, and the race starts at 8 am at the Funitel. The $20 entry fee includes a tee shirt and goodie bag and proceeds benefit the Tahoe Nordic Race Scholarship Programs. Prizes are awarded to the top finishers in all age categories.

The always smiling Billy Dutton helped establish the Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue (TNSR) in 1976, based on his passion for cross country skiing and his vast knowledge of the Tahoe Basin and the surrounding backcountry. “Bill was our strongest skier. I was always sure to be with the likes of him when we teamed up on searches,” says Doug Read, Dutton friend and fellow original member of TNSR.

Read recounts the time when Dutton herringboned eight miles up and out of a canyon near Diamond Crossing, carrying a hurt woman on his back to safety and recovery. “All he asked was if I would carry his poles,” recalls Read. “He was the type who made our community such a wonderful place to live.” It has been two decades since Billy Dutton passed away, but his spirit lives on through the Annual Billy Dutton Uphill, and through his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Dutton’s grandson, 22-year old Tim Dutton is a respected big-mountain skier and competitor. He most recently took a top slot in the Palisades Tahoe Freeride World Tour event, and is competing in the championships in Verbier, France on March 20th. Like Billy, Tim Dutton is known for his smile and skiing prowess.

The 21st Annual Billy Dutton Uphill is sponsored by Girdisch Ranch Apple Juice, Atlas Snowshoes, Patagonia, Palisades Tahoe Preserve, Brad Dutton Masonry, the Palisades Tahoe Firefighters Association and Dr. John Walsh/Sierra Sports Care, and Palisades Tahoe USA.

More information on the Billy Dutton Uphill is available by calling (530) 587-2573 or (530) 583-6985. The most up-to-date resort conditions, operation schedules, events and live mountain cams are available on www.squaw.com