the nature, the fame, and the future of squaw valley
By Grace Skivington
Those people sure look like ants compared to that big mountain they’re on I thought on the date of December 4th whilst craning my head up to gaze at the majesty of Squaw Valley’s summit. I had battled through harsh conditioned roads that required tire chains and a focused (yet internally screaming) driving mentality all for the sake of completing my research encompassing the famous Squaw Valley, and today was the day I would pull myself up by my (ski) boot straps to do so. Entering the lively Olympic village under the canopy of the mountain reminded me of a movie’s interpretation of the North Pole during Christmas, with its nordic styled four-story plazas, its welcoming outdoor fire hearths, and its smiling civilians enjoying the chill atmosphere. I approached the entrance to the tram that elevates visitors to the Olympic Museum at High Camp, my presumably valuable resource, and inquired an employee to where I could find a tram pass to ride. The employee casually obliged as she began to ring me up the tram fee of $40. It was then that I was once again reminded of my pathetic economic stance as a college student and that the information I ever so needed might have been too valuable for someone like me afterall. To no avail, I politely declined the pass and turned away, vanquished.
I was disorientated, my mind scrambling to find Plan B of this operation. All of the previously festive and cute shops in the Village were now perceived as money-grubbing business complexes with outrageously overpriced souvenirs in my eyes; the surrounding grinning families and friends decked out in glaring and loud hued snow gear seemed to be mocking the thin wallet inside my back pocket that I reluctantly call my own. My irrational, epiphany induced state had me lividly wandering around the Village, foaming at the mouth, for a solid half hour until I came across a young, cordial redheaded ski lift operating worker who also related to the injustice of the Village’s nefarious pricings. I found my composure while conversing with Jake Schaffer, the said employee, as he told me about his monetary endeavors while working his winter gig here in the Tahoe area in comparison to his usual work in Chicago. “Even if I started out living here in my buddy’s truck as a ski bum musician, I really love the vibe/history that makes this place great!” Schaffer laughs. Seeing as this was an opportunity to score an interview, I asked if he was willing to do so. This employee happily obliged.
The combination of my interview with Schaffer, as well as my collected research from other media sources, has truly broadened my scope of Squaw Valley as a whole. Skiing has always been a personal love of mine, from the way the exhilarating adrenaline makes you feel like an avalanche in control to how the powder spraying against your face reawakens your sense of fully living in the moment. Judging off of this notion, I naturally had a preconception of appreciating Squaw Valley only as a major winter recreation joint, not as an original concept of international ingenuity nor a living, breathing body we depend on. With the speculated return of the Winter Olympic Games to the Tahoe area afoot in the year 2026, it is important to acknowledge the foundation of livelihood Squaw Valley has made.
Squaw’s Winter Olympics and Settlement Origins
Yes, the motto Citius, Altius, Fortius rings true for countries who reunite for the Olympic games in a bout of respectable competition, where even the most seemingly insignificant underdogs can contribute something great. In fact, within the world of competitive sporting events, the underdog stands as an inspiring example of determination, dedication, and hardwork. These attributes are all qualities the Olympic games take pride in supporting. Squaw Valley, the embodiment of the underdog spirit, started as a quiet mountain that had built itself from scratch to become the famous Olympic landmark that put Squaw on the map as it is known to be today.
The land of where Squaw Valley has been established was originally inhabited by the Washoe Tribe up until the middle of the 19th century. It was at this time when the first westward bound pioneers had began to explore the Sierra Nevada Mountains to unexpectedly find only the tribe’s women at their settlement. This brief meeting inspired the valley’s name of “Squaw” to which means Indian woman (UNR ). A short-lived mining boom, the Silver Fever, had hit Squaw Valley shortly after the white settlement in 1863. Newspaper accounts of more than 700 people were recorded, mostly of those who had missed or lost their fortunes in the California gold rush in 1849 along with groups from Virginia City, looking for the next boom (UNR). After discovering the mines weren’t nearly as rich and plentiful as far as precious metals were concerned, the boom and bustle of the valley subsided into a seasonal Basque inhabitant pasture for cattle and sheep by the middle of the 20th century.
The becomings of Squaw as a ski resort originated to the vision of Wayne Poulsen, who had become familiar with the valley as a kid by spending time in its sheep pastures with his friend during the summer months. Poulsen had seen potential in Squaw Valley as a ski resort due to his childhood sentimentality and because of the influential impact of the 1930’s ski fever (McLaughlin). Poulsen had made a personal commitment at age 16 to seriously build a ski resort in his endeared valley, but other occurrences were in store for Poulsen’s life before he could pursue his dream. Poulsen co-founded the University of Nevada Ski Team with Arrouge and coached them to the national title beating perennial champ Dartmouth in 1939 after graduating in 1938. During the World War II, Poulsen was a U.S. Army Air Force pilot flying Pan Am Clippers to supply Pacific combat zones, investing every paycheck he earned in Squaw Valley real estate. In 1945, after his discharge from the Army as a lieutenant colonel, Poulsen continued flying for Pan Am. He and his wife, Sandy, built the first home in Squaw Valley using surplus Army barracks materials because there was no other source of wood after the war (UNR).
Poulsen still had his dream intact somewhere in the back of his mind and had decided to finally make it reality with external help from investors. He decided to partner with fellow Navy veteran and Wall Street attorney, Alec Cushing, to form Squaw Valley Development Corporation with a measly investment of $400,000 at hand (UNR). This investment had allotted a “resort” of a small lodge, one chairlift, and two rope tows. Cushing pushed to develop the land at a faster rate but was pulled back by Poulsen’s wishes to preserve the alpine environment. It was in 1948 that Cushing had taken the liberty to persuade Poulsen’s dismissal on the board of directors in order to become president of the corporation (UNR).
Afterwards in 1954, the nearby city of Reno was attempting to host the 1960 Winter Olympics. Alec Cushing, now president of Squaw, saw this and had seized the opportunity to join the race against several high capital cities to host the Games. To much surprise, the tiny snow-bowl of Squaw had been awarded the winning bid, beating out Innsbruck, Austria, the eventual host of the 1964 Games, by a mere two votes (Britannica). Furthermore, the rinky-dink family business of Squaw had beaten Reno for the bid because the USOC (United States Olympic Committee) had deemed Reno not an appropriate representative setting for the Games due to its “immoral” legality of prostitution, gambling, and thriving divorce industry (UNR). Reno had decided to turn the other cheek, however, when it had assisted Squaw in needed extra funding to secure the bid (UNR). This action was because Reno had hoped for potential economic advantages the nearby Games might inflict on the city.
Squaw had the 1960 Winter Games in hand, but absolutely no foundation to build the events nor facilities off of. It was because of this that many countries protested the selection, citing Squaw Valley’s lack of development—the area had only one hotel—and its high elevation—over 6,000 feet (1,800 metres) above sea level (Britannica). Developers faced this monumental task of planning and building world-class facilities in the span of 4 years, but decided to make it happen regardless. Schaffer mentioned the original, green L-shaped building that had housed all the Olympians that still stands to this day. “Not even half of the US ski team could be housed there today. As far as cost goes, I think a hotel room was about $6-8 and the entrance fee to see the events was about $10 (a lot for back then)” (Schaffer). He then motions to the same parking lot where I had parked my car and informs me that it was once the ice rink for the Olympic skating events. With help from developers such as Walt Disney, Squaw had made history as being the first Olympic Village to be built specially for a Winter Olympics (UNR).
Let The Games Begin!
The 1960 Winter Olympics, known officially as the VII Winter Games, commenced between February 18, 1960, and continued 11 full days through February 28, 1960. Squaw Valley hosted a total of 665 athletes from thirty nations who competed in 27 events (Antonucci). Notable events include ice hockey, cross country skiing, biathlon, ski jumping, figure skating, speed skating, and alpine skiing. All winter events were accounted for (and even newly added) except for the bobsled event, which had been removed from the Olympic Program due to costs. This marks the only time in Olympic history that this mishap as happened (UNR). Squaw Valley featured the debut of the biathlon and of speed skating events for female contestants, with Helga Haase (Germany) capturing the first gold medal in the sport by winning the 500-metre race. Lidiya Skoblikova (U.S.S.R.) was the most successful female athlete at Squaw Valley, winning the 1,500- and 5,000-metre speed skating competitions. Figure skating was a family affair as David Jenkins, brother of the 1956 Olympic champion, Hayes Alan Jenkins, won the men’s competition. The upset at the 1960 Games occurred in the ice hockey competition with the U.S. team winning the gold medal. After recording their first-ever victory over the Soviet hockey team, the Americans came from behind to defeat the Czechoslovakian team in the final game 9–4 (Britannica).
Squaw had also been responsible for technological innovations. One being the invention and the popularization of the metal skis. Schaffer tells me “Jean Vaurnet, like the glasses, was the first to ever use a metal boarded skis. He revolutionized the skiing industry considering how he beat everyone else who used wood” (Schaffer). Speaking of innovations within the sporting event, artificial ice was also produced and utilized for the first time in the Olympics; making the ice the fastest in the world at that time (UNR). The concept of utilizing “instant replay” in televised broadcasts by NBC was also brought about at Squaw Valley (UNR). In addition, an IBM computer that had helped broadcast competitor’s scores around the world like never before was developed and expanded upon all in Squaw Valley (Antonucci).
When the closing ceremonies had drawn Squaw to a close, the results followed as the USSR leading the medal count with a total of 21 medals and 9 gold ones, Germany coming in at second with a total of 8 medals and 4 gold ones, and the USA in third totaling in 10 medals with 3 gold ones (Wikipedia). With all the criticism and skepticism that preceded the launch of the VIII Winter Olympics, members of the Squaw Valley planning committee must have felt vindicated with the praise that flowed in following the Games. From local columnists to foreign participants, the consensus was that the Squaw Valley Winter Olympics was a great success. The little family-run establishment that had a modest investment of $400,000 raced through the rankings to be a monumental Olympic landmark with an investment of over $22 million. Despite all of the critics and naysayers, this previously unknown, isolated alpine underdog had certainly set a new gold standard.
Squaw’s Ecology and Environment
As Jake Schaffer and I sit in Squaw’s local Starbucks to shelter from the chilly weather, I notice a drinking station labeled Drink Tahoe Tap. Facing back towards Schaffer, I see that Jake has a refillable, trademark looking water bottle clipped to his backpack with the same logo. I ask him the purpose of what looked like to be a green movement of some sort. Jake expands on my correct presumption and states that, “Water is and has been a big issue. The community finally woke up and realized that we should be equally preserving the fresh water as we are using it. We just went through six years of drought up here, and with that huge development coming along, the human footprint that has been compromising Tahoe will worsen” (Schaffer). Jake Schaffer is clearly an advocate of preserving Squaw Valley’s natural ecosystem, and its no wonder considering the richness of the valley even in warm temperatures when skiing is put on hold. One rich attribute is Squaw’s water. Water is an important resource for a healthy mountain ecosystem. Squaw Valley engages in substantial water quality monitoring in order to ensure the ongoing health of the watershed including Squaw Creek and the Truckee River. Water samples are collected from several sites during key runoff periods and are analyzed by an independent laboratory for key constituents, particularly sediment. This data is then used to identify areas that may benefit from further environmental enhancement, drainage improvement or revegetation.
In addition, Squaw Valley provides many unique micro-environments that host numerous types of plants. Mule’s Ears are common yellow flowers that can be found throughout Lake Tahoe. At high elevations, the purple pea plant, the Lupine, grow as dense ground cover and is a crucial food source for butterflies. The Great Red Paintbrush, a recurring, indigenous plant to Nevada, grows primarily along streams from excess water from melted snow. The Mariposa Lily is common to the drier areas of the Sierra and attracts bumblebees because of its nectar. The Buckwheat plant flourishes on slopes in drier months. The California Snow Flower that buds early much like a tulip and sometimes emerges from still snow-covered ground in early spring and summer. The Penstemon is a hardy plant that can be found on rocky slopes, ledges, and ridges at high elevations above the timberline.
Speaking of Squaw’s timberline, the trees that are common to the habitat in and around Squaw Valley are specially adapted to the soils that formed as a result of the weathering of granite and volcanic rock types. These types of trees come in the types as followed. The California Red Fir is a tree found at upper elevations. Its needles grow to about 1 inch and its cones are 8 inches long. This tree is home to numerous species of birds including nuthatches, woodpeckers, and chickadees. The Western White Pine can grow to 180 feet tall and 4 feet in diameter. They can be easily identified by their 5 needle clusters. Their cones are cylindrical and grow 5 inches to 12 inches long, thinned, and curved. The Sierra Juniper is recognizable by its gnarled and twisted appearance. It grows on rocky outcrops with its roots growing into the crevices of granite. The Lodgepole Pine’s wood is flexible and was once used by Native Americans to build teepees and lodges. These trees grow to 110 feet tall and can live up to 150 years. Lodgepole cones are small at 3 inches and are prickly. Jeffrey Pines can live up to 500 years and grow up to 200 feet in height. Their cones are long and oval and their deeply furrowed bark has a distinct vanilla or pineapple odor. The Ponderosa Pine are sturdy with the characteristics of having a bark that is orange colored and pinecones that contain sharp, prickly spines. The last type of Squaw’s indigenous tree species is the Mountain Hemlock, which grows mostly in the mountain’s shade and in moist areas of melted snowpack. These tend to have a purple hue when young which gradually darkens as the tree ages.
Squaw has also remarkable geological formation aspects when looking at its steep and jagged rock formations. Granite Chief Peak, Squaw Valley’s highest peak at 9,006 feet is an example of the light gray, medium to coarse-grained granite rock type that is primarily composed of quartz and feldspar. Emigrant Peak at 8,774 feet and Squaw Peak, the highest peak, at 8,885 feet are darker in appearance and are volcanic in origin. The rocks on Broken Arrow, visible from the Squaw Valley Tram, are reddish in color, rounded and sandy looking. These formations are also granite and were formed this way by the extreme heat associated with lava flows from nearby volcanoes millions of years ago.
The wildlife that scamper upon both the organic and geological formations are certainly not in limited numbers at Squaw Valley, seeing as Squaw is just as rich in species of animals. Yellow-Bellied Marmots live in grassy areas and dig burrows under rocks. They are the largest member of the ground-hog family. They have a high pitched whistle that alerts other marmots of approaching predators. The Douglas Squirrel, otherwise known as the Chickaree or the Pine Squirrel have bushy gray tails that can grow up to 20 inches long. Their ears have tufts of hair at the tips and they have a high pitched chatter. The Coyote weighs at an average of 20 lbs and are characterized by their slender dog-like appearance and bushy tail. The California Black Bears that scavenge throughout the valley are omnivores, primarily nocturnal, and they can run up to 30 mph. Although called black, they can be brown or cinnamon in color. They can also swim and climb trees. The forest dwelling Sooty Grouse has a long, square tail and forages on the ground or in trees for food. The males often make deep hooting sounds. The small Mountain Cottontail have rounded ears at the tips that are relatively short. Lastly, the powerful Golden Eagle is a resident to the Squaw Valley as well. It represents North America’s largest bird of prey with a wingspan of up to 7 feet. These protected birds eat rabbits, marmots, and squirrels. When they attack their prey, they dive at speeds of up to 150 mph.
So with all of this wildlife dependent on the natural condition of Squaw, why are we any different?
Squaw’s Future
Aside from the impact Squaw’s reputation as an Olympic resort has inflicted, the next big rise to fame is apparently yet to come. Schaffer tells me of a new, big corporation that has been proposing an international, multi-use destination resort facility to add on to what’s already here presently. He remarks, “I can’t believe the Tahoe Regional Planning Board and locals (I guess Reno, too) even approved this thing. It’s huge! It’s a 20- 25 year build-out of a self contained ski village with restaurants, grocery stores, condos, and apartments. I guess they want to make the village more like Vail [Mountain Resort]” (Schaffer). Between these claims, Jake repeatedly breaks the stream of the topic with “I can’t really comment that much as an employee, I’d like to keep my job!” disclaimers, I got the feeling that this development was on the controversial side. When asked this inquisition, Schaffer confirms: “It’s a big deal, very controversial. There is a lot of tension between the various players: there are the old school skiers and “Keep Squaw Squaw” folks who grew up on the aesthetic of a non-corporate local environment and then there are the City Fathers that are shooting for the big money and are less concerned about the history/ wellbeing of the land for skiers’ and tourists’ enjoyment , kind of like you trying to get to the museum earlier (laughs).” (Schaffer).
When asked how the development would impact the environment, Schaffer’s tone of voice changed. “It will have a tremendous impact on the environment, ecosystem, the Truckee watershed, the community of North Lake Tahoe and Truckee--pretty much everything. You’ve got transportation and emission issues, traffic issues, and snow removal. The needed infrastructure, sewer, electricity, maintenance, to accommodate that many people will be crazy! So crazy, that the TART (Tahoe Regional Transit System) is considering a “No-Drive” policy within the next decade, which probably means nothing but public buses will be running about within the valley” (Schaffer). I didn’t expect that Village renovations would change this much at such a fast rate and figured that it was one of those “keep it in mind” possibilities. Schaffer shook his head and informed of the strong community activist groups against the corporations that have been currently active. “I went to the big decision meeting just two days ago, it went from 8:00 am until 5:00 or 6:00 pm. Lots of people are angry and can’t believe this has been approved” (Schaffer).
Though Schaffer couldn’t say what exactly might be in store next for Squaw concerning this issue, the developments to expand the skiing access of the mountain are certainly true. To showcase all of these past accomplishments and to exemplify Squaw Valley’s beautiful nature, innovations within the Olympic village are to be set for the near future. There is currently a running gondola that takes tourists and skiers alike to the top peaks of Squaw Valley Aerial Tram (aka really expensive way to reach the museum). Now, Squaw CEO and President Andy Wirth is speculating a newly proposed Base-to-Base Gondola that starts at the base of Squaw Valley then cruises over KT-22 to load and unload passengers at two locations: one downslope of the patrol hut on KT-22, and another high atop Alpine Meadows near Estelle Lake (Tolme). Stringing this proposal together seems to be a risk, considering the path is over challenging terrain. But nonetheless, Squaw has impressed us before with the building of the 1960 Olympics and will do so again with the approval already been set in 2015 (Tolme). It will be one of the most transformative ski lifts in America, uniting two unique destinations to create Squaw Valley a megaresort- speculated to be the second biggest in the US- with 43 lifts and more than 270 trails (Tolme).
These developments will extend so far, that they are expected to reach the perimeters of ski resorts in Lake Tahoe, suspiciously enough. What might these expansions be for? According to a study by the University of Waterloo in Canada, Squaw Valley as it is now won’t have the snow to host another Olympics by 2050 (Vogel). Yet, with expansions on the horizon towards the Tahoe area, Tahoe mountains seem to be a speculated candidate for the 2026 Winter Olympics. This observation suggests that Squaw may be aiming to share, or even take, the Olympics location wise with Tahoe mountains by the method of expansion. Even if Squaw’s property won’t be used for the Olympics, Squaw still gets fame thrust upon them due to close proximity. Basically, this expansion, in a way, may reclaim the Olympic title for Squaw second year running.
Having grown a better understanding of Squaw Valley as it is whole, Jake and I had reached the consensus of how serious exploiting the land might be. “Squaw has a history beginning with the 60 Olympics, it shouldn’t come down levels to become corporate condos (Schaffer)”. Upon thanking Jake for being the trusty museum I had needed and departing from the Olympic Village, I craned my head up once more to the ant sized skiers and snowboarders vulnerable to the mercy of the grand mountain. How could such small organisms make such a difference, for the good or the bad, on a vital ecosystem that? A lot, actually.
Works Cited
“1960 Winter Olympic Games- Squaw Valley, California.” UNR Knowledge Center. University of Nevada Reno,
knowledgecenter.unr.edu/digital_collections/exhibits/olympics/about.html.
Accessed 13 Dec 2016.
Antonucci, David C.. The 1960 Winter Olympics. Arcadia Publishing, 2013
Schaffer, Jake. Personal Interview. 4 Dec. 2016.
“Squaw Valley 1960 Olympic Winter Games.” Encyclopedia Britannica. 15th ed., 1974
McLaughlin, Mark. “The Poulsens: A Squaw Valley Love Affair.” Tahoe Weekly. 12 Aug. 2015, http://thetahoeweekly.com/2015/08/the-poulsens-a-squaw-valley-love-affair/. Accessed 13 Dec 2016.
Tolme, Paul. “The Gondola That Will Change California Skiing Forever.” SQUAW, Nov. 2016, pp. 34-37.
Vogul, Ed. “Reno Tahoe Coalition Has Hurdles to Clear to Get the 2026 Winter Olympics”. Las Vegas Review-Journal. 15 Feb. 2015. http://www.reviewjournal.com/news/reno-tahoe-coalition-has-hurdles-clear-get-2026-win ter-olympics. Accessed 16 Nov 2016.
I was disorientated, my mind scrambling to find Plan B of this operation. All of the previously festive and cute shops in the Village were now perceived as money-grubbing business complexes with outrageously overpriced souvenirs in my eyes; the surrounding grinning families and friends decked out in glaring and loud hued snow gear seemed to be mocking the thin wallet inside my back pocket that I reluctantly call my own. My irrational, epiphany induced state had me lividly wandering around the Village, foaming at the mouth, for a solid half hour until I came across a young, cordial redheaded ski lift operating worker who also related to the injustice of the Village’s nefarious pricings. I found my composure while conversing with Jake Schaffer, the said employee, as he told me about his monetary endeavors while working his winter gig here in the Tahoe area in comparison to his usual work in Chicago. “Even if I started out living here in my buddy’s truck as a ski bum musician, I really love the vibe/history that makes this place great!” Schaffer laughs. Seeing as this was an opportunity to score an interview, I asked if he was willing to do so. This employee happily obliged.
The combination of my interview with Schaffer, as well as my collected research from other media sources, has truly broadened my scope of Squaw Valley as a whole. Skiing has always been a personal love of mine, from the way the exhilarating adrenaline makes you feel like an avalanche in control to how the powder spraying against your face reawakens your sense of fully living in the moment. Judging off of this notion, I naturally had a preconception of appreciating Squaw Valley only as a major winter recreation joint, not as an original concept of international ingenuity nor a living, breathing body we depend on. With the speculated return of the Winter Olympic Games to the Tahoe area afoot in the year 2026, it is important to acknowledge the foundation of livelihood Squaw Valley has made.
Squaw’s Winter Olympics and Settlement Origins
Yes, the motto Citius, Altius, Fortius rings true for countries who reunite for the Olympic games in a bout of respectable competition, where even the most seemingly insignificant underdogs can contribute something great. In fact, within the world of competitive sporting events, the underdog stands as an inspiring example of determination, dedication, and hardwork. These attributes are all qualities the Olympic games take pride in supporting. Squaw Valley, the embodiment of the underdog spirit, started as a quiet mountain that had built itself from scratch to become the famous Olympic landmark that put Squaw on the map as it is known to be today.
The land of where Squaw Valley has been established was originally inhabited by the Washoe Tribe up until the middle of the 19th century. It was at this time when the first westward bound pioneers had began to explore the Sierra Nevada Mountains to unexpectedly find only the tribe’s women at their settlement. This brief meeting inspired the valley’s name of “Squaw” to which means Indian woman (UNR ). A short-lived mining boom, the Silver Fever, had hit Squaw Valley shortly after the white settlement in 1863. Newspaper accounts of more than 700 people were recorded, mostly of those who had missed or lost their fortunes in the California gold rush in 1849 along with groups from Virginia City, looking for the next boom (UNR). After discovering the mines weren’t nearly as rich and plentiful as far as precious metals were concerned, the boom and bustle of the valley subsided into a seasonal Basque inhabitant pasture for cattle and sheep by the middle of the 20th century.
The becomings of Squaw as a ski resort originated to the vision of Wayne Poulsen, who had become familiar with the valley as a kid by spending time in its sheep pastures with his friend during the summer months. Poulsen had seen potential in Squaw Valley as a ski resort due to his childhood sentimentality and because of the influential impact of the 1930’s ski fever (McLaughlin). Poulsen had made a personal commitment at age 16 to seriously build a ski resort in his endeared valley, but other occurrences were in store for Poulsen’s life before he could pursue his dream. Poulsen co-founded the University of Nevada Ski Team with Arrouge and coached them to the national title beating perennial champ Dartmouth in 1939 after graduating in 1938. During the World War II, Poulsen was a U.S. Army Air Force pilot flying Pan Am Clippers to supply Pacific combat zones, investing every paycheck he earned in Squaw Valley real estate. In 1945, after his discharge from the Army as a lieutenant colonel, Poulsen continued flying for Pan Am. He and his wife, Sandy, built the first home in Squaw Valley using surplus Army barracks materials because there was no other source of wood after the war (UNR).
Poulsen still had his dream intact somewhere in the back of his mind and had decided to finally make it reality with external help from investors. He decided to partner with fellow Navy veteran and Wall Street attorney, Alec Cushing, to form Squaw Valley Development Corporation with a measly investment of $400,000 at hand (UNR). This investment had allotted a “resort” of a small lodge, one chairlift, and two rope tows. Cushing pushed to develop the land at a faster rate but was pulled back by Poulsen’s wishes to preserve the alpine environment. It was in 1948 that Cushing had taken the liberty to persuade Poulsen’s dismissal on the board of directors in order to become president of the corporation (UNR).
Afterwards in 1954, the nearby city of Reno was attempting to host the 1960 Winter Olympics. Alec Cushing, now president of Squaw, saw this and had seized the opportunity to join the race against several high capital cities to host the Games. To much surprise, the tiny snow-bowl of Squaw had been awarded the winning bid, beating out Innsbruck, Austria, the eventual host of the 1964 Games, by a mere two votes (Britannica). Furthermore, the rinky-dink family business of Squaw had beaten Reno for the bid because the USOC (United States Olympic Committee) had deemed Reno not an appropriate representative setting for the Games due to its “immoral” legality of prostitution, gambling, and thriving divorce industry (UNR). Reno had decided to turn the other cheek, however, when it had assisted Squaw in needed extra funding to secure the bid (UNR). This action was because Reno had hoped for potential economic advantages the nearby Games might inflict on the city.
Squaw had the 1960 Winter Games in hand, but absolutely no foundation to build the events nor facilities off of. It was because of this that many countries protested the selection, citing Squaw Valley’s lack of development—the area had only one hotel—and its high elevation—over 6,000 feet (1,800 metres) above sea level (Britannica). Developers faced this monumental task of planning and building world-class facilities in the span of 4 years, but decided to make it happen regardless. Schaffer mentioned the original, green L-shaped building that had housed all the Olympians that still stands to this day. “Not even half of the US ski team could be housed there today. As far as cost goes, I think a hotel room was about $6-8 and the entrance fee to see the events was about $10 (a lot for back then)” (Schaffer). He then motions to the same parking lot where I had parked my car and informs me that it was once the ice rink for the Olympic skating events. With help from developers such as Walt Disney, Squaw had made history as being the first Olympic Village to be built specially for a Winter Olympics (UNR).
Let The Games Begin!
The 1960 Winter Olympics, known officially as the VII Winter Games, commenced between February 18, 1960, and continued 11 full days through February 28, 1960. Squaw Valley hosted a total of 665 athletes from thirty nations who competed in 27 events (Antonucci). Notable events include ice hockey, cross country skiing, biathlon, ski jumping, figure skating, speed skating, and alpine skiing. All winter events were accounted for (and even newly added) except for the bobsled event, which had been removed from the Olympic Program due to costs. This marks the only time in Olympic history that this mishap as happened (UNR). Squaw Valley featured the debut of the biathlon and of speed skating events for female contestants, with Helga Haase (Germany) capturing the first gold medal in the sport by winning the 500-metre race. Lidiya Skoblikova (U.S.S.R.) was the most successful female athlete at Squaw Valley, winning the 1,500- and 5,000-metre speed skating competitions. Figure skating was a family affair as David Jenkins, brother of the 1956 Olympic champion, Hayes Alan Jenkins, won the men’s competition. The upset at the 1960 Games occurred in the ice hockey competition with the U.S. team winning the gold medal. After recording their first-ever victory over the Soviet hockey team, the Americans came from behind to defeat the Czechoslovakian team in the final game 9–4 (Britannica).
Squaw had also been responsible for technological innovations. One being the invention and the popularization of the metal skis. Schaffer tells me “Jean Vaurnet, like the glasses, was the first to ever use a metal boarded skis. He revolutionized the skiing industry considering how he beat everyone else who used wood” (Schaffer). Speaking of innovations within the sporting event, artificial ice was also produced and utilized for the first time in the Olympics; making the ice the fastest in the world at that time (UNR). The concept of utilizing “instant replay” in televised broadcasts by NBC was also brought about at Squaw Valley (UNR). In addition, an IBM computer that had helped broadcast competitor’s scores around the world like never before was developed and expanded upon all in Squaw Valley (Antonucci).
When the closing ceremonies had drawn Squaw to a close, the results followed as the USSR leading the medal count with a total of 21 medals and 9 gold ones, Germany coming in at second with a total of 8 medals and 4 gold ones, and the USA in third totaling in 10 medals with 3 gold ones (Wikipedia). With all the criticism and skepticism that preceded the launch of the VIII Winter Olympics, members of the Squaw Valley planning committee must have felt vindicated with the praise that flowed in following the Games. From local columnists to foreign participants, the consensus was that the Squaw Valley Winter Olympics was a great success. The little family-run establishment that had a modest investment of $400,000 raced through the rankings to be a monumental Olympic landmark with an investment of over $22 million. Despite all of the critics and naysayers, this previously unknown, isolated alpine underdog had certainly set a new gold standard.
Squaw’s Ecology and Environment
As Jake Schaffer and I sit in Squaw’s local Starbucks to shelter from the chilly weather, I notice a drinking station labeled Drink Tahoe Tap. Facing back towards Schaffer, I see that Jake has a refillable, trademark looking water bottle clipped to his backpack with the same logo. I ask him the purpose of what looked like to be a green movement of some sort. Jake expands on my correct presumption and states that, “Water is and has been a big issue. The community finally woke up and realized that we should be equally preserving the fresh water as we are using it. We just went through six years of drought up here, and with that huge development coming along, the human footprint that has been compromising Tahoe will worsen” (Schaffer). Jake Schaffer is clearly an advocate of preserving Squaw Valley’s natural ecosystem, and its no wonder considering the richness of the valley even in warm temperatures when skiing is put on hold. One rich attribute is Squaw’s water. Water is an important resource for a healthy mountain ecosystem. Squaw Valley engages in substantial water quality monitoring in order to ensure the ongoing health of the watershed including Squaw Creek and the Truckee River. Water samples are collected from several sites during key runoff periods and are analyzed by an independent laboratory for key constituents, particularly sediment. This data is then used to identify areas that may benefit from further environmental enhancement, drainage improvement or revegetation.
In addition, Squaw Valley provides many unique micro-environments that host numerous types of plants. Mule’s Ears are common yellow flowers that can be found throughout Lake Tahoe. At high elevations, the purple pea plant, the Lupine, grow as dense ground cover and is a crucial food source for butterflies. The Great Red Paintbrush, a recurring, indigenous plant to Nevada, grows primarily along streams from excess water from melted snow. The Mariposa Lily is common to the drier areas of the Sierra and attracts bumblebees because of its nectar. The Buckwheat plant flourishes on slopes in drier months. The California Snow Flower that buds early much like a tulip and sometimes emerges from still snow-covered ground in early spring and summer. The Penstemon is a hardy plant that can be found on rocky slopes, ledges, and ridges at high elevations above the timberline.
Speaking of Squaw’s timberline, the trees that are common to the habitat in and around Squaw Valley are specially adapted to the soils that formed as a result of the weathering of granite and volcanic rock types. These types of trees come in the types as followed. The California Red Fir is a tree found at upper elevations. Its needles grow to about 1 inch and its cones are 8 inches long. This tree is home to numerous species of birds including nuthatches, woodpeckers, and chickadees. The Western White Pine can grow to 180 feet tall and 4 feet in diameter. They can be easily identified by their 5 needle clusters. Their cones are cylindrical and grow 5 inches to 12 inches long, thinned, and curved. The Sierra Juniper is recognizable by its gnarled and twisted appearance. It grows on rocky outcrops with its roots growing into the crevices of granite. The Lodgepole Pine’s wood is flexible and was once used by Native Americans to build teepees and lodges. These trees grow to 110 feet tall and can live up to 150 years. Lodgepole cones are small at 3 inches and are prickly. Jeffrey Pines can live up to 500 years and grow up to 200 feet in height. Their cones are long and oval and their deeply furrowed bark has a distinct vanilla or pineapple odor. The Ponderosa Pine are sturdy with the characteristics of having a bark that is orange colored and pinecones that contain sharp, prickly spines. The last type of Squaw’s indigenous tree species is the Mountain Hemlock, which grows mostly in the mountain’s shade and in moist areas of melted snowpack. These tend to have a purple hue when young which gradually darkens as the tree ages.
Squaw has also remarkable geological formation aspects when looking at its steep and jagged rock formations. Granite Chief Peak, Squaw Valley’s highest peak at 9,006 feet is an example of the light gray, medium to coarse-grained granite rock type that is primarily composed of quartz and feldspar. Emigrant Peak at 8,774 feet and Squaw Peak, the highest peak, at 8,885 feet are darker in appearance and are volcanic in origin. The rocks on Broken Arrow, visible from the Squaw Valley Tram, are reddish in color, rounded and sandy looking. These formations are also granite and were formed this way by the extreme heat associated with lava flows from nearby volcanoes millions of years ago.
The wildlife that scamper upon both the organic and geological formations are certainly not in limited numbers at Squaw Valley, seeing as Squaw is just as rich in species of animals. Yellow-Bellied Marmots live in grassy areas and dig burrows under rocks. They are the largest member of the ground-hog family. They have a high pitched whistle that alerts other marmots of approaching predators. The Douglas Squirrel, otherwise known as the Chickaree or the Pine Squirrel have bushy gray tails that can grow up to 20 inches long. Their ears have tufts of hair at the tips and they have a high pitched chatter. The Coyote weighs at an average of 20 lbs and are characterized by their slender dog-like appearance and bushy tail. The California Black Bears that scavenge throughout the valley are omnivores, primarily nocturnal, and they can run up to 30 mph. Although called black, they can be brown or cinnamon in color. They can also swim and climb trees. The forest dwelling Sooty Grouse has a long, square tail and forages on the ground or in trees for food. The males often make deep hooting sounds. The small Mountain Cottontail have rounded ears at the tips that are relatively short. Lastly, the powerful Golden Eagle is a resident to the Squaw Valley as well. It represents North America’s largest bird of prey with a wingspan of up to 7 feet. These protected birds eat rabbits, marmots, and squirrels. When they attack their prey, they dive at speeds of up to 150 mph.
So with all of this wildlife dependent on the natural condition of Squaw, why are we any different?
Squaw’s Future
Aside from the impact Squaw’s reputation as an Olympic resort has inflicted, the next big rise to fame is apparently yet to come. Schaffer tells me of a new, big corporation that has been proposing an international, multi-use destination resort facility to add on to what’s already here presently. He remarks, “I can’t believe the Tahoe Regional Planning Board and locals (I guess Reno, too) even approved this thing. It’s huge! It’s a 20- 25 year build-out of a self contained ski village with restaurants, grocery stores, condos, and apartments. I guess they want to make the village more like Vail [Mountain Resort]” (Schaffer). Between these claims, Jake repeatedly breaks the stream of the topic with “I can’t really comment that much as an employee, I’d like to keep my job!” disclaimers, I got the feeling that this development was on the controversial side. When asked this inquisition, Schaffer confirms: “It’s a big deal, very controversial. There is a lot of tension between the various players: there are the old school skiers and “Keep Squaw Squaw” folks who grew up on the aesthetic of a non-corporate local environment and then there are the City Fathers that are shooting for the big money and are less concerned about the history/ wellbeing of the land for skiers’ and tourists’ enjoyment , kind of like you trying to get to the museum earlier (laughs).” (Schaffer).
When asked how the development would impact the environment, Schaffer’s tone of voice changed. “It will have a tremendous impact on the environment, ecosystem, the Truckee watershed, the community of North Lake Tahoe and Truckee--pretty much everything. You’ve got transportation and emission issues, traffic issues, and snow removal. The needed infrastructure, sewer, electricity, maintenance, to accommodate that many people will be crazy! So crazy, that the TART (Tahoe Regional Transit System) is considering a “No-Drive” policy within the next decade, which probably means nothing but public buses will be running about within the valley” (Schaffer). I didn’t expect that Village renovations would change this much at such a fast rate and figured that it was one of those “keep it in mind” possibilities. Schaffer shook his head and informed of the strong community activist groups against the corporations that have been currently active. “I went to the big decision meeting just two days ago, it went from 8:00 am until 5:00 or 6:00 pm. Lots of people are angry and can’t believe this has been approved” (Schaffer).
Though Schaffer couldn’t say what exactly might be in store next for Squaw concerning this issue, the developments to expand the skiing access of the mountain are certainly true. To showcase all of these past accomplishments and to exemplify Squaw Valley’s beautiful nature, innovations within the Olympic village are to be set for the near future. There is currently a running gondola that takes tourists and skiers alike to the top peaks of Squaw Valley Aerial Tram (aka really expensive way to reach the museum). Now, Squaw CEO and President Andy Wirth is speculating a newly proposed Base-to-Base Gondola that starts at the base of Squaw Valley then cruises over KT-22 to load and unload passengers at two locations: one downslope of the patrol hut on KT-22, and another high atop Alpine Meadows near Estelle Lake (Tolme). Stringing this proposal together seems to be a risk, considering the path is over challenging terrain. But nonetheless, Squaw has impressed us before with the building of the 1960 Olympics and will do so again with the approval already been set in 2015 (Tolme). It will be one of the most transformative ski lifts in America, uniting two unique destinations to create Squaw Valley a megaresort- speculated to be the second biggest in the US- with 43 lifts and more than 270 trails (Tolme).
These developments will extend so far, that they are expected to reach the perimeters of ski resorts in Lake Tahoe, suspiciously enough. What might these expansions be for? According to a study by the University of Waterloo in Canada, Squaw Valley as it is now won’t have the snow to host another Olympics by 2050 (Vogel). Yet, with expansions on the horizon towards the Tahoe area, Tahoe mountains seem to be a speculated candidate for the 2026 Winter Olympics. This observation suggests that Squaw may be aiming to share, or even take, the Olympics location wise with Tahoe mountains by the method of expansion. Even if Squaw’s property won’t be used for the Olympics, Squaw still gets fame thrust upon them due to close proximity. Basically, this expansion, in a way, may reclaim the Olympic title for Squaw second year running.
Having grown a better understanding of Squaw Valley as it is whole, Jake and I had reached the consensus of how serious exploiting the land might be. “Squaw has a history beginning with the 60 Olympics, it shouldn’t come down levels to become corporate condos (Schaffer)”. Upon thanking Jake for being the trusty museum I had needed and departing from the Olympic Village, I craned my head up once more to the ant sized skiers and snowboarders vulnerable to the mercy of the grand mountain. How could such small organisms make such a difference, for the good or the bad, on a vital ecosystem that? A lot, actually.
Works Cited
“1960 Winter Olympic Games- Squaw Valley, California.” UNR Knowledge Center. University of Nevada Reno,
knowledgecenter.unr.edu/digital_collections/exhibits/olympics/about.html.
Accessed 13 Dec 2016.
Antonucci, David C.. The 1960 Winter Olympics. Arcadia Publishing, 2013
Schaffer, Jake. Personal Interview. 4 Dec. 2016.
“Squaw Valley 1960 Olympic Winter Games.” Encyclopedia Britannica. 15th ed., 1974
McLaughlin, Mark. “The Poulsens: A Squaw Valley Love Affair.” Tahoe Weekly. 12 Aug. 2015, http://thetahoeweekly.com/2015/08/the-poulsens-a-squaw-valley-love-affair/. Accessed 13 Dec 2016.
Tolme, Paul. “The Gondola That Will Change California Skiing Forever.” SQUAW, Nov. 2016, pp. 34-37.
Vogul, Ed. “Reno Tahoe Coalition Has Hurdles to Clear to Get the 2026 Winter Olympics”. Las Vegas Review-Journal. 15 Feb. 2015. http://www.reviewjournal.com/news/reno-tahoe-coalition-has-hurdles-clear-get-2026-win ter-olympics. Accessed 16 Nov 2016.