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Squaw Valley Renamed Palisades Tahoe

Squaw Valley Ski Resort, home to the 1960 Winter Olympics, has officially changed its name to Palisades Tahoe. The Inn Shop, next to Plumpjacks and adjacent to the Aerial Tram, offers ski and snowboard rentals, and has been located within the resort since 1972.

A message posted on the Palisades Tahoe website and on social media confirmed the name change: “Today marks the first day of the next chapter of our resort’s storied history. While the name may be new, the legend and legacy of these valleys continue on, now as Palisades Tahoe.”

Over a year ago, the resort announced that they would be changing the name of Squaw Valley. It became clear that the use of the word ‘squaw’ was derogatory and offensive. The resort promotes inclusiveness, and they felt that the name did not represent the core values of the company.

“We spoke extensively to the local community, heavily researched local history, and went through countless rounds of creative exploration,” their website stated. “We dug hard and deep to find a name and identity that would do justice to this place and its legacy.”

They were searching for a name that would better define the mountain lifestyle, winter sports, and the people who live in California and North Lake Tahoe. They also sought to memorialize all that makes the resort unique.

A ‘palisade’ is defined as a line of bold cliffs. The Palisades Tahoe name honors two of the resort’s most beloved terrain areas. First are the iconic granite walls above Siberia Express, honored because of the many generations of free skiers who have made this area legendary. The second terrain is alongside the historic Alpine Bowl Chair at Alpine Meadows. This is another favorite area for skiers and snowboarders.

After outreach to Native American groups, and specifically the Washoe Tribe, the company decided to drop the derogatory name. The resort also said that when the resort was named in 1949, there was no intent to be derogatory or offensive.

“With the momentum of recognition and accountability we are seeing around the country, we have reached the conclusion that now is the right time to acknowledge a change needs to happen,” Ron Cohen, president and COO of Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows had stated a year ago.

logo Palisades Tahoe

They also have a new logo that features an Eagle. According to their website: “Vital to both the history of Olympic Valley and the Washoe people, the Eagle is a legendary symbol of freedom that keeps watch over our valleys. We added our two mountains in a way that can also be read as eagle feathers or the waters of Lake Tahoe. The shapes reference the flat land and cliffs of the Palisades, while the wavelike forms exude the distinct vibes of California culture.”

In addition to the name change of the resort, the Village at Squaw Valley will be renamed as The Village at Palisades Tahoe. With input from the local Washoe tribal elders, the resort is exploring new names for the Squaw Creek and Squaw One chairlifts. The tribal elders are also working to rename Squaw Creek and Squaw Peak.

We are proud to be the only privately owned rental shop within steps of the lifts at Palisades Tahoe. Since 1972, we have been under the same ownership, offering the very best rental experience, and utilizing the latest state-of-the-art computer technology.

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