The idea to build a museum of Sierra Ski History and the 1960 Winter Olympic Games has been in the hearts and minds of the skiing community for many decades; so when members of the Tahoe Truckee community joined together to pursue this goal, they established a Non-Profit 501 (c)(3) Foundation (Squaw Valley Ski Museum Foundation) and began to look for a site where the stories and events of over 100 years of ski history could be displayed in a modern facility.
In 2010, at the end of a week-long Olympic Heritage Celebration of the 50th anniversary of the 1960 Winter Olympics, an un-forgettable, sold-out Gala was held at the resort at Squaw Creek in Squaw Valley. It’s widely acclaimed success was proof of overwhelming interest and support . Soon after, an enthusiastic board of directors launched a fundraising campaign to hire a full-time executive director and engaged consultants, engineers and architects to complete the permitting process to secure the location. Grants from Placer and Nevada Counties have provided significant support, along with matching donor funds from Board members, organizations and individual donors in the community.
A new name, Sierra Nevada Olympic & Winter Sports Museum, better represents the geographic region and core values of the museum. The catchy acronym will resonate with all generations: The SNOW Sports Museum. Exhibits will display historical artifacts dating back to the 1800’s, and photographs and films will add to the stories and memories of past feats and events . The Museum will offer dynamic Educational opportunities for students and adults with lectures, films and fun interactive workshops.
