Winter may have arrived late to Lake Tahoe but you won’t hear any complaints from visitors, or locals, who are happy to squeeze in some choice spring skiing. See some of the outstanding legends of American skiing including Olympians Julia Mancuso, Johnny Moseley, Shannon Bahrke, Marco Sullivan, Tamara McKinney and many more, April 7 for the inaugural Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows U.S. Ski Team Day held at Squaw Valley.
Supporters of the event, which also raises funds for the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Team Foundation, have an opportunity to spend the day skiing with U.S. Ski Team and Squaw Valley athletes, Olympians and alumni. The event also features an exciting U.S. Ski Team Pro-Am Race with afternoon activities including a public autograph session on the KT Deck and an end of day après Ski party at the Olympic Village Lodge.
Each year, nationwide events like the Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows U.S. Ski Team Day raise millions of dollars in funding to support the athletes of the U.S. Ski Team, U.S. Snowboarding and U.S. Freeskiing. More specifically, the funds generated through the event will support elite athlete training, development, competition and educational needs in the critical years leading up to the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia.
“Squaw Valley has a rich tradition in winter sports and the production of U.S. Ski and Snowboard Team athletes,” said Squaw Valley President and CEO Andy Wirth. “We are proud to host this event at Squaw Valley and to support the efforts of USSA. We look forward to offering our guests and aspiring young athletes the chance to celebrate, race and mingle with the past and present legends of sport.”
A highlight of the event is the afternoon Pro-Am race. Teams of five racers will be paired with a celebrity skier and will go head to head on the race course. The U.S. Ski Team is currently looking for local businesses and individuals to sponsor teams for the Pro-Am Race. Every team that is sponsored will be composed of two deserving Squaw Valley Ski Team Racers, two local U.S. Ski Team alumni and an additional racer chosen by the sponsor. Individuals and groups are also encouraged to put together and enter their own teams for the race. Pro-Am Race entry begins at a $1,000 entry donation per team sponsorship or a $200 donation per racer.
The day’s festivities will conclude with an exclusive Après Ski Party and celebration at the Olympic Village Lodge where fans will have an opportunity to meet and mingle with the visiting Olympians after their day on the slopes. Individual tickets to the après ski party are available for a $150 donation to the Team. Family packages are also available for a $300 donation. In thanks of their support, all guests will receive an official U.S. Ski Team t-shirt and be entered into a raffle for the chance to win exclusive U.S. Ski Team gear and prizes.
The Foundation is also looking for businesses and individuals to sponsor teams for the afternoon Pro-Am race. All donations to the Team are tax deductible to the extent of the law. Potential sponsors can contact Jessica Miller at the U.S. Ski Team by e-mail or by calling 435-647-2095 or by visiting the USSA web site for more details.
The USSA Foundation is the non-profit raising arm of the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA), the national governing body of skiing and snowboarding. Funds raised support year-round athlete training, development, competition and educational needs of world-class athletes pursuing the Olympic dream. The RTWGC encourages attendance and participation in what will be an annual event designed to support the Olympic spirit.
