About
Keeping History Alive!
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.
Key Features
The future SNOW Sports Museum will reflect the interests of the Northern Sierra communities to preserve their winter sports and Olympic history, to share stories of the legends of winter, and to inspire generations to experience the wonder and passion of our unique mountain spirit.
Sierra NEvada Winter Sports History Museum
A collection or artifacts and stories from the Washoe people traveling on hand-hewn snowshoes, gold miners racing downhill on 14-foot long boards, the athletes, entrepreneurs and characters who make our western ski history unique.
An Olympic Museum
Celebrating the legacy of the VIII Winter Olympic Games held in 1960 and why they were “like no other Olympics past or future.”
A Hall of Fame
Regional Winter Sports, Olympic and World Cup athletes, as well as the pioneers who influenced our western winter sports history.
Education & Awareness
Programs in history, culture, sports innovation, plus environmental stewardship about how climate change affects our winters, our water, our lives.
Event Space For Residents And Visitors
For temporary exhibits, films, conferences, classes and lectures; as well as for meetings, social gatherings and events.
Community Hub
Year-round enrichment with amenities that support educational programs for history, arts & culture.
An Architectural Significant Building
Nestled in the forest of an existing park at the entrance to Olympic Valley, the building, museum and event center will be open and accessible year-round.
Cafe and Shop
No great museum would be without nourishment and gifts to help create new memories.
Visitor Center
Halfway between Lake Tahoe and Truckee, the museum will include a regional visitor center.
Our Team
Board of Directors
Mike Livak, President
Bill Clark, Vice President
Nancy Cushing, Secretary
Ron Parson, Treasurer
Eddy Ancinas, Past President
David Antonucci
Gary Davis
Christine Hovath
Heidi Spirgi
John Wilcox, Emeritus
Advisory Committee
Jim Dill
Tom Dwelle
John Fagan
Megan Ganim Sahnow
Scott Keith
Emily Laine
Gary Nagle
Nancy O’Connell
Lynn Suter
Conor Villines
Starr Walton-Hurley
Staff
Conor Villines, Preservation and Archiving
Jamie Olson, Administrative Assistant
The iconic displays of winter sports history will be an amenity to visitors and locals alike. The caliber of exhibits, community space and informational resources will enhance our destination offerings and we couldn’t be more excited to watch the Museum come to fruition.
Get Involved
> Sign up for E-news
> Make a Donation
> Donate Things
> Host a “Fireside Chat” (Informational Social Gathering)
> Volunteer (at the Boatworks temporary museum, collection program, social media input)
>Join our Board/Advisory Board
HAVE A GREAT IDEA…?
Do you have an idea to share with us about gear you could donate? A cool fundraising scheme? Historical photos, items, stories? A fun event for the temporary museum in the Boatworks?