Squaw Valley Ski Resort Renamed ‘Palisades Tahoe’
14th September 2021
The California ski resort has changed its name after the term ‘squaw’ was widely seen as derogatory. It was described as racist and sexist. NEW
The decision on a name change was made in 2020 after discussions with the local Washoe Tribe.
The tribe said the word is considered a racist and sexist slur against indigenous women
“It is inspiring that after seven decades in operation, a company as storied and established as this resort can still reflect and adjust when it is the necessary and right thing to do,” said the Palisades Tahoe President and COO , Dee Byrne.
“This name change reflects who we are as a ski resort and community—we have a reputation for being progressive and boundary-breaking when it comes to feats of skiing and snowboarding.
“We have proven that those values go beyond the snow for us. It’s an incredibly exciting time to be part of Palisades Tahoe and after more than 10 years at the resort, I’m honoured to be leading our team into this new era.”
The resort will begin implementing the new resort name and branding immediately, but expects the full changeover to take several years.
Image c/o Palisades Tahoe
Palisades refers to a prominent terrain feature at the Olympic Valley ski area.
It is a set of sheer cliffs with steep chutes above the Siberia chairlift.
There is also a separate terrain feature named Palisades off the Alpine Bowl chairlift.
The name is meant to signify “the unique geography and one-of-a-kind terrain of these mountains, the deep Olympic and ski culture histories across both valleys, the resort’s ability to challenge all levels of skiers and riders, and the incredible strength and loyalty of the community,” the resort said in a statement.
The name is the result of a lengthy process of local hearings and branding meetings.
About Palisades Tahoe
Palisades Tahoe is the largest ski resort in the Lake Tahoe region, boasting 6,000 skiable acres across two mountains.
Formerly Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, the more than 70-year-old resort celebrates a rich history as the host of the 1960 Winter Olympics, the Spring Skiing Capital, and home mountain to dozens of Olympic and World Cup athletes across multiple snow sports.
With an average annual snowfall of 400 inches, Palisades Tahoe frequently operates the longest ski and snowboard season in Lake Tahoe.
The Village at Palisades Tahoe offers year-round events and over 50 bars, restaurants and boutiques, many of which are locally owned and operated.
Palisades Tahoe is on the Ikon Pass, which offers access to 47 international ski destinations.
