Lake Tahoe was one of the first areas in the United States to develop snow skiing into a family sport with lifts that take you up the mountain. In fact, the heritage of the people who have lived surrounding Big Blue (as Lake Tahoe is affectionately known) have included skiing in their lives for centuries. With such a rich historical interweaving of skiing and Lake Tahoe people, a museum dedicated to showcasing this special history was needed. Located in Boatworks Mall, Museum of Sierra Ski History and 1960 Winter Olympics fulfills this need. Filled with relics of skiing going back to times before the spread of agriculture to historical remnants of skiing during the medieval days, the museum first takes visitors on a journey of how skiing has affected the culture that we find today. Continuing on, the museum expands into sharing the story of how Lake Tahoe was home to one of the first lift-served ski areas, Squaw Valley, and how it consequentially won the 1960 Winter Olympic bid. The museum has hundreds of original artifacts from the Olympics, including medals, clothing and memorabilia that was sold at the Games. The museum also pays respect to the long list of professional skiers who come from Lake Tahoe and have influenced the sport as we know it today. The museum is free and a great outing for the family.
Museum of Sierra Ski History and 1960 Winter Olympics
760 North Lake Boulevard, Tahoe City, CA
(702) 497-4048