Lake Tahoe ski resort commits to removing "squaw" from its name

OLYMPIC VALLEY, Calif. - Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows announced Tuesday that it is making a commitment to change the name of the legendary California mountain destination and remove the word "squaw."

What the new name will be is unknown at this time and work to determine what it will be is beginning immediately. They will announce the new name after the winter season concludes in 2021.

The company said they researched extensively into the etymology and history of the term “squaw,” both generally and specifically with respect to Squaw Valley, conducted outreach with Native American groups, including the local Washoe Tribe, and outreach to the local and extended community. That concluded with company leadership deciding it was time to drop the derogatory and offensive term “squaw” from the destination’s name.

“With the momentum of recognition and accountability we are seeing around the country, we have reached the conclusion that now is the right time to acknowledge a change needs to happen. While we love our local history and the memories we all associate with this place as it has been named for so long, we are confronted with the overwhelming evidence that the term ‘squaw’ is considered offensive,” said Ron Cohen, president and COO of Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows. “As much as we cherish the memories we associate with our resort name, we must accept that these emotional attachments do not justify our continuing use of a word that is widely accepted to be a racist and sexist slur. We will find a new name that reflects our core values, storied past, and respect for all those who have enjoyed this land. While the resort name will change, this special place will always be the location of the 1960 Winter Olympics, the home of our beloved KT-22 chairlift, the place where extreme skiing pioneers changed the sport forever, and the treasured mountain home for so many people who revere this amazing ski resort.”

The historic resort near the North Shore of Lake Tahoe was the location of the 1960 Winter Olympics.

A renaming project team headed by resort leadership will oversee the selection of the new name.

For more information on this decision, as well as the history surrounding the word “squaw,” please visit https://squawalpine.com/squaw-valley-alpine-meadows-name-change.