LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – After a year of searching for a new name for the ski resort, the site of the 1960 Olympics will now be called Palisades Tahoe.

The use of the word ‘squaw’ is considered to be a derogatory and offensive ethnic and sexist slur, and long-running complaints from the Washoe Tribe of Nevada led to a plan to change the name in mid-2020. overwhelming evidence that the term ‘squaw’ is considered offensive.

“We chose Palisades Tahoe because we wanted a name that captured the unique spirit that defines our resort and welcomes all to its slopes,” said President & COO of Palisades Tahoe Dee Byrne in a press release. “Anyone who is a skier has an affinity for their home resort, but there are few mountains that evoke the kind of passion and dedication from their community as do ours. Our new logo, the majestic eagle set above two towering peaks, signifies the self-determination and individuality that has defined generations of people who called these mountains home. Palisades Tahoe is an undeniable representation of the freedom and progression born of these peaks. The freedom to push boundaries, as well as the freedom to come as you are, at any skill level and from all walks of life. We want the world to know the welcoming and inclusive spirit of our resort and its people. A place where everyone will feel at home.”

The 72-year-old resort is starting to change signage and all old logowear has been removed from its retail shops. It will take awhile to remove everything with the Squaw Valley name on it as its in thousands of locations. The most prominent public-facing signage should be changed by the start of ski season and Byrne said they expect it to take multiple seasons to entirely replace everything.

“This will take some getting used to, but this name change was an important initiative for our company,” added Byrne. “At the end of the day, “squaw” is a hurtful word, and we are not hurtful people. It was a change that needed to be made for us to continue to hold our heads high as a leader in our industry and community. We have a well-earned reputation as a progressive resort at the forefront of ski culture, and progress can’t happen without change.”

More information is available on the new website, https://www.palisadestahoe.com/new-name.