Palisades Tahoe USA is hosting the second annual nation-wide Helly Hansen Professional Ski Patrol Olympics April 26 through April 28, 2011.  Ski Patrollers from all over North America and Canada will be competing for glory and $10,000 in cash and other prizes such as avalanche probes, backpacks compliments of Helly Hansen, Alpine Traverse, Recco and BCA.

Competitions will include a randonée race, beacon competition, GS race, sled race, bamboo throw and simulated bomb throw. All competitions will be visible from the Cornice II snow lounge and BBQ area where spectators can partake in the excitement and suspense.

New this year, the Helly Hansen Professional Ski Patrol Olympics has added an Avalanche Rescue Dog competition where resort’s top dogs will go head to head in a two-day challenge. Avalanche rescue dogs are an important component of any patrol team. Not only are these dogs highly trained and incredibly smart, they are also adorable and playful animals. The K-9 competition will include a timed retrieval of buried objects. 

Registration for the event will take place Tuesday, April 26 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Papoose Discovery Center located across from Cornice Cantina. Registration to compete costs $89 per patroller and includes a two-day lift ticket to Palisades Tahoe USA and participation in the events.  A discounted entry fee is available for patrollers with Palisades Tahoe season passes. Spectators are invited to watch the competition and enjoy the only the snow BBQ in the Cornice II Bowl.  Spectators are also welcome to celebrate their favorite patrollers’ victories at of the after parties hosted by Cornice Cantina.

Which ski resort has what it takes to win the 1st Gold medal? Patrollers and spectators will find out April 26-28, 2011 at Palisades Tahoe USA.

Tuesday 4/26
Registration,  Cornice Cantina 6-9 p.m.

Wednesday 4/27
9:45 a.m. - Randonee Race, Cornice II Bowl
10 a.m. – Recco competition, Headwall
10 a.m. – Beacon Competition, Headwall
12 p.m. – Dog Competition, Sun Bowl
12 p.m. - GS Race, The Slot
12:30-2 p.m. - On Snow BBQ, Bottom of Cornice II Bowl
5 p.m. – Awards Ceremony, Cornice Cantina with DJ party

Thursday 4/28
10 a.m. – Recco competition, Headwall
10 a.m. – Sled Race, Headwall Face
10 a.m. – Bamboo Throw, Lost Lake Check in Bottom of Headwall Chair
10 a.m. – Bomb Throw (long/short)
12 p.m. – Dog Competition, Sun Bowl
12:30 2 p.m. - On Snow Lunch, Bottom of Cornice II Bowl
7 p.m. – Awards Ceremony, Cornice Cantina with the Pete Charles Band

For more information about the Helly Hansen Professional Ski Patrol Olympics please contact Palisades Tahoe Ski Patrol at 530-452-7124 or by email at eknudson@squaw.com.

Great spring lodging packages for both patrollers and spectators are available by calling 1-800-545-4350.