1960 VIII Olympic Winter Games Museum

On Thursday, February 18, 1960, under storm-threatening skies, the greatest winter athletes in the world gathered in Squaw Valley. As the sun broke through briefly, 2,000 pigeons were released into the air. A throng of 1,000 competitors and 20,000 spectators stood hushed as the Olympic Torch completed a 9,000 mile odyssey from Europe and was placed in front of the Tower of Nations. Following the Olympic Oath and the Star Spangled Banner, Avery Bundy declared the Games "open" while the sky erupted into a kaleidoscope of fireworks and colorful balloons. Thus began the VIII Olympic Winter Games at Squaw Valley.

At that time, the 1960 Winter Games were the largest ever held, with 34 nations competing in 15 Alpine and ski jumping events, 8 speed skiing contests, 3 figure skating competitions and 28 hockey matches. Making its Olympic debut was the women's speed skiing and the men's biathlon, a combination of Nordic skiing and rifle marksmanship.

The Squaw Games were highlighted by many other Winter Olympic "firsts." They were the first Winter Games to be nationally televised and to house the athletes in their own Olympic Village. For the first time in winter Olympic history artificial refrigeration was utilized for speed skating events and electronic computers were used to tally results.

The VIII Winter Olympics propelled Squaw Valley into the world spotlight and spurred a tremendous growth in winter sports -- especially Alpine skiing. Thanks to the daring and vision of Alexander C. Cushing, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Squaw Valley Ski Corporation, Tahoe has never been the same -- it has only become better!

While vacationing in Lake Tahoe, take some time to visit the Olympic Winter Games Museum. The large expanses of glass windows and spaciousness encourage you to view the outdoor scenery, relax with a book and leisurely browse the glass showcases and displays that contain all manner of memorabilia from the 1960 VIII Olympic Winter Games.