The Other Place Commits To A Name Change

The big day that many have been waiting for is finally here. Word had spread on the street that Squaw Valley would be announcing a new name on August 25th. All around the land, people were placing their bets on something as simple as Olympic Valley, to something as silly as Kookland. But all we got today was that Squaw Valley has committed to dropping the “Squaw” from Squaw Valley. A process is now underway to select a new name, with a hope to announce a new name by early 2021. This is a smart thing, as the year 2020 seems like one big jinx.

We agree with the decision. It is time for a change. We’re glad that they are taking some time to think it over. Here’s the details from today’s email:

What will this mean for you when you visit our resort? It will take some time for us to find the right name, and we are committed to doing this right, so you will not see immediate change. Behind the scenes, a team will begin work immediately on choosing a new name, which we will aim to announce in early 2021. We can’t feasibly implement mid-winter, so we will target summer 2021 for implementation. However, while the name of the resort will ultimately change, the things you love about Squaw Valley—that made you seek out our resort, join our mountain community and build cherished memories here—those will remain the same. This special place will always be the location of the 1960 Winter Olympics, the home of our beloved KT-22 chairlift and the legendary big mountain terrain where extreme skiing pioneers changed the sport forever, and the treasured mountain home for so many people who revere this amazing ski resort. 

I am hoping that what’s really happening behind the scenes is that Ron Cohen, President and COO of Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, is actively negotiating with the International Olympic Organizing Committee to use the name “Olympic Valley”, as it seems most fitting. It also makes a whole lot of sense.

There is one fly in the ointment that has been brought up since our last report on the name change in June. It’s possible that the powers that be could use this opportunity to unite both Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows under one new name. There is some logic to making that decision. I still hope it doesn’t happen.

Nobody has ever complained about the name Alpine Meadows ^{1 2}. It has stood the test of time since 1961. There’s nothing about it that is politically incorrect or culturally insensitive. I will admit though, there’s far more terrain than meadows at Alpine Meadows.

We’ve been pointing out for years that there is far more value to Alterra in having two separate resorts instead of one (not the biggest resort in North America). We would especially wonder if there will be a gondola connecting the two resorts any time soon. Nobody that I know really has much interest in riding a gondola anymore. I still won’t even consider indoor dining or being in small public indoor spaces. We also wonder what sort of financial picture Alterra will be in if this season is limited in scope. Would a gondola connecting the two resorts even be a priority, when everyone is talking about the return of small resorts?

I’m placing a vote now for the name Olympic Valley for our friends over the hill…and keeping it Alpine Meadows on this side.

1. Reports are that Andy Wirth hated the name Alpine Meadows
2. The was one guy on another popular ski blog that claimed “We own you” after Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows merged in 2011.