Warren Miller's appearance at last year's 'Toast to Tahoe Skiing' was a very special occasion. Watch his speech again, and plan for this year's event! Watch it now!

Saturday, November 7, 2009 6:00 PM Resort at Squaw Creek Apres ski attire suggested Click for Great Rates at the Resort!

MOUNTAIN DREAMERS: CELEBRATING THE PIONEERING SPIRIT AND HISTORY OF SKIING AT LAKE TAHOE

The second annual A Toast to Tahoe Skiing gala takes place on November 7.  The event will bring together entertaining and informative speakers, an evening of gourmet food, a dynamic fashion show, a video history of Lake Tahoe's resorts, an auction, and the premiere of the Lake Tahoe segment of a major new ski film featuring some of Tahoe's most recognizable names.

Eric Brandt will serve as the master of ceremonies. Local author and historian Mark McLaughlin, who has been seen on the History Channel, CNN, The Weather Channel, and has a book due out later this year on Lake Tahoe's rich winter sports history, will give a presentation on the evolution of skiing, and the rise of the resorts, at Lake Tahoe. Our keynote speaker will be author, climber, Paralympian, and first and only person to ski across the Sierra using his arms only, Mark Wellman. Mark will speak about his journey skiing across the Sierra and skiing in the Sierra. Check out www.nolimitstahoe.com to learn more about Mark!

The program brings together many memorable elements, but the food is a draw in its own right. We know attendees will appreciate the European-influenced cuisine.

In addition, a bevy of local Olympians, ski film athletes, and local notables will participate in an upbeat fashion show displaying the latest ski fashions.

A fundraiser for Squaw Valley Institute, a nonprofit organization that brings events of cultural and educational significance to the Lake Tahoe region, the gala takes place the Grand Sierra Ballroom at AAA Four-Diamond Resort at Squaw Creek, which is situated at the base of Squaw Valley USA, beginning with a reception at 6:00 PM.

"As the event did last year, we expect this evening to bring together Tahoe's 'who's-who' and attract skiers and boarders from all around," said John Wilcox, president of the Squaw Valley Institute.  A free after-event party will take place in Resort at Squaw Creek's Sandy's Pub from 10 PM - 1 AM, featuring ski movies along with food and drink specials.

Tickets for the gala are $85 per person in advance; $100 at the door.  VIP tickets are $120.  A few VIP tables remain at $1,200 per table, which offer seating for 10 with prime access to the fashion show runway.  For ticket and VIP table information please click here, or call 530.581.4138.

Special room rates are available at Resort at Squaw Creek for A Toast to Tahoe Skiing from November 4 through November 7, 2009.  Deluxe Guestrooms start at $99 per room, per night, based on availability.  For room reservations call 800.401.9501, or visit www.visitsquawcreek.com.

Sponsors for the event include Sierra Heritage Magazine, Resorts Sports Network, Tahoe TV, Squaw Valley Times, Inside Tahoe Truckee TV, Squaw Valley USA, Alpine Meadows, Homewood Mountain Resort,  Resort at Squaw Creek, Cutler Graphic Design, California Snow, Squaw Valley Sports Shop and The Tahoe Weekly.

Squaw Valley Institute thanks these wonderful sponsors of A Toast to Tahoe Skiing: