River News Now Breaking News Travel

Lake Tahoe, California - To honor the hard work and sacrifice of the US Military, Squaw Valley USA is proud to offer free lift tickets to active military personnel for the fifth consecutive year. Squaw Valley USA Founder Alex Cushing, who passed away last year, served in World War II as a Lieutenant Commander.

His service in the US Navy transpired into a strong, lifelong connection with the military. Squaw Valley Ski Corp Chairman and CEO Nancy Cushing is carrying on Alex’s vision and once again, active duty military can ski and snowboard for Free at Squaw Valley USA, seven days a week during the 2007/2008 season.

“We at Squaw Valley USA are very proud of the United States armed forces and the tremendous job they do protecting our country,” says Nancy Cushing. “Our commitment to providing free skiing and riding to active duty members of the armed forces has deepened each year, and since the program’s inception, we have issued 49,000 free lift tickets. The appreciation that these service men and women have shown is deeply gratifying.”

Over the past four years, 49,000 active duty military participated in the program, saving them a collective $3 million. Above all, the program gives our military the opportunity to experience the intrinsic joy and diversion that is felt on Squaw Valley’s legendary slopes.

In response to the program, Squaw Valley USA has received hundreds of moving letters of thanks from military personnel. Those letters are poignant reminders of the hardship and loss rendered by the long and turbulent war. Amidst the beauty and simplicity of Tahoe, it is easy for us to forget; for a service member home from war, forgetting is a gift.

Nancy Cushing speaks on behalf of Squaw Valley Ski Corp in saying, “Thank you to the United States Military. We salute your efforts at home and overseas.”

To receive a free lift ticket and rental equipment discount, members of the US Military must bring an active duty Military ID to Special Tickets. (In addition to free lift tickets, Squaw offers a discounted rate on ski and snowboard equipment rentals for active duty military.) Normal blackout dates will apply including December 22, 2007– January 6, 2008, January 19-21, 2008, and February 16-18, 2008.