Squaw Valley's Spring Conditions Offer Exceptional Learning Environment for Skiers and Snowboarders

**NEWS PRODUCERS, ASSIGNMENT EDITORS, WEB CONTENT EDITORS**

Squaw Valley's Spring Conditions Offer Exceptional Learning Environment for Skiers and Snowboarders

BROADCAST VIDEO FOOTAGE AVAILABLE - Preview and download broadcast quality MPEG 2 b-roll footage (AVAILABLE AFTER 2:00pm, PST on March 5).

STORY SUMMARY: Mar 5, 2008 – As spring settles in at Squaw Valley USA, skiers and snowboarders are treated to exceptional conditions, great weather, and the perfect opportunity to learn or improve their technique.

FOOTAGE DESCRIPTION: Footage includes shots of skiers and snowboarders enjoying spring conditions and around the mountain (shot Mar 5), b-roll of learning center area, and sound bites (see below).

SUGGESTED COPY: Hailed as the 'Spring Skiing Capital of the World', Squaw Valley USA's deep snowpack of over ten feet, and long season provides skiers and snowboarders of all abilities with perfect conditions and a pleasant environment for learning and improving their technique. Mild weather, with sunny skies, and longer days, combined with the softer, more forgiving spring snow create a welcoming and enjoyable experience for first timers, while the deep snowpack provides ample challenges all over the mountain for the more advanced.

This spring, the Squaw Valley Ski and Snowboard School will offer numerous clinics and special programs specifically tailored to skiers and snowboarders of all abilities.

The Papoose Discovery Center is a dedicated beginner area with expansive beginner terrain at the base of the mountain. The Papoose Deluxe double chairlift is a custom-outfitted chairlift with special padded seats and extra room to accomodate beginners with ease and comfort. This unique area is a great starting place for first time skiers and snowboarders, with wide-open easy learning terrain.

The new Squallywood Clinic, to be held on March 8th, is a one-of-a-kind clinic based on the book Squallywood, where participants get to "ski the book" and experience numerous Squaw Valley runs that are featured in popular ski movies.

"It's kind of like 'Fantasy Island' for skiers," says Robb Gaffney, author of the book and an accomplished skier. "We wanted to give people the experience of making a ski movie."

The Ski and Snowboard School also offers special 3-day clinics for men and women, designed to improve skills and take skiers to the next level. Clinics are scheduled for March 14-16.

On March 30th, Squaw Valley will hold another Learn Ski and Ride Day with special $35 lift, lesson, and rental packages for first time skiers and snowboarders.

Group and private lessons are also offered daily throughout the season. For more information about Squaw Valley conditions and operations, visit www.squaw.com

SOUND BITES:
- Stef Marticovena, Ski Instructor, Chile
- Jeniece Thomas, Novato, CA.
- Susan Loskutoff, San Anselmo, CA.

LOCATOR: Squaw Valley USA, North Lake Tahoe, CA.

PROVIDED BY: Squaw Valley Ski Corp.
Contact: Savannah Cowley (530) 581-7130, scowley@squaw.com

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