SAM Magazine-Squaw Valley, Calif., Mar. 25, 2010- In honor of the 50th anniversary of the 1960 Squaw Valley Olympic Winter Games, Squaw Valley USA is hosting the first-ever U.S. Professional Ski Patrol Olympics Apr. 16 to 18, 2010. This will be the first time that ski patrollers from across the continent have gathered for one epic competition, with events ranging from sled races and beacon competitions to simulated bomb throws. Several international patrol teams have also been invited to attend.

The weekend kicks off Friday with a registration party. On Saturday, a randonée race kicks things off, followed by a beacon competition and a GS race, followed by a blowout BBQ. The day's events wrap up with awards and after-party at Squaw Valley's Cornice Cantina.

On Sunday the competition continues with a sled race, bamboo throw and simulated-bomb throw. Patrollers will again enjoy a mid-mountain lunch. The weekend concludes at Cornice Cantina with an awards ceremony, music and prizes.

Registration costs $89 per patroller. That includes a two-day lift ticket to Squaw Valley USA, two mid-mountain, on-snow BBQ lunches and admission to the Sunday night awards ceremony with live music. Discounted lodging is available for patrollers and spectators through Squaw Valley Central Reservations at 1.800.545.5585. \