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The rapid evolution of the Tahoe-Truckee region into a world-class destination makes a major leap forward this week with the return of FIS World Cup racing to  Squaw Valley / Alpine Meadows. For the first time in 19 years, the region will host the world’s premiere women’s skiers beginning March 9. Race events held will consist of a Woman’s Giant Slalom on Friday, March 10th and Woman’s Slalom on Saturday, March 11. The races will be held on the Red Dog face with a finish corral adjacent to the base of the lift.

The 2 races are center stage for the weekend while other events are built around the World Cup welcoming guests from around the globe. (Red Dog Course Preview)

“Squaw is probably going to be the most difficult GS on the tour next year for the ladies,” said Atle Skårdal, FIS chie race director for the ladies’ Alpine World Cup. “It is a very, very technical and difficult hill, which we’re excited about. It seems to be a really keen organizing committee that is proactive in developing something memorable for everybody. Like Killington, it’s not a long-term deal with Squaw for the moment, but you don’t know what’s going to happen in the future. The production of a really great event has to be the motivation for these organizing committees.”

The weekend-long events will welcome thousands of spectators and fans to North Lake Tahoe. The entire community will play host to ski racing enthusiasts, aspiring young skiers and media from around the world. The event will be broadcast across America on NBC and NBCSN, and will be seen during primetime evening hours in Europe as well as across the globe, highlighting athletic talent and the Squaw Valley destination.

“From perfect bluebird days and adrenaline pumping trails to luxurious resorts and cool après ski vibes, winter in The Golden State is like nowhere else in the world,” said Visit California President & CEO Caroline Beteta. “The 2017 Alpine World Cup will put an international spotlight on one of California’s most majestic ski destinations and showcase the high altitude thrills and laid-back lifestyle that make for a snow experience that is uniquely Californian.”

The bidding process to host such an event is extensive and many years in the making. Host resorts must demonstrate not only viable terrain to execute the race but substantial infrastructure to welcome a worldly crowd in first-class accommodations. The Tahoe-Truckee region has seen extensive capital investment in resort and real estate in recent years offering a much higher level of sophistication to the consumer. Surging demand for premium real estate and tourist accommodations have followed; none more validating than World Cup.