The Palisades Mountain Run, presented by Tahoe Mountain Sports, comes to Palisades Tahoe on Saturday, July 20. For more than four decades, hundreds of runners and hikers have made an annual pilgrimage to picturesque Olympic Valley, California, for the Palisades Mountain Run (formerly the Squaw Valley Mountain Run). Participants gain 2,000 feet in elevation as they amble along a 3.6-mile course that winds up Mountain Run from the base area to High Camp.

Each year, this event attracts both hardcore athletes and those just looking for an adventure as they hike/walk/run to cross the finish line at High Camp, where food, fun, fields of wildflowers, and breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe and the majestic Sierra Nevada await. And it’s all for a good cause! Proceeds benefit the Gene Upshaw Memorial Tahoe Forest Cancer Center and Far West Nordic Ski Education Association.

“For many, this event has become a celebration of life in honor of loved ones who have fought cancer or who have personally faced their own cancer battle,” said Far West Nordic President Spencer Eusden. “You are also supporting the future of cross-country skiing within the Far West region, as well as up-and-coming junior skiers within our Nordic programs.”

There will be a flag at registration for those who wish to sign for themselves or to memorialize friends and family. A volunteer participant will carry the flag along the race route from the base of Palisades Tahoe up to High Camp. A portion of funds raised from the Palisades Mountain Run are donated to the Tahoe Forest Health System Foundation to support programs and services for cancer patients at the Gene Upshaw Memorial Tahoe Forest Cancer Center.

Event spectators can join in the fun at the top of the course for festivities and to support the Cancer Center and Far West Nordic. With the purchase of an event ticket, spectators can ride the tram up to High Camp. At the top, receive a commemorative pint glass, entry in the raffle, beer from Truckee’s FiftyFifty Brewing Co. (must have ID), food, live music, and the opportunity to cheer on friends and family. Participants can even take part in post-race stretching and yoga session.

Adult participants and spectators can register for $45 until July 4; juniors aged 20 and under, $30. From July 5-19, adult registration is $50; $35 for juniors. Day-of registration is $65 for adult participants and $50 for adult spectators; day-of junior registration is $50, $35 for junior spectators. As a thank you to all the men and women who serve in our country’s military, get 15% off your registration with the code MIL15. Military ID will be required upon bib pick up. There will be no discounted tram tickets this year for event spectators. You must join the event to get a ride to the top. Those wanting to ride a later tram can purchase a tram ticket from Palisades and ride up later.

Want to be part of the action without the climb? Sign up to help out on race day. Lend a hand at registration, feed stations, or up at High Camp. Special events like this would not be possible without the help of our selfless volunteers.

Find full details for the Palisades Mountain Run, including links to register as a participant and to sign up to volunteer, at farwestnordic.org.