Olympic Valley’s legacy of excellence has produced some of the top athletes in the world. But what would be possible from our storied valley if we created a place where those athletes could learn, grow, and come together under one roof?
That’s why we came up with the concept of Project Olympic, a hub for our community and foundation that will benefit all of us. This project will celebrate all that we cherish about our local mountain playground. Inspired by the spirit of the Olympics, the history of the valley, and the legacy of the Poulsen family, the project aims to build a foundational center of excellence that embodies community, accessibility, and sustainability for all.
We have the rare opportunity to acquire four parcels in the heart of Olympic Valley near the base of Palisades Tahoe. This is our chance to build something in line with our community values, backed by those who love this valley the most. We must invest in our future to ensure opportunities for the next generation to thrive while respectfully honoring the beauty and history of the valley.
Our goals for this project are multifold. We aim to build deed-restricted housing to address the shortage of workforce housing in the valley. We will create a world-class facility for high-altitude sports innovation and a state-of-the-art performance and fitness center for elite and aspiring mountain athletes with public access during certain hours. We will also create an educational hub for students of all ages, from a much-needed daycare center for our youngest learners to a potentially permanent home for Creekside Charter*, the TK-8 public charter school currently occupying temporary buildings near the base of Shirley Canyon.
We are committed to providing dedicated space for new and existing local businesses, including safeguarding the local businesses currently on the parcel such as Olympic Bootworks, Arcade Belts, and the U.S. Post Office, clearly a vital community service. Our vision also includes a community knowledge center, akin to Colorado’s thought-leading Aspen Institute, a creative hub and gathering space for residents and visitors to foster learning, leadership, and collaboration.
This is not just about development; it’s about creating a legacy for future generations. It’s about respecting our past and ensuring a brighter future. We are prioritizing the needs of the local community with reduced density and building heights, and we’ve built in a model of generating recurring cash flow to support our mission through the soon-to-be-formed Olympic Valley Foundation.
Modeled after the Vail Valley Foundation, the Olympic Valley Foundation’s core values will be community, education, athletics, and innovation. This foundation will serve as a guiding force for sustainable development and community enhancement, ensuring that all of its projects and initiatives align with the long-term well-being of the valley and its residents.
The success of Project Olympic relies on collaboration and grassroots support. Time is of the essence. We have the land under contract, but to ensure this vision becomes a reality, we must purchase it by the end of this year. Without donor support, these parcels could be lost to for-profit developers who could build high-end residential or hotel towers, changing the fabric of Olympic Valley forever. To take the next critical step, we are seeking donors to launch the Olympic Valley Foundation, which will be the driving force behind Project Olympic and future community projects and initiatives. If you believe in this mission, we need you now. Visit projectolympic.com to learn more and be a part of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to shape the future of Olympic Valley.
~ Adam Fischer, an entrepreneur, experienced real estate developer, and head U10 Tahoe Race Series coach for Team Palisades Tahoe, is passionate about innovation, skiing, athletics, and supporting his community. Travis Ganong, a professional athlete and Olympic skier, is an active community member and athlete alumnus of Team Palisades Tahoe.
*Creekside is a public charter school and is required by law to evaluate all facility options. The Creekside Charter Board will be working with Palisades Tahoe in concert with Project Olympic to find the best long-term facility option for the school.
