In 1960, with the sports world poised to show up on their doorstep, organizers of the Winter Olympics in Squaw Valley grew increasingly nervous through an unusually dry January.

"There was virtually no snow at Squaw Valley, and they brought in tribal snow-dancers and cloud-seeders," said Mark McLaughlin, a noted Tahoe historian.

But the weather changed in early February, bathing the area in snow, and then brilliant sunshine, to reveal a stunningly beautiful winter landscape.

Organizers of Olympic Heritage Week – a series of skiing events that commemorate the games 52 years ago – aren't likely to be so lucky.

With events beginning Saturday and running through Jan. 15, there is no snow on the ground and none is forecast.

"The trails are open and the events are going to happen – we'll just have foot hikes instead of using skis or snowshoes," said Heidi Doyle, interpretive program manager for California State Parks' Tahoe area, the event's sponsor.

At a meeting Monday, organizers decided to cancel only one event, the Jan. 14 "Citizens Against the Clock" biathlon, said Rob Weston, a park volunteer whose business, West Shore Sports, is a public partner for the event.

For other events, people may walk, run or bike on the trails during the day and hike the lakeshore during the full-moon "snowshoe" hike. The opening and closing ceremonies and several evening fund-raising events for the historic Olympic trails will go on as scheduled.

The annual festivities, which first took place in 2010 on the 50th anniversary of the 1960 Olympics, commemorate the biathlon and cross-country competitions that were held at what is now Ed Z'Berg Sugar Pine Point State Park.

In 1960, Squaw Valley didn't have room for the cross-country and biathlon events, so Florence Ehrman gave permission to use her property, Doyle said.

Five years later, the state purchased the property, including the Ehrman Mansion and the 1860 cabin of "General" William Phipps, and converted it to one of the state's most scenic parks.

Phipps, who homesteaded the land, protected his 160 acres from being logged while most of the area was being stripped.

The park also includes two miles of lakeshore and 10 miles of trails, which will be open for daytime hiking and biking free of charge, with an $8 parking fee.

A portion of the marked cross-country ski trails comprises a loop through the heart of the 1960 Olympics men's cross-country events and the biathlon trails.

Free trail maps will be available, and a series of interpretive signs guide visitors through the historic Olympic trails. Most events are for all ages and levels of skill, Doyle said.

Rangers and Dave Antonucci, author of "A Snowball's Chance: The Story of the 1960 Winter Olympics," also will lead free tours on the trails.

"Today's ski resorts make their own snow during dry periods, but we're working with a state park budget," Doyle said. "State Parks has no money, but we do have great public partners."

Because of the lack of snow, Weston said, the price of the Jan. 7 full-moon snowshoe hike he has volunteered to lead – now a foot hike along the lakeshore – has been lowered to $15 for adults and free for children.

The park's usual $8 parking fee will be waived for the moonlight hike, and all its proceeds will benefit the Sierra State Park Foundation.

"People just need to RSVP and remember to dress warmly," said Weston.

In addition to the unusual opportunity to hike or bike the Olympic trails in January, events include opening and closing ceremonies with past Olympians and local dignitaries, hot cider and cookies.

Also, three fundraising receptions are planned at the Gatekeeper's Museum, West Shore Cafe and the Granlibakken resort. These include an Olympic reception, cocktail party, dinner, silent auction, Olympic displays, slide shows and music.

The fundraisers will offer an opportunity to hobnob with past Olympians and other Nordic enthusiasts, Weston said, while helping to support the continuing restoration and maintenance of the trails.

For full details on each day's events, visit www.tahoewestshoreassoc.com and click on "calendar." If an event refers to snowshoes or skis, remember to substitute comfortable walking or running shoes. Doyle may be called with questions at (530) 583-3074.

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