Forged: A Tribute to Our Mountain Community and Legacy of Excellence in Sport

On November 30, 2024 the community came together to celebrate a monumental art sculpture created by local artist, Toni Standteiner. The structure, a towering creation of local granite, steel, bronze and copper is a testament to the people who have contributed to and shaped the legacy of Palisades Tahoe.

Artist Statement

Toni’s inspiration was “It Takes a Valley,” meaning there are so many great people (family, coaches, community) and places (Dave’s Deli, Papoose School) who foster the top-quality athletes that come out of this stunning mountain and valley. He wanted to recognize all of them (tall standing steel and bronze figures are family and community, copper figures bending over are coaches and mentors), while also recognizing the mountain as teacher and tool (vertical rock in the center), and the athletes as products of this very special formula (small figures scattered about). The “wing,” where you’ll find all the names of the winners representing Palisades and Olympic Valley, is symbolic of the athlete soaring, flying, spreading their wings, and achieving greatness. The wing is wavy, meandering, moving beyond the linear, much like the athlete’s path toward success.

For this initial unveiling, 24 inductees who have been instrumental in the founding, development, and future of this community were honored and named to the work of art as well as an acknowledgment commemorating this land as the historical homeland of the Wá∙šiw people. The event included speeches by Palisades Tahoe President and COO Amy Ohran, VP of Skier Services Bill Hudson and Senior Advisor Mike DeGroff. All of the 2024 inductees were called forward and it was a tremendous showing of resort history, community contributions, and excellence in winter sports at the highest level.

There is a long list of planned inductees and this event will become an annual tradition where the community can come together and recognize the strength of our community and the people who are an inspiration not only in our regional history but also in shaping the future of the sport and the forward story of our region. This project was many years in the making and was originally conceived in advance of the 2017 World Cup at Palisades Tahoe and is a commitment to honor the many successful athletes who have called this region home. The plan evolved to include a broader distinction of contributions to the history and evolution of these mountains and our region. This project came to fruition in partnership and with a grant from the Alterra Forward Stance fund, a pledge to make a true and lasting impact that builds a better future for adventure.

Celebrations at the Village at Palisades Tahoe during the Forged unveiling

Celebrations at the Village at Palisades Tahoe during the Forged unveiling

Celebrations at the Village at Palisades Tahoe during the Forged unveiling

Celebrations at the Village at Palisades Tahoe during the Forged unveiling

Celebrations at the Village at Palisades Tahoe during the Forged unveiling

Celebrations at the Village at Palisades Tahoe during the Forged unveiling

2024 Inductees

Alex Cushing

Wayne and Sandy Poulson

John Reily

Barbara and Oakley Hall

Jonny Moseley

Eric Poulsen

Greg Jones

Tamara McKinney

Julia Mancuso

Jimmie Heuga

Shane McConkey

Travis Ganong

Marco Sullivan

Michelle Parker

Bryce Bennett

AJ Hurt

Ross Tester

Shannon Bahrke

Robb Gaffney

Hans Burkhart

Hans Standteiner

Werner Schuster

Troy Caldwell

The Future of Forged

This inaugural event, during Palisades Tahoe’s 75th season, will become an annual celebration of our mountain community. Each year, names will be inducted to honor individuals for their athletic excellence or legacy to Palisades Tahoe. The Forged unveiling featured live music from holiday carolers and a rock band. By bringing together the people who make this place so special, Palisades Tahoe continues to honor our legendary past while inviting a future of progression.

Join us in the Village for this season’s Forged induction ceremony for an evening of community, storytelling, and honoring the athletes and visionaries who shape our home.

FORGED 2025