Billy Dutton Uphill back for 19th year

Click to Enlarge Billy Dutton helped establish the Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue team in 1976. The annual Billy Dutton Uphill is held in remembrance of Dutton, who passed away at age 39. Provided to the Sun Browse and Buy Sierra Sun Photos

Sun Staff reports
March 26, 2008

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Click to Enlarge A snowshoe competitor passes a skier during last year's Billy Dutton Uphill. This year's event will be held on Sunday, March 30. Sun File photo Browse and Buy Sierra Sun Photos

The Billy Dutton Uphill is Squaw Valley’s original “run what ya brung” uphill race — an uphill answer to the famous ‘Chinese Downhill’ of the 1970s that sends participants 2,000 vertical feet in 3.2 miles from the bottom of KT-22 to High Camp.

The 19th annual event, which is held in remembrance of friend and local legend Billy Dutton, will take place Sunday, March 30.

Dutton passed away at age 39, but his spirit lives on.

Captain of the Squaw Valley Chiefs broomball league during the 1970s at Blyth Arena, the always-smiling Dutton loved cross country skiing. His passion led him to a vast knowledge of the Tahoe Basin and the surrounding backcountry.

Based on that passion, Dutton helped establish the Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue (TNSR) in 1976.

“Bill was our strongest skier,” said Doug Read, another original and current member of TNSR. “I was always sure to be with the likes of him when we teamed up on searches.”

Read recounted the time when Dutton herringboned 8 miles up and out of a canyon near Diamond Crossing carrying an injured woman on his back to safety and recovery.

“All he asked was if I would carry his poles,” Read recalled. “He was the type who made our community such a wonderful place to live.”

Dutton continues to be remembered by friends and family each year at the Billy Dutton Uphill, which is open to Nordic skiers, snowshoers, runners and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.

Sign-ups for the race begin at 7 a.m. and the race starts at 8 a.m. at the bottom of the Funitel. The $20 entry fee includes a T-shirt and goodie bag. Proceeds from the race benefit the Tahoe Nordic Race Scholarship Programs, which helps fund local youth Nordic athletes. Prizes will be awarded for all age categories.

For more information call 583-5170 or 583-6985 or visit www.squaw.com.