Squaw Valley, CA - 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 70’s. The course climbs 2,000 vertical feet over 3.2 miles from the bottom of the Lake Tahoe-area ski resort's Funitel to High Camp. In remembrance of local legend, Billy Dutton, the 19th Annual Billy Dutton Uphill takes place on Sunday, March 30.

The annual Squaw Valley spring race is open to Nordic skiers, snowshoers, runners and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Signups for the March 30 race begin at 7 a.m. at the Olympic Plaza. The race starts at 8 a.m. at the bottom of the Funitel. The $20 entry fee includes a tee shirt and goodie bag and proceeds benefit local Nordic Race Scholarship Programs.

Captain of the famed Squaw Valley Chiefs broomball league during the 1970's 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 his passion, Billy helped establish the Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue (TNSR) in 1976.

“Bill was our strongest skier. I was always sure to be with the likes of him when we teamed up on searches,” says Doug Read, another original and current member of TNSR. Read recounts the time, several winters back, when Dutton herringboned eight miles up and out of a canyon near Diamond Crossing, carrying a hurt woman on his back to safety and recovery.

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

Prizes will be awarded for all age categories.