"Squallywood" Author to Host Clinics March 1, 6, and 7

Published February 27, 2009 08:44PM

– Squaw Valley USA is excited to announce that author and ski icon Robb Gaffney is leading Squallywood Clinics in 2009. Squallywood – A Guide to Squaw Valley’s Most Exposed Lines, Gaffney’s 200-page guide to the most technical lines at Squaw, has been coined “the Squaw Valley bible,” and is largely recognized as the best ski resort guide ever written. Gaffney’s ‘ski-the-book clinic’ was hugely popular last winter in its inaugural season. The Squallywood Clinic provides hard-core skiers and riders with the opportunity to ski the book – with the guy who wrote the book. This year there are two different versions: Squallywood Clinic Light on March 1, and Squallywood Clinic Supersized, a 2-day clinic on March 6 & 7, 2009.

The March 1 Squallywood Clinic Light is taking place next Sunday, the same weekend that the world’s best freeride skiers and snowboarders stake their claim on the never-before-open terrain below Tower 1 – for the Nissan Tram Face – Freeride World Tour, February 27- March 5. It is no coincidence that Squaw Valley’s burliest big mountain events are scheduled for the same weekend. Expert skiers and riders can watch history being made on the tantalizing Tram Face on Saturday, and learn how to ski Squaw Valley’s infamous lines with the guy who wrote the book on how-to-ski Squaw Valley’s gnarliest lines on Sunday.

A one day clinic that focuses on the high quality terrain and aesthetic lines that have made Squaw Valley “Squallywood”. We will tour and ski the most photographed and filmed areas of the mountain as well as Squaw’s secret nooks and crannies. Enjoy yourself as you push your riding to any level that you feel confident. Lay a few gentle turns down an open slope, jump a rock, ski a 40 degree slope, or try out a 60 degree wall – this clinic is made for anyone “advanced” and up. To top off the experience, share a few runs with some of the rock stars that have made their careers on this mountain. Get some pictures with them. Pick their brains. Try to keep up. Show them what you’ve got. Or simply watch them ski. You will leave this day pumped!

A beefed up, two day version of last year’s one day clinic. It has been described as the “fantasy island” of the skiing and snowboarding world, immersing participants in a real life film and photo shoot. On the first day we will take a few runs to let the group get to know each other before we set off to our filming location. After a few hours of filming, we will be joined by some of the pros and cameramen who began their careers at Squaw Valley. While they ride side by side with you, they will film with you, they’ll give you tips on how to choose a line, how to ski for the camera, and how to talk smack to your friends while on the mountain. Don’t forget to get some pictures with them! On day 2 we will spend the day touring and ripping up all parts of the mountain. We will safely show you terrain you have never seen before – and may have never wanted to see before. You will finish the day realizing how extensive Squaw Valley’s terrain truly is. When our legs are shot, we’ll head to the bar and watch ourselves in our own movie and slide show pieced together by our photographer, Jason Abraham and filmmaker, Duane Kubischta. Take the DVD home and show your friends and family your experience!

Believe the hype! Read testimonials from last season’s Squallywood clinics here.

Robb Gaffney M.D. began studying the slopes of Squaw Valley when he was in college. He has been a featured skier in over 10 ski films including those of Matchstick Productions, Scott Gaffney Pictures and Omen Productions. He currently practices Psychiatry near the base of Squaw Valley. Anyone who has had the privilege of watching the doctor ski can attest to his remarkable ability to make the sketchiest, most unthinkable lines look as if they were put there for us to ski.

“Robb is the most talented, top level pro skier in the world that didn’t become a pro skier,” states professional ski icon, Shane McConkey. “He has skied every possible line at Squaw many times; [Robb] knows the mountain better than anyone except maybe his brother. He’s not only a tremendous athlete, he also has an MD in psychiatry – so he’s smart too.”

Squallywood Clinic cinematographer, Duane Kubischta has been filming and producing ski movies for the last three years with the company that he founded in Lake Tahoe, Adventure Film Works. His 2006 release, Hustle & Snow was featured in many different film festivals including the Banff Mountain Film Fest and the Squaw Valley Winter Film Festival where it won the Squally Award. His 2007 release, “Weather We Change,” focuses on how global warming will affect skiing and what skiers can do to help with the impending crisis. More information can be found on his website,

Jason Abraham, Squallywood Clinic photographer, began shooting skiing and snowboarding a few years ago. Despite being relatively new to the bustling photography scene at Squaw Valley, Abraham has taken some of the best Squaw photos in recent years. Abraham’s photos from the epic 2006 season are featured throughout the 2nd Edition of Squallywood, including the book’s cover shot. Jason Abraham has a photography business, Elevated Image Photography, and his work can be viewed on www.elevatedimg.com.

Expert skiers and riders who are interested in signing up for the Squallywood Clinic should log on to

The most up-to-date resort conditions, operation schedules, events and live mountain cams are available on