Near Blairsden-Graeagle in Plumas County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Longboard Ski Races

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, May 31, 2012

1. Longboard Ski Races Marker

Inscription. Gold Mountain, now Eureka Peak, is the site of some of the first organized ski races in the western hemisphere. Ski clubs organized in the 1850’s rode 10-14 foot “longboards snowshoes” down “Lost Sierra” slopes in Plumas and Sierra counties. Here on Eureka Peak, ore car buckets doubled as the world’s first ski lift. “Dope is King” referred to secret ski waxes concocted by dopemakers who split the prizes with the winners. In the 1930’s Johnny Redstreake and the O’Rourke clan crossed the finish line ahead of modern alpine ski racers. Since the 1950’s the Plumas Ski Club has kept skiing alive at “Eureka Bowl.” A few of their number began the “Historic Longboard Revival Series” in 1993. It is the longest running series of races since 1911. Long live the proud tradition of longboard ski racing on Gold Mountain!

Erected 1997 by E Clampus Vitus, Las Plumas del Oro Chapter No. 8 & Plumas Ski Club.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Sports. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1993.

Location. 39° 45.977′ N, 120° 41.999′ W. Marker is near Blairsden-Graeagle, California, in Plumas County. It

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can be reached from Johnsville - Eureka Lake Road. This marker is located in Plumas-Eureka State Park. Drive to the parking lot at the end of Johnsville - Eureka Lake Road. From there take the right hand dirt road (trail) and walk to the ski chalet. The marker is mounted on the wall of the ski chalet. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Blairsden Graeagle CA 96103, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s Shasta Cascade

and in the Sierra Nevada.

It is also in the American Mountain West.

Globally, it is in North America,

in the Cascade Range,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Johnsville Firehouse (approx. half a mile away); Winter in the Sierra (approx. 0.6 miles away); Thar’s Gold in Them Hills! (approx. 0.6 miles away); Pioneer Ski Area of America (approx. 0.7 miles away); Emigrant Trail (approx. 0.7 miles away); Jamison City, Eureka Mine and Mill, Johnstown (approx. 3.8 miles away); Olympic Flagpole (approx. 4.3 miles away); a different marker also named Jamison City, Eureka Mine and Mill, Johnstown (approx. 4.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Blairsden-Graeagle.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Mohawk Hotel and Tavern (was approx. 3.6 miles away but has been confirmed missing).

Also see . . . Historic Longboard Revial Series - YouTube. Video clip. These guys must be crazy. (Submitted on June 20, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, May 31, 2012

2. Longboard Ski Races Marker

Intorf Lodge image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, May 31, 2012

3. Intorf Lodge

The home of longboard ski racing.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, May 31, 2012

4. Intorf Lodge

Eureka Bowl Ski Area image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, May 31, 2012

5. Eureka Bowl Ski Area

Credits. This page was last revised on November 14, 2020. It was originally submitted on June 20, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 932 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 20, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.