We took a day off of skiing this weekend and headed to the Johnsville Historic Ski Bowl for the first of three longboard races this winter. Longboard races began in the United States in this area by 1800’s gold miners that were looking for some extra fun. The first ski lifts in the United States were the ore carts that serviced mines in the area.
The Johnsville Ski Bowl began operations in the winter of 1957 with rope tows. Eventually, two poma lifts were acquired from Squaw Valley and became the workhorses of the ski area until about 2002. Thousands of kids from Plumas and Sierra County learned to ski there during those years. In my former career as a teacher, I have fond memories of challenging students to make it to the top of the big Poma, and then racing them back down the hill. Unfortunately, the area ceased operations when a real estate company took over operations, and then went bust.
Over the last 17 years, the Plumas Ski Club continues to host longboard races three times a year, snow permitting. Backcountry skiers have also discovered the ski bowl terrain and Eureka Peak as an easy to access spot for fun. Efforts to revive the ski area have continued, funded largely from profits from the long board races and the Lost Sierra Hoedown. The Hoedown, headed into its 8th year this September, is an event that I’ve written about several times over the years, as well as spending a lot of time coordinating merchandise sales and volunteers for the event. I hope to see the Ski Bowl back in action during my lifetime. Over the last year, a new generator to power everything was installed and the lodge was completely rewired to meet current codes. There’s still a ways to go.
On to the races! Competitiors are essentially straightlining the equivalent of a bunny hill on long skis, with leather strap bindings. How long are the skis? They range from 11 to 16 feet in length and are generally several inches thick. One pole is used to get going, for steering and for stopping. Top speeds are generally attributed to proper form and proper dope. Proper ski waxes are not permitted. Dope recipes include oil of cedar, pine pitch and spermeceti of whale origin.
This weekend 17 males and 5 females competed for the glory of the win. Most racers compete in heats of two racers, although this weekends races included some threesomes. Thanks to a recent snowfall and cold temperatures, the snow was fast but still forgiving. Most of the competitors choose to wear period costume. In an interesting sidetone, it turns out that some of the competitors haven’t ever skied alpine gear at a regular resort.
While the races are going on, there were people on backcountry gear and regular alpine gear hiking the surrounding runs and making their own fun. Behind the lodge, kids tackled the bunny slope on sleds and saucers. Food and beverages were offered at the Intorf Lodge, the quintessential ski lodge with big timbered beams and a circular stone fireplace with a floating hood. Period music was played on the deck by the Lost Sierra Ramblers.
There was an eclectic mix of spectators for the event. A huge crowd of locals turn up for the events, but we also noted hats and hoodies from just about every Tahoe resort. Also, with the connection to gold mining and California history, each longboard race does attract a fair share of Clampers. Many of them have never skied, but they do know how to party.
On Saturday night, the organizers of the Lost Sierra Hoedown offered an intimate music event in the lodge, dubbed “The Longboard Leadin”. Willy Tea Taylor, Bobcat Rob and Joe Kaplow performed for a crowd of 100, most of whom were longtime Hoedown veterans. Sorry to those that missed the very lightly advertised event! I have a feeling we’ll see that happen again. The next longboard races for this season are scheduled for the third Sunday in February and March, conditions permitting.
