Ski for free on Olympic trails at Sugar Pine Point State Park

LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Ski on the trails made famous in the 1960 Winter Olympics during a free ski day at Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park on Saturday, February 2 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

California State Parks and the Sierra State Parks Foundation are bringing back groomed Nordic skiing at the park and have invited the public to enjoy the sport in the same spot the biathlon and cross-country events of the Olympics were held.

The latest round of winter storms has brought in plenty of fresh snow for the park to offer this popular pastime.

“This is a fantastic, one-of-a-kind activity that allows the whole family to explore this state park jewel,” said Matt Green, Acting Sierra District Superintendent, California State Parks. “You can really soak in the beauty of the eastern Sierra landscape at Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park.”

Thanks to a generous donor through the Sierra State Parks Foundation, parking fees will be waived for the public on February 2 during the event hours. State Park Rangers will be on hand to help those new to Nordic skiing and to explore the winter trails. Hot cocoa will also be served.

“We have four miles of beautiful classic groomed tracks that follow a portion of the 1960 Olympic biathlon path running through the forest,” said Rob Weston, Board Member and Project Coordinator, Sierra State Parks Foundation. “Whether you’re a beginner or elite athlete, come on out for a fun time at the park.”

The blue (beginner) trail and the north side of the red (intermediate) trail will be groomed for the remainder of the snow season every Monday and Friday as conditions allow. The cost of parking is $5 per vehicle during the rest of the snow season.

The Sierra State Parks Foundation provides the grooming at the park through donations that help pay for the equipment lease and volunteers to perform the grooming. Donations can be made at the park kiosk. State Parks helps provide the trail signs and equipment storage. “This is a great example of a public-private partnership to provide a unique experience for the public,” added Green.

Free trail maps are available at the trailhead. You can also find it online here or download one through the Sierra State Parks Foundation’s Lake Tahoe Parks app.

Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park is located on the west shore of Lake Tahoe, 10 miles south of Tahoe City on Highway 89. Please be sure to check the weather forecast along with road conditions and closures when traveling in the high sierra.