Celebrate local Olympic history at 4th annual Free Ski Day at Sugar Pine Point State Park

TAHOMA, Calif. – California State Parks and the Sierra State Parks Foundation are bringing back groomed Nordic skiing at Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park by inviting the public to a free ski day on Sunday, March 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The latest round of winter storms has brought in plenty of fresh snow for the park to offer this popular pastime. The public can ski or snowshoe on the trails made famous when the biathlon and cross-country events of the 1960 Winter Olympics were held here.

“This is a fantastic, one-of-a-kind activity that allows the whole family to explore this state park jewel,” said Heidi Doyle, executive director of Sierra State Parks Foundation. “You can really soak in the beauty of the eastern Sierra landscape at Sugar Pine Point State Park.”

The Sierra State Parks Foundation is graciously covering parking fees to be waived for the public valid only on March 5 during the event hours. State Park Rangers provide beginner clinics for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, bring your own equipment, as well as biathlon demonstrations, equipment provided by Tahoe XC, throughout the day. Ski the Olympic trails with Olympians Glenn Jobe and Biby Xantus. Hot cocoa and coffee will be served by The Foundation.

The blue (beginner) trail and the north side of the red (intermediate) trail will be groomed for the remainder of the snow season every Wednesday and Friday as conditions allow. Normally the cost of parking is $5 per vehicle during 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 help provide trail signs and equipment storage. “This is a great example of a public-private partnership to provide a unique experience for the public,” added Doyle.

Free trail maps are available at the trailhead and online. Pre-registration for the free parking pass is required before the day of the event. Register at www.SierraStateParks.org.

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.