History is preserved at the Plumas Eureka State Park in Johnsville, CA, where blacksmithing demonstrations, gold mining history, and longboard ski races can be observed in a place that feels like time has stood still. This area was home to gold rush miners who used skiing to get around in winter. The mountains here are buried in snow for much of the year, so long wooden skis were used by miners to travel. The miners called the skis "snowshoes" and soon began forming clubs to have ski racing competitions.
The ski racing tradition is carried on by the Plumas Ski Club, which holds ski races using the traditional wooden longboards at the nearby ski hill. Blacksmith demonstrations can be seen during summer, along with mining structures, artifacts, and there is a museum showcasing the history of the area.
