Lexington Ski Hill

Snow skiing was introduced to Plumas County in 1858, when skis, then called “snow shoes,” were first used to travel to and from the mining camps. Sport skiing soon followed, and by 1863 it had become a “mania.” The first organized downhill ski races in the Sierra Nevada were held at this location, and many mining towns had teams that competed nearly every week during the winter months. The first skis were made of wood, were 12 feet long, had a single leather strap to hold the foot in place, and used a single pole. Racers often reached speeds of 80 miles per hour.

California · United States