Olympic Heritage week events coming in January

From the California state parks:

During the winter of 1960 athletes from around the world came to Lake Tahoe to participate in the Winter Olympic Games. The biathlon and cross-country (XC) events of the V111 Winter Olympics were held in what is now Ed Z’Berg Sugar Pine Point State Park. A portion of the marked XC trails takes you on a loop through the heart of the men’s events where you travel with the spirit of the games on the trails of the biathlon and men’s events.

“The magic of the Olympics and our California snow heritage comes alive as our visitors ski or snowshoe under the forest canopy or along Tahoe’s magical shoreline,” shares Interpretation Program Manager Heidi Doyle of California State Parks. Join park staff and our local business partners, as we continue to celebrate our snow heritage with a series of events designed to highlight what makes our region so special. This historic venue will come alive with the Olympic spirit as the public is invited to join us for a week of special events celebrating our Olympic Heritage.

•Jan 7 (Sat) 11 a.m. Olympic Snow Trails Open
The 13 km blue, red and green ski trail systems located at Sugar Pine Point State Park will be professionally groomed for the duration of our Olympic Heritage Celebration week thanks to the generous donation of grooming equipment from Kasshohrer All Terrain Vehicles. The marked trail system will open to cross country skiers today and be maintained though January 15. There are trails available for all skill levels and the surrounding scenery is breathtaking. A series of interpretive signage will guide you though the historic Olympic trails contained in the park. Free trail maps are available at the park entrance station and there is no fee for trail use. Parking fees $8.

•Jan 7 (Sat) 6:30 p.m. Full Moon Snowshoe Hike
California State Park Rangers will be leading Full Moon snowshoe hikes along Tahoe’s magical west shore at Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park throughout the winter months. Tours begin on the lake side of the park (Day Use Area) and explore the natural and cultural history around the Hellman-Ehrman estate. Few experiences compare to snowshoeing to the light of a full moon along the snow covered Tahoe shoreline!

For those new to snowshoeing, there will be a beginner’s clinic at 6:30pm. The first group of each Full Moon Hike starts promptly at 7pm with other groups, as needed, starting in 10 minute intervals. The hikes last approximately 1 ½ hours and costs $20 for adults and $5 for children under 12. The cost includes event parking and snowshoe rentals, if needed. All proceeds from the tours go to the Sierra State Parks Foundation. Space is limited and reservations are required through our State Park partner, West Shore Sports at 530-525- 9920. Wear warm, layered clothing, waterproof shoes and bring a flashlight.

Jan 8 (Sun) 12 p.m.-2 p.m. Historic Cross Country Ski Tour
Dave Antonucci, author of “A Snowballs Chance: The Story of the 1960 Winter Olympics”, will lead Nordic skiers on a interpretive tour of the Olympic Ski Trails located at Sugar Pine Point State Park. This intermediate level 10 kilometer tour will take you to Olympic Meadows, the site of the Biathlon range with stops along the way where you will learn of about our fascinating snow heritage. This event is free and parking is $8. Please wear layered clothing, bring water, energy snack and be prepared for changing weather conditions.

Jan 8 (Sun) 2:30p.m.-3:30 p.m. Olympic Heritage Celebration Opening Ceremonies
Join past Olympians and local dignitaries as we commemorate the official start of the Olympic Heritage Celebration events with the lighting of an Olympic caldron. The ceremony will take place in front of a ¼ scale replica of the Tower of Nations that stood at the entrance of Squaw Valley to welcome visitors to the 1960 Winter Olympic Games. This free event will be held near the campground entrance of Sugar Pine Point State Park. Hot cider and cookies will be provided.

Jan 10 (Tues) 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Reception with Olympians at Gatekeepers Museum
Come to personally welcome Olympians at our special Olympic reception at the Gatekeepers Museum in Tahoe City (next to Fanny Bridge). Sip hot cider, or enjoy the no host bar, for a memorable evening surrounded by our local history and a chance to have a conversation with the several past winter Olympians in the area this week for our Olympic Heritage Celebration events. This event is free, but donations are welcome. For more information call 530-583-1762 or email info@northtahoemusuems.org.

Jan 11 (Wed) 10 a.m. Scholastic Ski Day
In celebration of our Lake Tahoe snow heritage, the Olympic Heritage Celebration committee is sponsoring a special cross county ski day for North Lake Tahoe third grade students. A special course will be set up, enabling our students to ski on the “path of Olympians”. Athletes and officials from the 1960 Winter Olympic Games will be on hand to share their experiences with the children. Also on hand, will be a 1968 Tucker Snowcat similar to the ones used in 1960 to groom the trails. Home school students are also welcomed to join us. Call Heidi Doyle at 530.583.3074 to make arrangements.

Jan 11 (Wed) 6-8 p.m. Nordic Olympic Trails Fundraiser
West Shore Café will be the place to be for a spirited evening of great food, lively music and fun…all for a worthy cause: supporting local efforts to maintain the free interpretive Nordic ski trails at Sugar Pine Point SP. The evening will feature a Meet and Greet with past Olympians, live local music, ski and historic Olympic memorabilia from 1960, an amazing silent auction, and surprise special presentations. H’orderves and non-alcoholic beverages will be served. No host bar. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door and are available at the North Lake Chamber Visitor Center in Tahoe City, Gatekeepers Museum, Granlibakken Resort and West Shore Sports. For more information call 530-583-3074.

Jan 13 (Fri) 6-8 p.m. Olympian Dinner at Granlibakken
Cedar House Pub, at Granlibakken Resort is sponsoring a very special evening in honor of Olympic Heritage Celebration week by offering 50% of the evening’s profits to be donated towards the Olympic Trails restoration efforts. Come and enjoy a fabulous menu of local favorites while mingling with other Nordic enthusiasts and contributing to a worthy cause. Call 530-581-7307 for reservations.

Jan 14 (Sat) 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Citizens Against the Clock
Strap on your cross country skis and get ready to live the thrill of Olympic competition! The West Shore Business Association with Turning Point Tahoe are sponsoring a Citizens Against the Clock event which puts skiers, of all ages and abilities, on a short cross-country ski course followed by an electronic rifle shooting range, proving a safe and family friendly way to experience this Olympic sport. This is your chance to try something new and fun! Turning Point Tahoe will be providing adaptive skiing options, making this event accessible to all! Each skier will be electronically timed and the results posted. The course will be run between 10am and 1pm. The event is free. There is an $8 per vehicle parking fee.

Jan 15 (Sun) 12p.m.- 2p.m. Historic Cross Country Ski Tour
Dave Antonucci, author of “A Snowballs Chance: The Story of the 1960 Winter Olympics”, will lead Nordic skiers on a interpretive tour of the Olympic Ski Trails located at Sugar Pine Point State Park. This intermediate level 10 kilometer tour will take you to Olympic Meadows, the site of the Biathlon range with stops along the way where you will learn of about our fascinating snow heritage. This will be a tour that you will never forget! The event is free and parking is $8. Please wear layered clothing, bring water, energy snack and be prepared for changing weather conditions.

Jan 15 (Sun) 2:30-3:30 p.m. Olympic Heritage Celebration Closing Ceremonies
Join past Olympians and local dignitaries as we commemorate the official end of the Olympic Heritage Celebration events with the extinguishing of the Olympic caldron. The ceremony will take place in front of a replica of the Tower of Nations that stood at the entrance of Squaw Valley to welcome visitors to the 1960 Winter Olympic Games. This free event will be held near the campground entrance of Sugar Pine Point State Park. Hot cider and cookies will be provided.

(Photo credits: Dave Antonucci)