Experience Olympic Heritage at Lake Tahoe this winter

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 events were held in what is now Sugar Pine Point State Park. Join park staff, the West Shore Business Association and the Sierra State Parks Foundation as we celebrate our snow heritage with a series of events designed to bring families and friends together as we celebrate what makes our region so special.

This historic venture will come alive with the Olympic spirit as the public is invited to join us for a week of special events. Scheduled events will include an all ages, beginners, modified biathlon event; snowshoe hikes highlighting our Olympic heritage; and Opening Ceremonies.

Spectacular Full Moon Snowshoe Tours in January, February and March
January 18, February 15, March 15 at 7 p.m.

Join Park Rangers for moonlight adventures around the Hellman-Ehrman Mansion and along Lake Tahoe’s magical West Shore. Few experiences compare to snowshoeing under the light of a full moon along the snow covered Tahoe shoreline.

For those new to snowshoeing, there will be a beginners’ clinic at 6:30pm. All proceeds from these tours support Sierra State Parks Foundation. Meet in the day use area parking lot (lakeside entrance off Highway 89). 1½ hours. Wear warm, layered clothing, waterproof shoes, and bring a flashlight. Space is limited and reservations required through our State Park Partner, West Shore Sports at 530-525-9920

Snowshoe Through History
January 25, February 22, March 22

Join our State Park Interpreter for hikes along Lake Tahoe’s magical west shore at Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park throughout the winter months. These easy and fun tours explore the lakefront and the Hellman-Ehrman Estate. Learn about the natural environment that attracted Tahoe’s earliest settlers and explore the fascinating history of a Tahoe landmark.

The Snowshoe through History hikes start at 11 a.m. and begin near the restrooms in the Day Use side of the park (lake side entrance off Highway 89). The programs last approximately 1½ hours. Wear warm clothing and waterproof winter shoes; bring water and snowshoes.

Snow Trails Groomed for Cross Country Skiing

In the winter, visitors to the park can enjoy 11 miles of cross country ski and snowshoe trails. Follow the path of the Nordic events of the 1960 Winter Olympics that occurred in what is now Sugar Pine Point State Park. Starting at the Blue Trailhead, you will come across a series of interpretive panels that share our Olympic and Nordic skiing history found at the park.

Free snow trail maps are available at the park entrance stations or by clicking the “Maps/Brochures” link here.

The Blue and Red cross country ski trails on the Campground side of the park (west of Hwy 89) are scheduled to be machine-groomed every Monday and Friday, conditions permitting.

The cross country ski trails on the Day Use side of the park (lake side, east of Hwy 89), including the Yellow and Orange trails, are not machine-groomed. Snowshoers and hikers, please do not walk on the ski tracks. Be prepared for changing weather conditions. No dogs are allowed on snow trails. $10 parking fee.

More details are here.

–California Parks and Recreation department

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