Lost Sierra; Gold, Ghosts & Skis: Legendary Days of Skiing in the California Mining Camps

The Lost Sierra, California Northern Mines region of the Sierra Nevada, sprang to life during the gold rush. In 1850 prospectors flocked to its rich diggings, dug $93 million in gold by 1911. Many miners died in the winter of 1852-53, trapped by 30 foot snowdrifts. Next winter miners sported skis, then known as Norwegian "snow-shoes." Soon the region swarmed with men, women & children sliding about on snow-shoes. Doctors, Expressmen, mailmen, including famed Snow-Shoe Thompson, tracked the region on skis. La Porte, first gold site, welcomed winter sports. In 1868 La Porte's Alturas Snow-shoe Club staged the world's first organized downhill ski races. Miners hit up to 80 mph, racing for rich gold purses on skis 12 feet long! "I learned many fascinating facts about the Snow-shoe Era from your book," Allen H. Adler, Chair W.S. Ski Assn., Nat. Historical Committee. Rugged terrain cut the Lost Sierra from the rest of the world. Three forks of the mighty Feather River lace its forests with deep canyons. Rivers left towering peaks & sharp ridges. Quincy, Plumas County seat, stands at the northern gateway; Marysville guards the West; Downieville borders the south, Johnsville, headquarters of today's Plumas Eureka State Park, faces east. The Lost Sierra became deserted as mining towns, except La Porte, died. Books available: Wentworth Communications Phone/FAX 707-938-9201.