A PIECE OF OLYMPIC HISTORY LOST AND FOUND

Author: John Bartell of Bartell’s Backroads

Did you know that the 1960 Olympics in Lake Tahoe featured many improvable firsts? It was the first time Americans could watch on their televisions, debuting a Walt Disney's pageantry with opening and closing ceremonies, the first women's speed skating, and men's biathlon. 

The biathlon was held at what is now Sugar Pine Point State Park due to the large space available for the 20km biathlon. The Olympic Heritage Trail that was once skied was forgotten until our friend, Dave Antonucci (local historian and author), rediscovered it! Now, we're able to cross-country ski and snowshoe the same trails the Olympics took every winter

We are so proud of our part in preserving history and making it available to be experienced by all! Thank you, Dave, CA State Park's Administrative Officer Liz McMillian (who manages the winter grooming program), and Bartell's Backroads!