Longboards lead the way

Members of the Plumas Ski Club had the honor of leading the Athlete’s Procession toward the opening ceremonies of the 2020 U.S. Ski & Snowboard Junior Cross-Country National Championships for the Nordic Junior Nationals, a talented group of athletes ages 14-19, on March 8 at Squaw Valley Resort, home of the 1960 Winter Olympics.

The event is the largest junior XC event in the United States, with more than 400 young elite competitors and future Olympic hopefuls gathering from around the nation to ski the rugged Sierra Nevada at Soda Springs.

“The Plumas Ski Club was approached by the Nordic Junior Nationals to take part in this event, and it was really amazing,” said Don Fregulia of the Plumas Ski Club.

Organizers of the high-energy event were looking for a historical perspective to integrate into the opening ceremonies, and with the Plumas Ski Club’s tradition of longboard skiing, the club fit the bill.

“We introduced the longboards to the kids, all of these amazingly talented future Olympians, and they were well received by racers and public alike,” said Fregulia with a smile.

Many in attendance had never before seen the longboard skis outside of historical photos, and the Plumas Ski Club turned many heads as they led the large procession through Squaw Valley Resort.