Skiing - Whenever you see the skier symbol, either upright for cross country skiing or in a bent position for downhill, unload the gear and prepare for a great day in the snow. Downhill skiing can be found at Plumas Eureka State Park while cross country skiing is popular throughout the forest. Cross country skiing is popular throughout The Plumas National Forest. The many lakes throughout the forest offer ample opportunties to ski gentle slopes while viewing the diversity of broad meadows and dense groves of trees. The elevation of the entire region is high enough to allow cross country skiing generally from November to April.
Many areas are remote and difficult to access during winter months.
Johnsville's ski area, located within Plumas Eureka State Park, is a great place for downhill and nordic skiers. This site, which dates back to 1860, is the oldest recorded sport skiing and ski racing area in the entire western hemisphere. Early day long board ski racers strapped on skis to fly down the 2600-foot run at more than 90 mph. Today, the ski bowl features beginner to advanced runs and is generally open from mid-December through April. Snowmobiling - Many areas throughout the forest are designated for snowmobiling.