Participants in last year’s Historic Longboard Revival Series huddle up for a picture during the races. The revival series continues in 2013, with races scheduled for the third Sunday of January, February and March. Photos courtesy Lisa Kelly

James Wilson

  This year’s world-famous Historic Longboard Revival Series starts this Sunday, Jan. 20. The races, adored by history lovers from around the nation, take place the third Sunday of January, February and March, conditions permitting.

  Racers dress up in mid-19th-century garb and slide down the hill on oversized wooden skis. The history behind downhill skiing in Plumas County is extremely rich, and therefore suitable to be celebrated in this historic fashion.

  In the past, certain races were canceled due to weather conditions (or, rather, a lack thereof), so it is suggested that potential visitors check plumasskiclub.org to ensure the races are still on.

  This year’s series of races will be especially memorable, as they will be the last races at the Plumas-Eureka Ski Bowl without a surface lift.

  In early 2012, the Plumas Ski Club and Eastern Plumas Recreation District acquired a chair lift from Squaw Valley, which will soon be installed at the Plumas-Eureka Ski Bowl.

  The longboarding event is celebrated by communities countywide and often attracts visitors from afar. Aside from the races and historic costumes, food, music, prize drawings and lots of fun round out the event.

  The race in February takes place in conjunction with SnowFest, which will include the longboard races, snowshoe races, cross-country ski races, sleigh rides, a snowmobile poker run and many other fun events.

  Money acquired from the SnowFest and SnowBall (a dinner and dance event held March 2 at Nakoma) will go toward the installation of the chair lift at the ski bowl. The ski club is now shooting for summer installation.