There is no doubt, a snowstorm like the region experienced in January 1911, would certainly disrupt life for a bit, but it would be great in the long run. Consider that this storm dumped eight feet of snow in Susanville; five feet at both Milford and Standish, and a whopping eight feet at Amedee.

Of course, over in Johnsville, Plumas County they were accustomed to an abundance of snowfall. As a matter of fact, it is considered the birthplace of skiing in the United States. It was in 1853 when Norwegian Charles Nelson introduced to the mining community long board skis This was intended as a functional purpose to traverse the snowy mountain terrain to access other communities. It was just a matter time, that to relieve the boredom of the winter doldrums, that in 1861 those miners held downhill ski races. Thus a new sport came into being. It should be noted that long board ski races are still held there.

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