O c t o b e r 2 015 , Vo l .17, N o .1 Anchorage, Eagle River, Fairbanks, Girdwood, Homer, Juneau, Kenai, Mat-Su, Salcha, Seward, Soldotna, Talkeetna and Valdez

Rolling toward winter

PHOTO COURTESY OF ERIC PACKER

Anchorage...... 2 ANCHORAGE: STATEWIDE STATEWIDE Eagle River...... 8 NSAA Jumping program Homer skier gets a CCAK, Alaskans honor Fairbanks...... 14 flying high after summer worldly Nordic education state’s Nordic pioneers Girdwood...... 7 Kachemak ...... 11 Mat-Su ...... 13 3 9 10 Statewide ...... 9 2 October 2015

203 W. 15th Ave., #204 Anchorage, Alaska, 99501 Phone: 276-7609 Fax: 258-7609 Anchorage Nordic Skier Hotline: 248-6667 [email protected] Newsletter Of The Nordic Association Of Anchorage, Inc. anchoragenordicski.com

BOARD MEMBERS Why support NSAA? PRESIDENT Jeff Scott

VICE PRESIDENT It’s a good investment in our community Sara Miller

SECRETARY Message from NSAA President / Jeff Scott Elizabeth Arnold Last season was a difficult one and experienced bunch. They work fitness skiers need to understand that NSAA TREASURER for the Association of year-round to bring us great cross- grooms and maintains trails and be willing Karl Garber Anchorage. We mourned the loss of conditions. They improve to support NSAA. Corporate sponsors must be developed and nurtured and NSAA needs MEMBERS two good friends and outstanding dirt trails in the summer and groom Kari Skinner to grow its donor base substantially. Mike Miller leaders – Lars Spurkland and Ellen snow in winter. They maintain the Steve Beardsley Toll. We suffered terrible snow machinery required to do all of these NSAA must communicate more Josh Niva effectively with its members, Lars Flora conditions and limited jobs, and more. Now they also have donors, advocates, staff opportunities. But in spite of the the snowmaking system at Kincaid and the general public OFFICE STAFF difficulties, NSAA had a thriving Jr. Park to operate and maintain. We Erin Beam, Business Manager n Execute a proactive communication plan Tamra Kornfield, Program Manager Amber Adams, Office Manager Nordic program and pulled off many are still working out some challenges n Utilize many various communication successful races and events, including and determining the capabilities tools and strategies to reach more skiers OPERATIONS STAFF Anchorage School District racing, of this system. We as Nordic skiers This season will be very Ben Powell, Director Ski for Women, among others. NSAA are more dependent than ever on Craig Norman important in NSAA’s goal to build a Bill Brion supporters, volunteers and staff can sophisticated and costly machines to sustainable organization. We do not Tom Ross Peter Zug be proud that we made a positive ski in Anchorage. want to reduce programs and trail Annette Brion difference in the lives of many Alaska I have been on the NSAA board of maintenance or grooming in the Matthew Pauli Ricky Prince skiers and community members by directors for more than 10 years so I future. making a Nordic season a reality. understand the challenges our staff Are you willing to support NSAA COMMITTEE CHAIRS This season we are planning face every day. Their jobs are getting with your donations? Can you recruit ADULT SKI LESSONS another full schedule of programs and more difficult as we expand programs new supporters to increase our Raye Ann Neustel events with unbridled enthusiasm! and trails. The costs to bring well- funding sources? Will you volunteer to ALASKA SKI FOR WOMEN We expect to have a much better ski groomed ski trails and high-quality help us communicate our message to Fiona Peichel season and hope you are also excited. programs continue to climb. The new members and donors? ANCHORAGE CUP RACING I am pleased to tell you that NSAA changing weather is adding more Your support of NSAA will Raye Ann Neustel has its great administrative team problems. contribute to a healthier Anchorage. Meg and Bob Stehn back to keep everything in order. This brings me to what you can You will create opportunities BACKCOUNTRY TOURS Office manager Amber Adams is in do to help us meet and overcome for winter exercise and social Patti Phillips, Mary Vavrik, Karlene Leeper, for her third season while program those challenges and be part of the networking. You will help train young Ken DePalma manager Tamra Kornfield and successful ski season. people to cross-country ski, have fun business manager Erin Beam are and learn that physical activity is an Co-chairs: Leslie Boughton and Mike Riesler NSAA must build stronger Eagle Eyes Coach: Tom Grenier working into their second season. relationships and partnerships important part of a healthy life. They are all talented individuals who with all of our donors You are vital to NSAA achieving its HIGH SCHOOL RACING John Christopherson are dedicated to NSAA’s mission of and members mission – to promote Nordic skiing promoting this great . n Racer/elite skiers and training groups as a healthy activity and improve our HUTS The NSAA Operations crew is need to recognize the cost for heavy trail use quality of life in Anchorage. Thank Call NSAA office for reservations also a highly skilled, committed and event prep and be willing to increase you. their financial support to NSAA. Fun/ JUMPING Karen Compton Vivienne Murray Mike Jokela, Coach

These events are being hosted by the Alaska Biathlon JUNIOR NORDIC NSAA Biathlon program Association and supported by the entire Anchorage Nordic Eric Egeland, Chair skiing community. LANDS COMMITTEE offers season packed with If you are new to the sport and looking for classes, Gordon Wetzel the NSAA Eagle Eyes program offers instructions for MIDDLE SCHOOL RACING opportunities to learn, excel ages 10 and up. Program information can be found at Dave Blanchet Anchorage has a very active Biathlon community with anchoragenordicski.com/biathlon_lessons_coaching.htm. RACE CHAIRMAN the NSAA Eagle Eyes Program and the Skiku Biathlon If you would like to jump right in, the first step is to take Tim Stone Program, providing training and promoting the sport in a Biathlon Safety Class. Classes take about 90 minutes Anchorage and statewide. Anchorage has a world-class and are held about once a month. A schedule of upcoming SCHOLARSHIPS Dan Rosenberg biathlon facility at Kincaid Park, operated by the NSAA, classes can be at anchoragenordicski.com/biathlon_ consisting of a 30-lane range and loops with snowmaking safety_clinics.htm. Once you have a safety class and SKI 4 KIDS Alice Knapp capability. receive a Biathlon Association membership The NSAA Biathlon Club is proud to announce its 2015- (required for all U.S. biathlon competitions and also SKI TRAIN 16 racing season. We welcome all levels of competitors provides valuable insurance when competing in USBA- Sean Bolender at our six races this season, including the year-end state sanctioned races and training), you are ready to go to the TRAILS championships in March. Races will take place on Sunday, range. Opening times can be found at brownbearsw.com/ Mike Miller December 6; Sunday, December 13; Thursday, December freecal/NSAABiathlon and range fees and ammunition TOUR OF ANCHORAGE 17; Sunday, January 4; Sunday, February 14; and the state prices are at anchoragenordicski.com/biathlon_fees. Raye Ann Neustel championships Saturday-Sunday, March 4-5. Learn more htm. Information on the race calendar, range opening NSAA OFFICE HOURS and register online at anchoragenordicski.com/biathlon_ times, and links to the USBA website can be found at 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday races.htm. anchoragenordicski.com/biathlon.html. BOARD MEETINGS Major biathlon events happening in Anchorage in winter If you would like to try out this challenging and fast- Fourth Thursday of the month, 2015-2016 include the USA Youth and Junior Biathlon growing sport, Anchorage is the place to do it. Hope to see 6:15 P.M. at BP Energy Center or NSAA office. Open to all. World Championship Team Trials from December 26-30, you on the range this winter! and the Winter Games trials January 23 and 24.

the Alkas a nordic skier October 2015 ANCHORAGE 3

Summer work turns nordicthe Alaska skier Anchorage jumps into year- EDITOR round launching pad for skiers Josh Niva [email protected] BY KAREN COMPTON It’s hard to miss the hard work and big changes that LAYOUT have transformed the Karl Eid Ski Jumps over the Kevin Powell summer. The project will make it possible to ski jump [email protected] year-round and was mostly funded by a legislative grant from the State of Alaska. AD REPRESENTATIVE Work started in April with steel track installed on the Christina Cober jump towers, followed by outdoor carpet. Then concrete [email protected] footings were poured at the top of the landing hills and old conveyor belting was pulled up and secured to hold the LOCAL EDITORS hills in place. Layers of geotextile (landscaping fabric), foam matting, and a plastic grid cover the belting and form ANCHORAGE the base for the green plastic artificial ski surface you can Josh Niva now see in place. [email protected] The best part is that the work was led by the NSAA EAGLE RIVER Jumping program, using nearly all volunteer labor. Work Ros Singleton is complete on the 20-meter and 40-meter landing hills. [email protected] The 65-meter hill will be completed early next summer. Also this summer, Team AK jumpers and Nordic FAIRBANKS Eric Troyer Combiners traveled to camps in Chicago, Park City and PHOTOS BY KAREN COMPTON [email protected] Calgary. Alaskans swept the U-18 Check out the cool 20-meter and 40-meter landing hills at the Karl Eid Ski Jumps at Hillside! podium at the 17th annual Springer Tournee in Park City HOMER Marylou Burton with Ryan Brubaker, Nathan Shuttleworth and Hugo Compton roller-skiing to victory at Soldier Hollow in Heber City, Utah. JUNEAU As summer turns to fall, the work continues. Brush Mark Scholten has been cut around the jumps, the outrun has been [email protected] hydroseeded, a sprinkler system will be installed MAT-SU (funded by a Rasmuson Foundation grant) and new Ed Strabel steps are being built thanks to the Downtown Rotary, the [email protected] Carpenters Apprenticeship Program, and many donors from our program’s RallyMe fundraiser. Snow netting will SALCHA cover the artificial ski surface to hold snow on the hills and Jim Ostlind [email protected] the facility will be ready for winter jumping. Anchorage is fortunate to have one of the best youth SEWARD jumping facilities in the nation! Head up to the Hillside Julie Robinson and check out the jumps, then sign up for at [email protected] anchoragenordicski.com/jumping_nordic.html. Be part SOLDOTNA of the fastest-growing jumping club in the nation and Penny McClain discover why so many kids and parents are hooked on the 262-6257 Alaska’s Hugo Compton and Nathan Shuttleworth compare sport. For additional information, contact Karen Compton notes at summer jumping camp at Springer Tournee in Park City, Utah. at [email protected]. TALKEETNA Chris Mannix See the entire schedule at 733-2427 A new season of NSAA backcountry anchoragenordicski.com/tours.htm and call the tours hotline at (907) The Alaska Nordic Skier tours led by a new group of skiers 248-6667 ext. 4 or the respective tour is printed by Alaska Dispatch News leader for more information. Commercial Printing The first two tours of the season Welcome to our 2015-2016 schedule flexible with locations. If we change The Alaska Nordic Skier is a are: of NSAA backcountry Alaska ski locations, we will let folks know on publication representing the nordic November 27: tours. We hope you’ll find something the web, by email, and on the tours 18th annual Turkey Day ski clubs of Anchorage, Eagle Shake-off – Turnagain Pass Iditarod Trail you’ll enjoy and join in on the hotline at (907) 248-6667 ext. 4. River, Fairbanks, Homer, Juneau, Join us for this post-Thanksgiving fun. This year the NSAA Touring Learn more about our tours at Mat-Su, Salcha, Seward, Soldotna, shake-off ski, our first tour of the season. Kenai, Talkeetna and Valdez. The Program will be handled by a new anchoragenordicski.com/tours.htm. We’ll meet at the Chugach State Park Alaska Nordic Skier is published committee: co-chairs Patti Phillips You will find an interesting cheat Headquarters parking lot (at the train south of Potter Marsh) at 9 a.m. and carpool to October through April by the ([email protected]), Mary sheet, suggested gear list, and a the trailhead, where we expect to arrive Nordic Skiing Association Vavrik ([email protected]), Karlene release form. For those attending any around 10:15-10:30 a.m. This tour would be of Anchorage, Inc. Leeper ([email protected]) and tour they’ve signed up for, they will appropriate for a beginning skier who can Ken DePalma ([email protected]). receive a logistics sheet usually the travel about six miles roundtrip on relatively All rights reserved. © 2015 flat terrain and negotiate short climbs and Articles, letters and advertisements We recognize we have some big ski Sunday or Monday before the tour. downhills under various snow conditions. are welcome. Please ensure all boots to fill as Bob Sutherland, who To support the Touring Program, Early snow conditions can be sketchy, so names are correct and information is led the ski tours for 12 years for the you can purchase an attractive and call the tour hotline for updated information. accurate. Submissions may be edited NSAA and seven years for the Nordic specially designed knit cap. They will Tour leader: Mary Vavrik, (907) 306-7686. for clarity, content and space December 20: Solstice Ski – Middle Fork Ski Club of Fairbanks, moved to be available at all tours, the NSAA limitations. Deadline is the 15th day Campbell Creek, Chugach State Park Washington. We will all miss him and office and the NSAA Annual Meeting. of the prior month. E-mail Celebrate Winter Solstice and the return [email protected]. hope to see him in Alaska for a few ski All of our tours are accompanied of daylight by enjoying a great ski on the Middle Fork of Campbell Creek in Chugach tours. by Anchorage Nordic Ski Patrol On the cover: Alaska skier Eric Packer soaks Eight tours are planned for this members, who provide a measure State Park. The loop is nine miles and has up the fall colors while working on his winter just two steep sections, which can be skied fitness during a recent roller-ski session. Photo season. With the ever-changing of safety. Many thanks for their or walked depending on conditions. Meet at courtesy of Eric Packer. snow conditions we have been assistance. We look forward to skiing the Prospect Heights trailhead at 9 a.m. Tour experiencing, we will need to be with you out on the trail. leader: Mary Vavrik, (907) 306-7686.

the Alkas a nordic skier 4 ANCHORAGE October 2015 Skate-Ski Duathlon highlights a season of speedskating

Although the Nordic skiing was marginal last year, the ice skating was superb and ice skating is great cross-training for Nordic skiing. This season will feature the ninth annual AMH Speedskate- Skate Ski Duathlon, as well as new opportunities for speedskating in the Anchorage bowl. The AMH Speedskate-Skate Ski Duathlon will be on Sunday, January 3, at Cuddy Family Midtown Park. The race is 3 or 4 km of ice skating on the oval at followed by the same amount of skate skiing on the trails. The clock keeps running during the skate-ski transition time so ‘Nordic skates’ are often the choice of race winners. There is also the opportunity to do the event as an untimed shorter race. For racers, you can even do it twice: as an individual and on a relay team, for just one entry fee. This is Adam Verrier’s favorite race of the year! Come out and find out why! The Alaska Speedskating Club is now offering twice weekly short track practices and races at the Subway Center, rather than in Eagle River, so PHOTO BY ZAK MELMS it makes it easier for Anchorage residents to get Racers do the du’ at last season’s AMH Speedskate-Skate Ski Duathlon. involved. The club will also have long track races and practice times at the oval in Cuddy Park. Olympic short track coach John Monroe. The skate For details on all programs and events visit Adults and kids are welcome to participate. The club will have outdoor month-long twice-per-week alaskaspeedskating.com and anchorageskateclub. Anchorage Skate Club offers another new and great programs with the coach at either Mulcahy or com. way for kids to get introduced to speedskating with Cuddy Park.

The 2015-2016 AMH Anchorage Cup snowmaking conditions. It’s good to AROUND community race series schedule note that even though the temperature THE BOWL November 29: Wooden Ski Classic, may be cold enough, the level of Russian Jack. (This not just for humidity determines the condition of Welcome the season at wooden ! Come out to view the the snow. Higher humidity produces NSAA’s Annual Meeting sweater onesies!) wet, sloppy snow which makes for and Ski Swap on Nov . 7 December 6: Sprint Relay, Kincaid adverse skiing. Making snow under Kickoff the Nordic season with the 20th installment of Alaska Ski for Park. (Partners are available at the these conditions is an irresponsible friends, fun and fellow NSAA Women, Sunday, February 7. race!) use of water, electricity, man power supporters at the Annual Meeting and Learn more at anchoragenordicski.com/ski_for_ December 13: Hickok Duathlon, Hillside and your money. Ski Swap on Saturday, November 7, at women.htm. January 17: Beach Lake Freestyle Flyer, Learn more about NSAA’s snowmaking the Kincaid Park chalet and bunker. Chugiak work in the “Latest News” section of The NSAA Annual Meeting is AMH Anchorage Cup January 31: Pia’s Classic, Kincaid Park anchoragenordicski.com. always a potluck feast, celebration returns with racing February 21: Sven Johansson (Tour of and education on NSAA’s programs fun for everyone Kincaid), Kincaid Park All aboard! Ski Train March 13: and other local recreation The AMH Anchorage Cup citizen Phat and Free Duathlon, Kincaid is back on March 12 Park opportunities. The activities expo race series is the best way to stay NSAA’s Ski Train to Curry returns fit, meet new skiersand enjoy the For more information about the AMH Anchorage on March 12. This year, ticket sales runs from 4-6 p.m. Food will be Cup race series, anchoragenordicski.com/ Anchorage-area ski trails on a Sunday will be online only. Registration served at 6 p.m. – please bring a dish amh_anchorage_cup.html. to share. The meeting begins at 6:30 afternoon! Skiers of all racing abilities begins October 1 for members and p.m. and will include information are welcomed to compete and there is So, when will NSAA make opens to the public November 7. about the NSAA, presentations about an emphasis on family participation. snow this season? Registration will be on a new system programs and in the ski community, There will be racing and recreational NSAA staff and volunteers will this year; all members will be sent and quilts donated by Ellen Toll’s participation, as well as courses begin making snow at Kincaid Park information for how to update their quilting club that will be raffled off to specifically designed for youth skiers. when the conditions are favorable. account. Be sure to sign up early as help raise money for the ski club. If you missed out on last year’s “Favorable conditions” aren’t just the Ski Train sells out each year. And The Ski Swap will take place in the obstacles courses, be sure to mark about the temperatures being cold remember last year? Curry was the Kincaid bunker. Gear check-in is from your calendars now! Races begin at enough – other factors such as best place to find snow in March in 1:30-3:30 p.m. and shopping from 4-6 noon; sign up online for a discount or humidity and wind must also be Alaska! p.m. If you plan to sell your gear, there register at the course on the day of considered. We’ll be setting our See AROUND THE BOWL, Page 5 is a new online system this year; the race. parameters according to the variable details are at anchoragenordicski. com. NSAA Celebration of Snow: Ski Swap & Annual Meeting When: Saturday, November 7, at Kincaid Park chalet and bunker Ski Swap: Gear drop, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Ski Swap: Sales 4-6 p.m. Dinner: 6 p.m. (please share a dish) Meeting: 6:30 p.m. Save the date for a special Alaska Ski for Women celebration anchoragenordicski.com Save the date for a big-time party:

the Alkas a nordic skier October 2015 ANCHORAGE 5 ARO UND THE BOWL courses will be the same as in the Continued from Page 4 past but there will be a bigger and Improve your ski skills better party at the finish. Learn more with NSAA lessons at tourofanchorage.com. NSAA Ski lessons will continue Upcoming NSAA events this season with many options to OCTOBER 2015 choose from: private lessons, Learn to Ski with AARP, REI Beginning Thursday, October 1: NSAA Membership year begins. Event registration begins. Skate and Classic Skiing, Tune Up Thursday, October 1: Biathlon programs Your Tour, and Ladies Only lessons online registration to gear up for the Alaska Ski for Thursday, October 1: Junior Nordic online Women. NSAA’s lessons are led by registration experienced instructors. If you want Thursday, October 1: Ski Jumping/Nordic to talk to them about lessons, you can Combined online registration Thursday, October 1: recognize them in the bright orange Ski Train tickets go on sale NSAA instructor jackets! For more information with dates and details NOVEM BER 2015 about this season’s variety of lessons, Monday, November 2: First ASD High visit anchoragenordicski.com/adult_ School Practice Starts Thursday, November 5: lessons.html. Anchorage Junior It’s never too early to prepare for, or get excited about, the Tour of Anchorage. Nordic - Equipment Pickup Saturday, November 7: Anchorage Junior Jr . Nordics: As fun and The Jr. Nordic program is always NSAA as your charity at smile. popular as ever Nordic - Equipment Pickup looking for coaches. This year’s amazon.com/ch/23-7232617 (direct Saturday, November 7: NSAA Annual NSAA Jr. Nordics continues to coaches’ introduction is at 10:30 a.m. link to Amazon.com with NSAA Meeting and Swap be a popular program and both of Saturday, October 31, at the Kincaid already selected as the charity). Monday, November 9: Anchorage Junior this season’s sessions often fill up Chalet. Nordic Session #1 Starts shortly after the opening registration Save the date: Tour of Tuesday, November 17: Jumping/Nordic Learn more about NSAA’s Jr. Nordic program at on October 1. This season, we will Anchorage on March 6 Combined Begins anchoragenordicski.com/junior_nordic.html. Sunday, November 29: AMH Anchorage us a new system to register young Mark your calendars! March 6 is Cup - Wooden Ski Classic skiers, which can currently be found Smile while you shop on the big day for the Tour of Anchorage. Bib pickup is on March 4 and 5 at See more upcoming NSAA events at at anchoragenordicski.com/junior_ Amazon and give to NSAA! anchoragenordicski.com/calendar.htm. nordic.html. NSAA is now a part of Amazon the APU Moseley Center. All race Session 1: November 9, 2015-January 2, Smile, which allows Amazon.com 2016 users to select 5 percent of their Session 2: January 11-March 3, 2016 purchase to get donated to a charity The second session will end the of their choice. Simply shop as normal first week of March, not Saturday as through Amazon Smile and select is typical. Instead join the fun and sign up for Ski 4 Kids on Saturday, March 5, and return Jr. Nordic gear following that event.

the Alkas a nordic skier 6 ANCHORAGE October 2015 NSAA Operations team’s summer trail work recap: Kincaid Park BY NSAA OPERATIONS We love the trails and know you do, too. That’s why we, the NSAA Operations crew, spend our summers restoring them to their optimal condition. And this was a great summer to make some much-needed repairs on a few favorite trails at Kincaid Park. Over the years, the Sisson Trail had developed some flooding issues on a section by the powerline project. This part of the trail, from the inner loop to PHOTOS BY NSAA OPERATIONS the outer loop, has been realigned and NSAA Operations team members work year-round improving the trails that make us so happy. This summer’s work at Kincaid the water problems remedied. That Park illustrates the group’s range of work and its impact. tight corner on the north side of the more than months restoring this The tractor-mounted Rototiller lineal feet). If you take that number Play Hill by the roundabout has been portion of trail and Andrew’s Hill back mulched and reconditioned the and multiply it by a width of 20 feet pulled back and cleaned up. Craig and to its Type 2 classification. existing trail cover into a material (out slopes and ditch line included) Bill also realigned and restored the The Lekisch Trail is a perfect that could be reshaped. A grader, at an average depth of 4 inches, section of Margaux’s Lighted Loop example of what we call a Type 2 small dozer, excavator and loader you come up with 4,779 total cubic from the incoming Compression to the ski trail. It’s a well-used trail but at were used to handle the soil materials yards of material manipulated into a Upper Tunnel. However, the majority a lower volume of use than a Type 1 and reshape the trail surface and back restored trail surface. That’s a lot of of the summer was spent restoring trail (like the Mize Loop) because of slopes. An 8,000-pound tow-behind manipulated material! the Lekisch Trail System. a higher level of difficulty. The typical roller was then pulled for compaction. The Lekisch Trail System is It all started the first week of June width is 18 feet and the trail generally After completing the preliminary currently closed and will remain so with a major renovation to revitalize follows the existing terrain with shaping, some final blading and until the snow flies. Once it’s open the trail’s outer portion (7.5 km). If steeper grades and tighter corners. In rolling was followed up with a small again, we hope you’ll find it more you’re a fan of this trail, you’ll know the winter, the surface quality is more amount of handwork (root nipping enjoyable than ever. And if it has that it has suffered some profound variable, which requires slightly more and rock chucking). By mid-August, intimidated you in the past, give it problems and was severely rutted, snow cover to allow grooming. In the they had re-seeded the back slopes another chance – you just might find a deeply dished and off-camber with summer, high usage and the steep and trail surface with 1,250 pounds of new favorite trail! encroaching brush throughout. It grades present erosion and wear grass seed. This is an essential step to never ceases to amaze us how quickly problems. encourage trail stabilization and keep **Lekisch Lost & Found: 20 golf balls, 2 the forest can reclaim a trail. Thanks To restore the trail to the Type 2 erosion to a minimum. Frisbees, 1 roll of film, and countless bags of dog poop. If you’d like to make a claim, see level, Craig and Bill started by cutting When it was all said and done, to a generous donation from the Craig at the Bunker. Happy trails! Lekisch family, Craig and Bill spent all the brush back with chainsaws. Craig and Bill restored 5.9 km (19,356 Signature: claims based on accidents or injuries, including death, directlyor indirectlyconnected with any NSAA-sponsored activity. sume all such risks and agreeto release and discharge NSAA, Inc., its officers, directors, employees and volunteers from any andWaiver Release: E-mail: ______Additional Email: ______Children: ______Phone:(______)______home work (______)______cell (______)______Address: ______City: ______State: ______Zip: ______Name: ______Spouse City: ______State: ______Zip: ______Zip: ______State: ______City: ______different): (if Address Billing ______Date: ______Signature: ______CVV/Code: - ______Date: Exp. #: ______-______-______-______Card Additional Donations Additional Calendar 2015-16 DogA Tags : collar trail users! tagfour-legged our reflective for Skier The Nordic Decal Window Car Membership Swag! NSAA Socks Turbowool (Trail & NSAA Foldable Reusable Tote Bag: Blazers) 1 ______2 ______No thanks ______Pins Trail Additional Items for Sale

Levels ofSupport & Thank Gifts You

Trail Partner Membership* Membership* Partner Trail Meister Trail Blazer Trail User Trail Member Trail

No membership but I would like to make a tax-deductible donation tax-deductible a make like to would I but membership No MAKECHECKS PAYABLE TO NSAA or USE YOUR CREDIT CARD ( (Trail AdultsUsers, Blazers,Meisters) Trail Trail Kids No Tha ______Monthly Amount: ______Start Month/Year: ______End Month/Year: ______Month/Year: End ______Month/Year: Start ______Amount: Monthly ______*Credit card only: please provide the card you’d like us to charge at the bottom of this form. this form. of bottom the at to charge us like you’d card the provide please only: *Credit card 203 W203 15 are (Tax tax Donations deductible. NSAA a 501C(3) organization ID#23-7232617). is & Donations Membership 2015-2016

I understand therisks and dangers inherent in Nordic skiing; I, for myself and my family members, accept and as- , a seasonal newsletter for NSAA members! NSAA for newsletter seasonal , a : Featuringphoto contest annual winners!

: Add this to my membership to help make our trails even better! Add: to my membership to trails even help make our better! this

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NSAACar Decal NSAA Car Decal & Trail Pin NSAA Car Decal &Trail Pin NSAA Car Decal, Trail Pin & NSAA Turbowool Socks NSAA Decal,Car Trail NSAA Pin& Socks Turbowool NSAACar Decal, Trail Pin & NSAA Tote Bag ***join online at www.anchoragenordicski.com online at ***join Best toway support NSAA year all monthlywith giving! Will Will receive gifts according to donation level

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the Alkas a nordic skier

October 2015 7

P.O. Box 337 Girdwood Nordic Ski Club Girdwood, AK 99587 skigirdwood or. g Girdwood, Alaska

Bardo of Directors DEB ESSEX After a busy summer, it’s time to get your skis out! President BRIAN BURNETT Vice President BRIANA SULLIVAN Secretary JUSTIN THOMAS Treasurer JIM BRAHAM PETER ZUG CHUCK DORIUS ARI STIASSNY

Racing Center (next to the Daylodge). There will be a short wax clinic with techs to wax your skis, as well as prizes, drinks, snacks, and GNSC membership swag. This is a great chance to sign up for this year’s membership, get your skis waxed by the community’s best, buy a moose pint glass, thank a groomer, meet your fellow skiers and supporters, and consume calories to burn off while

PHOTO COURTESY OF GIRDWOOD NORDIC SKI CLUB skiing. The Girdwood Nordic Ski Club’s work doesn’t end in summer. In fact, the club helps host events like the Alyeska Mountain Run We are timing this event with the and more. 2015 Ski & Sports Swap from noon-4 BY DEB ESSEX Lin Hinderman was inducted into the Nordic trail hosted the Little Bears p.m. at the Alyeska Daylodge. Bring Welcome back skiers! We are Cross Country Alaska Hall of Fame. 5K/1K Fun Run, the Alaska Mtn. your high quality used sporting just as excited as you are about She shared this honor with 12 other Bike Trifecta aka State Champs, and equipment from 9-11 a.m. day of sale. this upcoming season. Aside from pioneers of Alaska cross-country enabled the Girdwood Grizzlies to We urge community members to watching the northern lights above skiing. These are the people who host a cross-country running meet! clean out their closets and garages, and the snowline descending down created the trails, programs, races, It was so fun to cheer on these young and bring their sporting goods for this the Chugach Mountains, it’s time to schedules and … well, everything. Lin local athletes. The Girdwood Nordic huge swap. This is a fundraiser for get your skis out. Let us help with the is too humble to mention this honor, Ski Club hosted the annual Alyeska Four Valleys Community School and a waxing! so I would like to publically thank Mountain Run in August. This race great annual community event. Our last ski season ended in her for everything she has created runs up the North Face trail on Mark your calendars: October 17. April with the always-exciting AK within the Nordic ski community. She Alyeska Mountain. Men’s winner Come join us to welcome the new Skimeister Race in Girdwood. This pioneered the Girdwood programs David Norris set a new record 23:18. season. Find out where Peter, Jim, Alpine-Nordic-Ski Bike race benefits and has helped with our club Wow! The women’s overall winner and Chuck have been perfecting a few Challenge Alaska, and is described as immensely. When you see Lin at an was Najeeby Quinn with a time of trail signs. Buy a pint glass to support “Hot Dog’s Chinese Downhill meets event, you know everything is in great 29:26. the GNSC, and to toast Ullr & all other the Tour of Anchorage.” hands, and everyone is having fun. We are hosting our second Open snow gods. Immediately following on April 23, Our summer was sunny (even in House/Wax Clinic from 4-7 p.m. Learn more about the Girdwood Nordic Ski Club by Girdwood resident and Nordic skier, Girdwood) and full of events. The Saturday, October 17, at the Alyeska visiting skigirdwood.org.

ANCHORAGE NSAA scholarships awarded to nine exceptional Alaska student-athletes Each season, the NSAA names a each received handful of young scholarship winners. a $500 NSAA Funding for the NSAA Scholarship Scholarship comes from the Sven Johannson to attend the Memorial Ski Race and the Elizabeth University Tower Memorial Scholarship Fund. of Alaska This year, $8,000 in scholarship Anchorage. funds were awarded to nine Riley Bickford outstanding student-athletes: and Alisa Aist Seiji Takagi, Douglas Watts and each received a Alisa Aist Riley Bickford Lydia Blanchet Anton Clark Annika Flynn Ana Jager received $1,000 from $500 NSAA Scholarship to attend the the Dr. Elizabeth Tower Memorial University of Alaska Fairbanks and Scholarship to attend the University Western Washington, respectively. of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Have a student in mind for a future Michigan, and Western Washington, scholarship? The NSAA Scholarship respectively. Lydia Blanchet and application can be found online in William Mans each received a February and will be due in March $1,500 NSAA Scholarship. Lydia will 2016. attend Dartmouth and William will Learn more at anchoragenordicski.com/ attend Montana State University. scholarships.htm. Ana Jager William Mans Seiji Takagi Douglas Watts Anton Clark and Annika Flynn

the Alkas a nordic skier 8 October 2015

P.O. Box 770117, Eagle River, Alaska 99577 Eagle River Nordic Ski Club Club hotline: 689-7660 Junior nordic hotline: 689-7661 Eagle River, Alaska ernsc o. rg SKI THE BEACH BOARD MEMBERS

ERJN Sign-Up Online @ PRESIDENT B ig season Jason Dennis CERNSC.wildapricot.org [email protected]

VICE PRESIDENT ahead in Steve Wilson ERJN online registration [email protected] ends 11.21.2015 Eagle River SECRETARY Wendy Osen [email protected]

Message From TREASURER Two chances for Bob Stehn ERNSC ERJN rental ski’s and [email protected] poles… 11/14 at Swap MEDIA RELATIONS

President / & 11/21 at Kick-Off Anna Jennings ERJN/MASTER’S [email protected]

Jason Dennis SIGHT COORDINATOR What a summer it has been. The SIGN-UP & SKI SWAP and MEMBERSHIP Sign-up online to Allison Erickson weather was amazing and with the save time and [email protected] quick thaw this year we got an extra money month of summer. I’ve got to tell SATURDAY 11.14.2015 TRAILS Jim Kazuba you that I am really starting to look Beach Lake Chalet [email protected] forward to this winter. With the yellow • ERJN Sign-­Up and Gear Rental: 8:00-­12:00 RACE DIRECTOR leaves of fall and snow on the hills, • Mike Beiergrohslein Ski Swap Gear Drop Off: 8:00-­9:00 [email protected] I’ve been getting the itch to start • Ski Gear and Money Pick-­up: 11:00-­12:00 skiing again. It won’t be long before • Ski Waxing Demo by Toko CERNSC ERJN COORDINATOR we are at Hatcher’s Pass for a little Will Taygen • Alaska Nordic Master’s Sign-­Up Jason Dennis [email protected] preseason training. 907.726.7092

We have two big preseason events Eagle R iver J unior N ordic sign-­up online at Questions? that I wanted to talk about in this [email protected] is looking for parents to help her put [email protected] article. I am excited to announce our on these events. She will have a sign- Online registration ends 11.21.2015. Late Eagle River Junior Nordic Season up at the Swap and the Kick-Off for registration additional $20 per family. Start-Up. The first event of the season parents who would like to help. will be our Junior Nordic Sign Up up online. First is for the family sake of our volunteers to help reduce Last but not least, currently have and Ski Swap. This will be a great membership; second is that each their workload. two websites up and running at opportunity to get your child signed individual kid needs to be signed up I am happy to announce that this time. It is a little confusing to up; and if you need to rent equipment, next. We are working on a process to special ski events are returning find information on the different this will be the first chance to get streamline this, but it will not be in ERJN this season. Tania Dennis has webpages. Hopefully it all be rental equipment. As a reminder, the effect for this season. There will be a agreed to help coordinate a special transitioned to the Wild Apricot page club only rents skis and poles. The late sign-up after the season starts, ski event two nights each month. by the end of the season. NNN boots are the responsibility but there will be additional fees. The first will be Jingle Bell Night on I look forward to seeing everybody of the parents. The swap is a good Please get signed up on time for the December 16-17. I happen to know she at the Swap & the Kick-Off. place to pick up boots for your kid and trade any ski gear that you may want to upgrade or sell. It will be from 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, November 14, at the Beach Lake Chalet. The Alaska Nordic Masters group will also be ERJN Kick-Off onsite for older skiers and aspiring older skiers. In addition, we will also Beach Lake Chalet have a Toko rep at the event doing demonstrations. See the flyer in this section for additional information. Saturday 11.21.2015 Our second event of the year will be the Junior Nordic Kick Off. At 1 p.m. Time: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, November 21, we will kick off our Junior Nordic season. This will be the last chance before the season Ski & Pole Rental: 1-2 to get signed up in person and pick up rental skis and poles. There will also ERJN Sign Up: 1-2 be a mandatory parent meeting from ERJN online sign up Mandatory Parent Meeting: 2-3 2-3; we will talk about the upcoming season. During the meeting, we will [email protected] Fun Kid Games (during Parent Meeting): 2-3 have fun kids’ events outside so the adults can talk uninterrupted. Be Closes 11.21.2015 sure kids that come to the event are dressed in clothing appropriate to Late Registration will be 12/8 at 7:10 play outside. You can sign up for ERJN after the skiers leave chalet for lessons. online at CERNSC@wildapricot. There is an additional $20 per family org. Electronic sign up will close November 21. As a reminder, there charge... are two steps when you are signing

the Alkas a nordic skier October 2015 STATEWIDE 9 Interski: A ski conference at the end of the world BY MEGAN SPURKLAND backwards parallel turns, and the one August 30 found me frantically that I found completely impossible: unloading the net off of my fishing lifting the right ski up and crossing boat, getting cash in small bills from it over in front of your left leg, and the bank, waxing my skis, finding my then while in this strangely inverted passport and digging winter clothes position lifting your left ski up and out from forgotten corners of my bringing it around the back until you closet. Five long flights and 10,000 were back in normal skiing position. miles later, I walked out of the plane This exercise left me basically rolling in Ushuaia, Argentina, to attend down the hill in a huge ball and in Interski 2015. utter awe at the amazing Finnish ski Four years ago, I had never skills. heard of Interski. My husband now The Italians had a very impressive refers to it as “the Olympics for -country demo team, including instructors.” This always earns Magda Genuin, who retired from him an elbow jab, but in many ways the World Cup circuit three years PHOTOS BY ROSS MATLOCK it is similar. It only happens once Skiers from around the world, including writer and Alaskan Megan Spurkland, ago after making 12 podiums. Their every four years and it is a huge enjoy some Patagonian lamb for lunch after a ski and before an Interski workshop. team leader, Francesco, was the international meeting of every head trainer for eight top Italian country’s national team, sometimes you can be part of the U.S. delegation that they were very unfamiliar with Junior racers, as well demonstrating called their demonstration team. and receive credentials to attend all offering anything other than technical remarkable compassion in beginner These demo teams are made up of the on-snow and indoor workshops. explanations. instruction. They taught us about the alpine, , cross-country, Every day, the morning is filled The Finns gave a fun-filled rigorous standards for becoming an telemark and adaptive contingents. In with on-snow workshops offered by workshop that got us up the instructor or trainer in Italy. All of the U.S., this demo team is selected different . This year, the on our skinny skis. They explained their ski school instructors and racing once every four years at the PSIA- Swiss presented their attempt to that their requests for cross-country coaches come up through the same AASI tryouts, where your technical, improve the creativity in their cross- ski lessons in their country are so low certification system in the Italian teaching and people skills are closely country instructors by focusing that they had to incorporate more fun Ski Federation. They have to first examined. on providing the student with a into the sport, rather than “go out and pass a skiing skills test, then attend The demo teams are flown to mental image or simile that helped ski 10k.” So they showed us a four-run a 90-day training to become a basic- Interski by their various national them attain the desired form rather progression that had us going down level ski school teacher. From there organizations, but you can go even than by giving a detailed technical the slope doing synced up parallel they can specialize in being either an if you aren’t a member of a team. description. This proved difficult turns, holding hands in pairs with instructor or a trainer. This would be In the U.S., if you are a member of for the high-level Italian contingent the outside leg lifted up high behind like USSA and PSIA joining forces and they were quick to acknowledge us in a ballet-like maneuver, doing PSIA-AASI and pay your own way, See INTERSKI, Page 13 XIUM

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ROSSIGNOL_AK NORDIC NEWS_2015.indd 1 the Alkas a nordic skier 9/9/15 3:41 PM 10 STATEWIDE October 2015 An off-season of celebration and preparation for Alaska’s Nordic skiers BY LAURI BASSETT For those of you who missed the festivities this past April, Cross Country Alaska (CCAK) hosted a celebration honoring the inaugural class of the Alaska Cross Country Hall of Fame. In 1999, CCAK created a process, took nominations and voted in the first members to this Hall of Fame. Since then, ski life happened for the people involved and the Hall of Fame was put on the backburner. CCAK made it a priority to recognize those who forged the way and developed the trails for the skiers of today to enjoy their successes. The evening included a vintage style show, a silent auction, and recognition of 13 of Alaska’s coaches, Olympians, and trail builders. It was a night that those in attendance heard the rich history of Alaska skiing and put faces to the names of the trails on which many of us ski and met some of Alaska’s Olympians. Looking to the 2015-16 season, CCAK has set PHOTO COURTESY CROSS COUNTRY ALASKA Inductees into the inaugural Alaska Cross Country Ski Hall of Fame included Dick Mize, Jim Burkholder, Judy the schedule for the ConocoPhillips Besh Cup race Rabinowitz, Jim Mahaffey, Greg Whisenhant and Elizabeth Whisenhant (for Jim Whisenhant), Bill Spencer, Lin series. The season kicks off December 19-20 with Hinderman, Ronn Randall (for Kikkan Randall), Kendra Besh (for Tom Besh), John Estle, Leah Besh (for Tom Besh), Mike Burns (for Sven Johannson). Inductees unable to attend were Audun Endestad and Lynn Spencer. races at Kincaid Park in Anchorage. On January 23-24, skiers will meet up in Homer; the final races or a general membership license. This means that who register for all six races by midnight November will be held in Fairbanks on February 6-7. all skiers who are not vying for a spot on Team 30 will receive one free race. This discount will be In 2016, skiers who want to make Team Alaska Alaska (and even the U14 skiers who are), as well reflected in the online registration. have both national and international opportunities. as senior and master skiers, need to purchase Traveling for Besh Cup races? Book your stays The 2016 Junior National Cross Country Ski the annual general membership license from here and save: CCAK would like to recognize hotel Championships for skiers in the U16 and U18/ USSA for $15. All skiers who wish to purchase a sponsors that have come on board for the upcoming U20 age groups will be held March 7-12 in Cable, full USSA membership are still welcome to do so. season. Please consider booking your stay at the Wisconsin (home of the American Birkebeiner). CCAK recommends you visit ussa.org to purchase Courtyard Marriot in Anchorage, Land’s End in The 2016 for skiers in the either level of membership and learn more about Homer, or Wedgewood Resort in Fairbanks. Each U14, U16, and U18 age groups will be held March this change. CCAK tested the online registration hotel is providing lodging for race officials, offering 7-11 in , . If you are a U16 or older process and it was smoother than past years. group rates for accommodations, and providing skier interested in making Team Alaska (for either Don’t be afraid. One-day licenses ($10) will also wax rooms for skiers. Please mention you are part of the events), you need to have a United States be available on race day, but the better bargain is of the Besh Cup race series when making your Ski Association (USSA) license. Please purchase going for the annual general membership ahead of reservations. A big thanks goes to ConocoPhillips by November 1 so that scoring from last season time. for once again being the title sponsor for the Besh is reflected on the seeding at the first Besh Cup. The rates for the upcoming season remain Cup race series. This support makes it possible U14 skiers looking to make Team Alaska for unchanged from the last two years. However, the for CCAK to provide ski racing opportunities to Arctic Winter Games only need an annual general fee for race day registration increased. The race fee Alaskan skiers. membership license (keep reading). for skiers in the U12 and younger age groups is $7 Please watch crosscountryalaska.org and the New USSA requirement: USSA now requires ($10 on race day). The race fee for U14 skiers is $20 CCAK Facebook page for detailed race information all skiers in USSA-sanctioned ski races (all Besh ($30 on race day.) The race fee for skiers U16 and and coaching clinic opportunities as the ski season Cup races) to have either a full USSA license ($95) older is $35 ($45 on race day). U16 and older skiers approaches. Think snow! Alaska National Guardsmen participate in international biathlon event BY LT . COL . STEPHEN WILSON United States. “I’ve gained much confidence in my Alaska-based Staff Sgt. Jamie After a grueling and challenging skiing and shooting ability, in addition Haines, an Airman with the 212th week, the U.S. National Guard team to the many friends that I’ve met.” Rescue Squadron, and Spc. Tadhg took fourth place overall. The National Guard biathlon team Nakada, a Soldier with the 207th “We have a young and developing is actively seeking female competitors Aviation Battalion, competed team, and they are improving with to strengthen their competitiveness in South American Military Ski each competition,” said Wilson. “It’s and encourage female athletes to Championships and International experiences like these, at competitive participate in the challenging sport. Ski biathlon Competition at the Army venues, that make our team better “There is only one female of Chile Mountain School in Portillo, and stronger.” competitor on the National Guard Chile, in August. The event marked Haines added: “The opportunity team, and we earn zero points for the fourth international competition to compete and build friendships in female events that we are not able to that both Guardsmen have competed Members of the United States National these international biathlon races compete in, which are calculated into Guard Biathlon Team gather after in this season, which includes trips to finishing third in the patrol race. is immeasurable. I’ve met athletes overall team scores,” said Wilson. , Italy and . from more than a dozen countries. The National Guard biathlon consisted of Haines and Nakada, as The biathlon event is considered The demonstration of sportsmanship, program provides an excellent well as Spc. Jordan McElroy with one of the most challenging winter skiing and shooting technique, along opportunity for biathlon athletes the Vermont Army National Guard sports, combining cross-country with host-nation hospitality, builds to compete and hone their skills and Chief Warrant Officer 4 Derek skiing and rifle shooting. This great camaraderie and athletic while they represent the National Lindberg with the Minnesota Army particular competition, which was skills.” Guard nationally and internationally. National Guard. They were led by held within the Andes Mountain Thanks to a weather delay due to The development of biathlon skills- Tech. Sgt. Travis Voyer with the Range at an elevation of more a winter storm and eight feet of new marksmanship and skiing-has played Vermont National Guard and Lt. Col. than 9,000 feet, consisted of four snow, the Guardsmen were granted an important role in winter warfare Stephen Wilson with the Alaska Army separate races at various distances. time to acclimate to the elevation and military defense, and provides National Guard. The countries that They tested the speed, endurance prior to the event. excellent training and fitness were represented in the competition and precision of each biathlete, as “The high altitude conditions and opportunities to participating Guard were Argentina, Brazil, Chile, the individuals and as teams. deep snow make for a challenging and members People’s Republic of China, and the The U.S. National Guard team rewarding race venue,” Nakada said.

the Alkas a nordic skier October 2015 11

P.O. Box 44, Homer, Alaska 99603 Kachemak Nordic Ski Club kachemaknordicskiclub.org [email protected] Homer, Alaska

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jan Spurkland President Times are changing – and KNSC is adapting Nicky Szarzi Vice President Richard Burton Message from the KNSC President / Jan Spurkland Treasurer Mike Byerly Secretary “In fact, the Arctic is the leading edge loud and clear: 70 percent of respondents answered Carlin Rauch that they most wanted to see the currents trails and Mike Gracz of climate change – our leading indicator facilities upgraded to provide a better skiing surface and Kevin Walker of what the entire planet faces. Arctic experience. Andrew Peter We are listening! Over the past summer, KNSC Stacey Buckelew temperatures are rising about twice as Olympia Piedra volunteers, with the financial assistance of the Rasmuson Administrative Assistant fast as the global average. Over the past 60 Foundation and the Recreational Trails Program, have years, Alaska has warmed about twice as completed two large capital improvement projects. Both COMMITTEES/EVENTS Lookout and McNeil trail areas have completed and Lookout Mountain Ski Trails fast as the rest of the United States. Last Kevin Walker (Construction) renovated maintenance buildings to house our equipment. Mike Byerly (Grooming year was Alaska’s warmest year on record These heated buildings will allow our equipment to be Lower Baycrest Ski Trails; Trails; – just as it was for the rest of the world. And stored safety, function better, and last longer. This will Friday Night Lights; Grooming Equipment help KNSC provide a more consistent skiing surface, at a Dave Brann the impacts here are very real. … Already lower cost, for a longer period of time. Upper Baycrest Ski Trails; Marathon Trail it’s changing the way Alaskans live.” Committee KNSC is buying new equipment, as well. Departing Alan Parks – President Barack Obama from our history of purchasing snowmachines, KNSC has Monday, August 31 ,at the Dena’ina Center in Anchorage McNeil/Eveline Ski Trails acquired ATVs and brush mowers. This new equipment Ginger Johnson (Chair) will allow the club to manicure a portion of our trails, Derek Stonorov (McNeil Grooming) President Obama may not have had our local ski club Dave Brann (Eveline Grooming) making these trails skiable on a smaller amount of in mind when he addressed the world from the Dena’ina snow and for a longer season. Volunteers have also been Kachemak Nordic Ski Development; Ski Center in Anchorage recently, but perhaps he might as Your Age; Besh Cup Races; Homer Epic 100 repairing bridges, replacing culverts, and leveling sections Jan Spurkland well have. The truth that resonates though his comments of trail, all with the goal of providing a world-class skiing are a reality that KNSC Nordic ski enthusiasts have been Junior Nordic surface, on a minimal snow depth. Carlin Rauch enduring through the past two winters of record warm This past winter did not provide many opportunities for temperatures and low snow packs. While no one can Homer Women’s Nordic; PSIA Clinics me to glide on a pair of skis. But there is one day rooted Megan Spurkland predict what this winter will bring, the idea that we are in my memory. Late in the season, after a snowfall of only Webmaster possibility being faced with a “new normal,” as far as our a few inches, I found myself on the Hayfields at Lookout. Richard Burton local weather patterns are concerned, is something that The sky was blue, the sun shining bright, and my skis Alaska Nordic Skier Newsletter we all can be forgiven for believing. were gliding over the most perfect corduroy … all on Marylou Burton But take heart! A new normal is simply an opportunity about four inches of snow. This memory has lit the fire in Snow Machine Maintenance to find new ways to approach new challenges. And over me, because I know, whether on a snowpack of four inches Bill Hague the summer months, KNSC has been doing exactly or four feet, there will be many, many of these days this Trail Signs that. At the conclusion of the 2012-2013 winter, KNSC Jennifer Edwards winter. Thank you to all the KNSC volunteers that make members participated in an online survey in which they this possible and have given us all reasons to rejoice at the Winter Gear & Ski Swap communicated to the club how they felt the energies of Mike Illg coming winter. the club could best be invested. The results came back Kachemak Ski for Women & Haven House Kris Holdereid

Wanted: Ski stories Wine & Cheese/Wooden Ski Tour AROUND Kevin & Jeanne Walker and photos Kachemak Nordic Ski Marathon THE BAY Got any ski stories and photos Deland Anderson that you would like to share? A trip Sea to Ski Triathlon Support your ski club! to a distant ski area, a harrowing Mike Byerly With your membership this adventure, a feature on an unsung Winter Backcountry Film Festival year you will receive an attractive hero, or just an extraordinarily Dan Del Missier zipper pull with artwork by Deland great ski day on our extraordinarily Anderson. By wearing this zipper beautiful trails – it’s all good. Contact for adults. Sunday morning will be a pull while skiing on the trails, you will Marylou at burtons@mosquitonet. clinic for juniors, and camp will end help the club generate more revenue! com. with a lunch and clinic for adults. Currently the club spends more than Details will be posted at $100 per member each year keeping Holly Brooks kachemaknordicskiclub.org. the trails cleared and groomed. Training Camp in Homer Members of HWN and KNRD do not Skiers that may not be members The ski season in Homer is going need to pay for the camp; all others may notice that everyone using the to begin with a bang this season. are asked to be KNSC members and trails is wearing this cool zipper Holly Brooks is coming into town for pay a camp registration fee of $25. pull and will definitely want one for a three-day training camp October themselves! The only way to get one 9-11. Holly is a two-time Olympian Snow, wind, fog and a hike: is to become a member. Therefore, and last year’s bronze medalist in A perfect prelude to winter the FIS Marathon Cup. There will by wearing your zipper pull you can September 15: Fog and rain. My be juniors’ and masters’ sessions, help the club generate much needed 8-foot tall pea vines are still putting lectures and lunches with Holly. revenue without spending an extra on flowers and the tomatoes in the Friday evening will be a presentation dime! These additional memberships greenhouse are still ripening. But by Holly followed by a group workout will help pay for continued trail and encourage others to register there’s a nip in the air, the leaves are for everyone. Saturday morning will improvements and grooming today! turning, and when this fog clears up be a clinic and lunch for juniors, and expenses. there will surely be fresh snow on the Visit kachemaknordicskiclub.org for more Saturday afternoon will be a clinic Do your part for the herd! Register information. See BAY, Page 12

the Alkas a nordic skier 12 KACHEMAK October 2015 L ookout Nordic Ski Area just keeps getting better BY MARLOU BURTON adjacent 10-foot storage shed. The workshop, which Kevin Walker, John Miles and other volunteers is well insulated and has radiant floor heat, also spent August and early September finishing up the serves as a storage and staging area for groups Lookout Nordic ski building. “It has been really such as Junior Nordics and the High School Ski nice working up there,” Kevin reports, “with the Team, as well as events such as the Besh Cup and fireweed blooming, the almost total quiet (except other races. when empty gravel trucks rattle by on their way Concurrently, grooming and maintenance on the to the State DOT gravel pit at the end of Olsen trails themselves continues to improve, including Mountain Road), and moose coming to visit.” mowing and leveling during the summer/fall and Completion of the Lookout combination grooming to perfection with excellent corduroy and equipment/event staging building is just the latest tracks during the winter. That, combined with snow enhancement of what has become a first-class, that arrives early in the season and lasts well into multi-season trail system. Not so long ago, Lookout PHOTO BY KEVIN WALKER the spring, makes for a first-class trail system. was synonymous with the “Hay Fields,” a 2K or so The newly completed Lookout workshop/storage Funding for the Lookout expansion has come building. It’s nicer (and bigger) than some Homer loop around the flats that caught snow early in the houses! from a variety of sources, including more than season but didn’t offer much in the way of variation. $280,000 from the Alaska State Department of former Olympian who has had a hand in designing Later in a good snow season, the marathon Natural Resources Alaska Trail Initiative and several trails in and around Anchorage – to design connector trail opened things up considerably, Recreational Trails programs, as well as the a trail system at Lookout that met standards set providing a link all the way from Lookout to the KNSC coffers. Some of the work has been hired out by the Besh Cup and other racing organizations. Baycrest trails along a challenging 12K route that (usually at deeply discounted rates), but most has Over the course of the next few years, 20-foot-wide descends and ascends two major creek drainages. been done by volunteers too numerous to mention trails were carved out on property leased by KNSC But that didn’t happen every year and the Hay without leaving someone out. Special thanks for from the borough, parking lots were developed, Fields were still the Hay Fields. this latest project, though, has to include Kevin and the Harbinger Road access was brought up The potential was there, though, and Nordic Walker, John Miles, Don Bellamy, Mike Byerly and to borough standards. Electrical service was also ski visionaries like Doug Schwiesow, Kenton David Stutzer. installed, and a timing shed and rest rooms were Bloom, Alan Phelps and others pushed the dream. The Hay Fields have come a long way in the past constructed. The most recent project has been Sometime in the 2005-2006 timeframe, Doug and 10 years. See you up there – soon! the construction of a 30-by-30-foot workshop and friends enticed Bill Spencer – a civil engineer and

BAY the snow until we got to the narrow, Continued from Page 11 skinny and on that day quite icy cat mountains across the Bay. ridge over to Broken Knife – at which Not for the first time, though. On point we took our pictures and went a brilliant sunny weekend in late looking for a place out of the wind August, Ruth Dickerson, Lynn Temple to eat lunch before we headed back and I got up bright and early to catch a down. Sun, an exciting water taxi water taxi over to Jakolof Bay, where ride, blueberries, wind, snow, views to we planned to hike up Broken Knife – forever – it just doesn’t get any better only to be greeted by the sight of snow than that. all the way down to about 2,500 feet. But while we claim (correctly or And wind –25 knots, blowing right into now) bragging rights to bagging the the mouth of Kachemak Bay! Well, of first local snow of the season, Megan course we went anyway, and it was a Spurkland was at the end of the world glorious day. at Interski in Ushuaia, Argentina, on The trail up to Broken Knife was actual skis. Megan is modest about brushy and wet, but otherwise in good her participation as a member of the shape. This is a popular route to some U.S. National Team, but it’s quite an prime tele-skiing in the winter, and honor – not to mention an incredible we found a stash of skis and gear up experience in an incredible setting. near the treeline, just waiting for the Be sure and check out her article real thing. We, however, were on foot, in this newsletter, as well as her emerging from the trees onto a clear pictures on Facebook. Hoping for a snowy winter, Marylou PHOTO BY MARYLOU BURTON ridge completely covered in low-lying, Lynn Temple gets a wet doggy kiss from Kvichak during an August hike along ripe blueberries, and then on up into Burton Broken Knife Ridge.

the Alkas a nordic skier October 2015 13

1150 S. Colony Way, Suite 3 Palmer, Alaska 99645 Mat-Su Ski Club (907) 745-SKIS WASILLA, ALASKA www.matsuski.org

AROUND BOARD OF DIRECTORS P rESIDENT THE VALLEY Edward Strabel Fall time = Waiting time VICE PRESIDENT I have an odd love-hate relationship Susan Skvorc with fall; to the point I might say it’s SECRETARY my least-favorite time of the year. Mike Norton Daylight is waning, the weather can TREASURER be excessively wet and my wife has Karen Hopp to go back to work, not to mention MEMBERSHIP that I have to play the “waiting game” Mark Stigar until skiing. Now many of you may BOARD MEMBERS disagree and reply, “But Hans, the fall Gene Backus colors are soooo beautiful!” Blah, you Hans Hill can take your fall colors, cover them Dave Musgrave in white and then I’ll be happy. Michael Norton Nevertheless, I head out and get Tom Smayda Writer, skier, Board member and dad Hans Hill takes his young son on a hike to wet. Whether it be hunting in Delta find snow. Mark Strabel or picking berries in Hatcher, we Our hike down was a bit stressful trails at Government Peak also as try to get out and stretch the legs in with the packed snow, steep slopes soon as there enough to, ski and some way. So when the tops of the and precious cargo. But it was made probably remove our grooming hill bounding now to catch up to Daryl neighboring peaks began to show easier knowing our son would be equipment from Independence Mine and his attendees. signs of old age (white on top), I knew enjoying snow many more times in in December. Skiing paraphernalia we’d be heading up to check it out. the future. Looking for an anniversary or Which brings us to last weekend. I will leave you with this, if the fall MSSC Annual Meeting birthday present, or maybe just want Saturday brought more rain, but is still dragging on when this reaches on October 30 to show off your support of the club? more snow up high. Sunday brought your mailbox, know the first ski will Every year for the past few I have Look no further than your local MSSC promising skies and so we began to be all that more enjoyable when it proselytized about the MSSC Annual for the answer. This year the club has suit up for a hike in the snow. It should does finally arrive … or at least that Membership Meeting and the great ski ties (sleeves) for $4 per pair and be noted that our time for preparation is what I’ll keep telling myself in the ski event information and speakers … ski buffs for $5, both showing off the for outings has vastly increased since meantime. oh and the free swag giveaways! This highly fashionable ski club logo. They the appearance of the offspring. In – By Hans Hill, MSSC Board of year it is currently scheduled for 6:30 will be available at the MSSC Annual fact, I would surmise the ratio for Directors p.m. Friday, October 30, at the Palmer Meeting or see a board member for preparing for outings and the time Depot. Upgrades are being completed more information. of actual outing approaches 1:1. So Grooming update at the GPRA center, but if they are it’s no surprise that our lazy Sunday, Having seen snow already this completed early, the annual meeting Upcoming events season and having a keen sense of will occur at GPRA. Please check “crack of noon” departure times PC Race To The Outhouse - 10:30 a.m. Saturday, (post children) have turned into, “Is all things snow, I can assure one of www.matsuski.org for updates. Be November 7: Free classic or skating 5K it too late, should we be even going.” these things to be true: the snow this there or miss out on the hottest event at Independence Mine. This is a low-key opportunity for racers to “blow the carbon Thankfully we departed and headed year will be early and often, we will of this fall! all have record number of ski days out” in preparation for the serious races to for the hills. come. or the Mat-Su Ski Club will start Preseason ski training April Bowl in Hatcher Pass was our with Daryl and friends Ski Tour at Independence Mine – 1 p.m. intended destination. Upon reaching grooming at Independence Mine as Sunday, November 8: Great for recreational If you are an MSSC member, the pass proper, several inches of soon as there is skiable snow (I am skiers, we will include an orientation on you should have received an email the different loops and skier etiquette. moist snow lay waiting. Although our leaning towards the first one). MSSC advertising our club’s preseason ski Participants need to be able to handle the son, having turned seven months-old has already prepositioned grooming mile-long 300-foot vertical climb to get to training. Our great in-house coach the day prior, was born in the winter equipment at the Mine and brushed the mine area. Daryl Farrens has put together Moonlight Ski at Independence Mine – 7 p.m. months, I consider this day his first and marked the loops. Signage has a twice-weekly program running November 21. snow day. The boy was just about as been placed in the usual spots to help through the end of October, which Adult ski lessons for classic and excited as I. Nothing could have made errant skiers. includes a myriad of dryland training skate techniques – Beginning around me happier (his reaction, not the snow Hopefully we all will be exercises to get the eager beaver the first week of December. Keep … sort of). As we hiked up to gain rendezvousing there shortly. As ready for the upcoming season. If checking the Mat-Su Ski Club’s purchase, he giggled the whole way, snow makes its way down, we will you have missed out, put it on the website for update information not even minding the chill air. groom Archangel Road and the calendar for next year and commence regarding days and times.

STATEWIDE INTERSKI the disciplines. One thing I learned sailboat, where at least three quarters not I am selected for the next U.S. Continued from Page 9 is how much there is to learn about of the overall height is above water National Team. It is an outstanding in our cross-country system. They instructing and growing the stoke for and this represents the feedback that opportunity for professional presented their very comprehensive a sport from these very professional focuses on student strengths and development if you are involved in printed and electronic manuals that snowsport instructors, even if they provides the motivation that moves instructing or coaching cross-country have been three years in the making are alpine or snowboard specialists. the boat/student along, while the skiing. and include over 400 videos. They also The Danish alpine team, for example, one quarter underneath is the keel As a parting note, if you are brought an inflatable obstacle course presented on the power of focusing on which represents the constructive, interested in trying out for the and we put on an Interski Ski School student strengths during the feedback correcting feedback that keep the PSIA-AASI National Team in for a group of 60 Argentinian kids that in a lesson, and how research boat tracking straight. April, you must be a Cross Country arrived out of a swirling snowstorm shows that the optimal learning Now that I know Interski exists, I Level 3 PSIA Instructor as well as on the third day. environment results when the ratio of will have a hard time staying away having your Child Specialist Level I could go on and on about the positive to negative feedback ranges in four years when it is hosted by 2 endorsement. The application is amazing indoor lectures given by all from 3:1 to 11:1. They compared it to a Bulgaria, regardless of whether or online at thesnowpros.org.

the Alkas a nordic skier 14 FAIRBANKS October 2015

P.O. Box 80111, Fairbanks, AK 99708-0111 Competition Office: 907-474-4242 Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks Competition Fax: 907-474-2073 Racing Hotline: 907-457-4434 Fairbanks, Alaska nscfairbanks.org SKIING UNDER THE NORTHERN LIGHTS Who’s Who in the AROUND THE of Alaska Fairbanks). Learn more your Fred Meyer Rewards Card. Nordic Ski Club about these trails at: Fred Meyer will donate $2.5 million to of Fairbanks INTERIOR n Skarland / Pearl Creek Park trail map: nonprofits in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon arcgis.com/apps/OnePane/basicviewer/ and Washington annually through JUNIOR NORDIC HOTLINE index.html?appid=4f0cad09a35d4a0786e 457-4437 this program. The Nordic Skier – in your 67b1b2839f8fc NSCF HOTLINE mailbox or inbox? n Skarland & Pearl Creek Park Trail Users: To find out how to help, visit tinyurl.com/npmcles. 457-4837 (includes Birch Hill weather) facebook.com/groups/1553793074862242/ Get your copy of The Alaska Nordic WEBSITE Webmaster Skier online and the links below are NSCF calendar of Gary Holton | [email protected] How-to … get in shape upcoming events just a click away. To get only a PDF for ski season version, or both a PDF and printed Several club- and ski-related Presidents As winter approaches, it’s time to Bruce Jamieson/ Pat Reinhard version, please send an email request activities are coming in the next few think about getting into ski shape. [email protected] to [email protected]. weeks. Check out the NSCF online Here are some suggestions that range calendar for more details and updates Secretary You can also get PDF versions at [email protected] from building your own backyard Liz Pawelko | anchoragenordicski.com/newsletters. ( nscfairbanks.org > Calendar). obstacle course to sitting on the Treasurer htm. Getting the online version of the S naMPli g of things to come Dave Bloom | [email protected] couch: newsletter only saves our club money n How I Got Fit For Ski Season - My One Saturday, October 17: The West Valley Ski Adult Lessons Coordinator and maximizes your gifts! Swap. NSCF’s Junior Nordics program Kathy Bue Tip: xcskiacademy.com/blog/obstacle- [email protected] | 371-9543 course will be there so that people can sign up for Beyond Birch Hill – n 2 Unconventional Ways to Improve Your classes, which start in November. Lessons Coordinator Skarland, Pearl Creak trails Nordic Skiing: tinyurl.com/p5j8w9f Saturday, November 14: SkiFest. A joint Peggy Dargan | jrnnordics@nscfairbanks. net Birch Hill is an incredible trail celebration of the NSCF and the Alaska Nanooks Cross Country Ski Team. system for cross-country skiing, but Held NSCF At-Large Members by going shopping Saturday, Noveber 21: The first Kinross Fort Carrie Dershin there are many other places to ski Knox Town Race Series event Lisa Druckenmiller You can earn donations to the in the Fairbanks area. Two of those Friday, November 27: Jerome Jackson The Alaska Coffee Eric Troyer are the Pearl Creek Park and the Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks from Roasting Company Turkey Day Relays Fred Meyer just by shopping at with Fairbanks Junior Nordics Skarland Trail (beyond the University Sally Endestad | jrnnordics@nscfairbanks. net

FAIRBANKS CROSS COUNTRY Pete Leonard NSCF Junior Nordics now offering Monday classes at UAF Head Coach, Program Director [email protected]

In an effort to make ski lessons for kids more than Birch Hill. Because of these factors, the cut-off RACE PROGRAM DIRECTOR accessible, the club is now offering Junior Nordics on temperature at UAF will be 10 below rather than the 5 John Estle [email protected] Monday evenings at the University of Alaska Fairbanks below at Birch Hill. (UAF) trails. Parking at UAF will be free and many spots should be MEMBERSHIP [email protected] Sally Endestad, now in her second year as Junior available because the classes will be held in evening. Nordics coordinator, wanted to offer the classes because Register by going to the Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks TOURING Vacant of several requests from families over the years. The new website ( nscfairbanks.org/) and clicking on the Learn > classes should be a welcome addition to families living in Junior Nordic Registration dropdown. Registration will be NEWSLETTER EDITOR Eric Troyer Ester and the west side of Fairbanks. done only online this year. [email protected] The classes have been limited to 50 students in large The club has already been offering Adult Lessons part because of the support facilities. At UAF, the warmup classes at UAF. A big thank you goes out to UAF for hut is smaller and the bathroom facilities are in another welcoming Junior Nordics and Adult Lessons. building. The UAF site has the additional challenge For more information, contact Sally Endestad, Junior Nordics coordinator, at of generally being chillier, though slightly less breezy, [email protected] or (907) 371-9564.

hit. crowded with excited kids who may not be bundling-and-getting-out-the-door process Tips for n Make sure if your child has never skied paying attention when they pick up their takes longer than the actual skiing time. before to try on all the equipment inside belongings. Take a moment to be sure they Try to be OK with this! Eventually the time New Fairbanks on your living room carpet (before you put have theirs, not someone else’s. spent skiing exceeds the preparation time. on any wax!). Allow your skiers the space n A warm snack before Jr. Nordics lessons Listen to your child. There’s a difference to move around and find their balance a along with water in the car for afterwards between needing a bit of encouragement Junior Nordic few times. Carve out some time at the ski (they really do work up a sweat!) go a long and gently prodding your child when area for them to safely put on their skis and way to make your experience a good one. they’re not excited about skiing. Don’t ever Parents begin to slide around even if they’ve never It also sets the stage for caring for their force your child to participate. B y SaLLY Endestad tried it before. That will help give them bodies in any future endeavors. n Building relationships is extremely the necessary confidence it will take to n The NSCF Junior Nordics Enter the Kinross Fort Knox Town important in your child’s life. If you have successfully navigate the first lessons. Series races!!!! They are family oriented an introvert and your personality is an program is a great way to keep kids n A sense of humor on really cold days and give your child a chance to strut their extrovert, be sensitive to that. Give them active, which helps them be happy goes a long way in creating the steadfast stuff no matter their level. adequate space to form their own bonds. and successful. To aid in smoothly attitude that all things are possible with n Show up and ski—even just once. Stay after the session, speaking with other the right attitude. Whatever the conditions, parents, so that your child has the space to integrating Junior Nordics into your Nothing reinforces the fun more than we’ll make the best of it. seeing mom or dad out there with them. develop relationships with other kids. busy life here is a list of suggestions: n On cold days always carry extra mittens, Plus, it is good for mom or dad to get n Creating the desire for healthy exercise n If you have multiple skiing kids take a neck warmers, and chemical hand and some fresh air. It might just turn into a is part of parenting. If parents make daily notebook to the store and jot notes on boot, toe warmers. The latter are available in wonderfully healthy habit! (Adult lessons exercise a habit, kids learn by imitation ski and pole sizes needed for all children. sporting goods stores and can be reused are often available during Junior Nordics.) and make exercise a part of their daily n Visit ski swaps to look for your specific multiple times if you seal them in a jar n Ski with you kids when they are not lives. Children aim to please their parents. needs before shopping at stores for retail before they lose their heat. at Junior Nordics. Pick a lovely Saturday Whether kids decide to ski as part of a prices. The kids grow so fast and you might n Your car should be stocked with an extra and ask your kids to take you for a ski at competitive club or not shouldn’t matter. find that they grow out of their equipment bag containing socks, hats, mittens, etc. the UAF or Birch Hill trails. Believe it or The ultimate goal is to have children during the season. To avoid this problem, You will need them at some point for your not, that little bit of interest you show goes moving and enjoying the sport of cross- purchase boots with a bit more room and children or others who may be skiing with a long way and makes for a great family country skiing. double the socks. Those added layers might you. outing. Sally Endestad is the NSCF Junior Nordics be used in Fairbanks when our cold temps n Label everything! Lesson days get n Sometimes in the beginning the coordinator and a parent of two skiers.

the Alkas a nordic skier October 2015 FAIRBANKS 15 A better Birch: Borough, NSCF spend summer improving Birch Hill Crews from the NSCF and Fairbanks North Star the warm up hut. This area had been a small raised lawn The dirt from the digging was used to re-slope a transition Borough worked on a joint project this summer with no real usage. We added a split rail fence to the deck, at the top of the ramp, as well as to top fill the Nature Trail and fall improving the Birch Hill Recreation Area. reconfigured the existing split rail fence, re-sloped the lawn, and part of Pete’s Plunge, two trails off the Stadium Hill. installed a park bench, and added topsoil. Next spring the I believe this completed the Nature Trail. After the dirt Lee Williams, the borough’s manager at Birch Hill, area will be seeded, flower barrels will be placed next to the was moved, we reseeded the East Ramp, West Ramp and works closely with Tom Helmers, the ski club’s bench, and hanging baskets will be added to the warm up transition area at the top of the ramp. head groomer, to keep Birch Hill in top shape. The hut deck roof. n Tom and his crew brushed out the entire Outhouse Loop, n excellent cooperation helps make Birch Hill one of New ski racks were built as part of an Eagle Scout project which had become very overgrown. led by Austin Stewart. The new racks have thicker dowels n the best cross-country ski areas in the nation. Lee Tom and John Estle started a project to mark the trails and should last longer than the thinner dowels on the old with metal signs providing more information to skiers. The put together the following list of projects done this racks. The old racks will still be used. entire White Bear trail system will be done this year. As of year Tair ls now, all old signs have been removed, new sign posts are installed, and new signs have been proofed by the sign shop. Sadit um area n Tom and I successfully reseeded two trail areas that had The only steps left are final approval, printing of the signs, n Designed and built a proper access path to the team been worked with heavy equipment in the past couple of and installing the final product. Other trail loops will be room doors. This area had previously been accessed by a years – the new Black Baron Trail and the inbound wide done next summer. social trail on an off-grade area, while walking through tall highway area of the Warm Up Loop. Mlneoiscel a us wooden bollards. The trail was prone to icing over during n Multiple water bars were installed on sloped trails any thawing cycle, and resulted in treacherous passage. The throughout the trail system to better control erosion. n Metal and concrete bollards in the lower parking lot new trail is wider, flatter and sloped more appropriately, with n Small ditches were rehabbed and new ones installed to were removed and replaced with taller metal posts. Many a culvert installed to keep runoff from covering the path. control water runoff around the ski center. A large berm people ran their cars into the old bollards, as they were low n Designed and built a proper access path connecting the was also built, covered with topsoil, and seeded to prevent and sometimes hard to see. The replacement metal posts timing building and Rikka’s cabin to the warm up hut path. water from flowing over the asphalt pathway as it has done are more visible and as an added bonus will be removable This was also a social path with no base and ended with in recent years. if needed, such as to install ATCO trailers for large event a sloped grade down to the warm up hut path asphalt. We n The local disc golf association brushed and chipped waxing villages, etc. moved the access path over to a flatter area, added gravel to around the disc golf course. This resulted in a much cleaner n There was refurbishing of all the drag groomers, provide a flat, firm walking area, and added a small set of look around those trail loops. including repair and repainting. stairs to traverse the slope. The path was moved adjacent to n Tom rented an excavator and used it to bury old piles of n We plan to install a new layer of gravel over the low the split rail fencing close to the finish line to also provide a brush and roots from previous trail work. This was quite an portion of the main driveway to mitigate the pothole spectator area. The split rail in this area was rearranged and extensive project with great results. The main areas were the problem that develops in spring. the slopes were graded and reseeded. East Ramp, West Ramp and a small portion of the Warm Up n Designed and re-landscaped the “lawn” area in front of Loop. Again, this was for a cleaner, more attractive aesthetic. Ski confused? A pair of high-quality touring skis might be right for you

BY RILEY TROYER means that the ski will be much to pay a little more for a pair, but it come. I am paid to know about skis. lighter than one of lower quality. A will be a set of skis that will grow with Riley Troyer is a ski specialist at Goldstream But when I look at the wall of cross- lighter ski glides better and is easier you and offer enjoyment for years to Sports. country skis in the shop where to use for cornering and kicking, I work, sometimes even I get which makes it easier for you to overwhelmed. As ski technology has improve your technique. Because boomed in the last decade, so has the these materials are tough, the skis specialization of equipment. There are also more durable than their are skis specifically for racing in cheaper counterparts and can easily cold, hard-packed conditions; skis for last decades. backcountry expeditions in above- The high-quality materials also freezing temperatures; and skis for allow the skis to be fitted to your body every condition in-between. This type and skiing style. These skis diversity is great for some people. are made in a variety of lengths and However, for many, gaining a few stiffness, so you can get a pair of skis extra seconds in a race isn’t that that are not too long or too short and important and enduring the 30th day offer just the right kick-to-glide ratio. of an expedition isn’t a situation they A nice touring ski has more than are likely to encounter. high-quality materials. It is also Many skiers would like to forget designed and shaped specifically for about the equipment and enjoy the recreational skiers. Big backcountry benefits of skiing whenever and skis are very stable on soft and wherever they like. If this sounds like uneven surfaces, but don’t ski well you, then it might be worth trying out in groomed or hard-packed areas. a pair of high-quality, light touring Racing skis are extremely fast skis. in groomed areas, but on uneven A decent touring ski, such as the trails or outside of set tracks they Madshus Birkebeiner or Nordmarka, lose most of their control. For many will be constructed from top-notch recreational skiers, the touring ski is materials. The base of the ski is a perfect medium. The extra width made from a sintered P-tex, which is gives them solid stability outside much better at accepting wax than of groomed tracks or on uneven a cheaper extruded base, so the multiuse trails. Yet the skis are ski can be fine-tuned to whatever narrow enough to fit into set tracks. conditions you are skiing in. A With skis like the Birkebeiner, extra sintered base also allows the skis to width at the tips and tails lets them be easily stoneground. If after a few corner better. Finally, the extra width years the bases have developed some increases the kick zone, so it is easier nice scratches or are uneven, a good to get kick and the kick wax lasts stonegrinding will take them back to longer. new ski quality. If you aren’t interested in intense However, the base is just the start. ski racing or extreme backcountry Carbon fiber, among other materials, exploring, a high-quality touring ski is is used in creating the ski body. This probably ideal for you. You can expect

the Alkas a nordic skier 16 FAIRBANKS October 2015

for NSCF during the long winters. A Q&A with Summers are spent golfing (and occasionally working at the course), fishing, on home projects, some Bill Husby bicycling, and watching the grass Bill Husby is a longtime NSCF grow. It’s also important for my member. For years he as worked as wife and I to take several trips to a groomer, participated in ski races, the Lower 48 to visit our kids and and been a member of the SCUM grandchildren. (Susan’s Class of Untrainable Men). Q: What do remember about your Q: How long have you lived in first skis? Fairbanks and what do you do? BH: I bought my first set of skis BH: I grew up in Washington state, with three-pin bindings 34 years where I went to college and taught ago. I used them two times my first agriculture for six years. I moved winter and they hung in the garage to Fairbanks 34 years ago when I gathering dust for next 14 years. was hired by the Fairbanks North My son and two daughters took up Star Borough School District. I spent skiing around 1992. At the time we 25 years at Lathrop High School had a son at Lathrop, a daughter at teaching agriculture, math, science, Tanana Middle School and daughter at Joy Elementary. As an active ski PHOTO BY BERT BOYER drafting, metals, wood shop and Bill Husby, center, poses for a picture with the NSCF grooming crew at the 2013 technology courses. parent, I finally dug out the old skis Junior Nationals at Birch Hill Recreation Area. Also pictured are Ken Coe (left) and After retiring nine years ago, I during the fall of 1996. My son came Tom Helmers (right). took up cross-country skiing in the home from college for Christmas using and handed me his lightweight break the tracks. When skiing, you daylight hours and grooming trails and laughed at the equipment I was poles and encouraged me to get some see and feel things that you don’t real skis. I followed his advice and notice on a machine; things like poor I’ve been hooked ever since. track lines, thin snow, trail abuse Q: What do you like about cross- or misuse, tree roots, thin spots, icy country skiing? spots, potentially dangerous trees BH: It’s a life-long activity that and limbs, turns and area that need keeps me active during the winter summer work. months. There’s nothing like striding Q: How does being a groomer on clean fresh tracks. It’s a great way help you as a skier? to relieve stress. BH: One of the greatest joys is Q: Which technique do you favor grooming a trail and being one of the and why? first to ski it. BH: Definitely classic skiing. Q: If you could improve one Going through the narrow trails can thing about cross-country skiing in be both peaceful and challenging. Fairbanks, what would it be? Q: What roles do you play for BH: I would educate people, skiers NSCF? and non-skiers alike, that good trails BH: Groomer, member of SCUM don’t just happen. They require group. snow, maintenance, respect and Q: How does being a skier help money. you as a groomer? Q: What do you do when you can’t BH: Skiing builds awareness of cross-country ski? trails that need work – grooming, BH: Try not to drive my wife brush removal, signs, added snow. too crazy and wait for the next ski It helps in knowing where to set safe season. PHOTO BY SUSAN SUGAI Bill Husby leads a group of SCUM skiers doing a mid-March ski at Birch Hill lines for the tracks and where to Recreation Area. Ski club in the news NSCF, its staff and n NSCF-FXC coaches Pete Leonard and members make headlines Rebecca Konieczny set records in last March’s Sonot Kkaazoot. Rebecca set a over spring, summer new women’s record for the 50-kilometer The Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks freestyle race. Pete set a new record for the and several of its staff and members men’s 20-kilometer race: tinyurl.com/oydwxnk have been making headlines since the n last edition of the Alaska Nordic Skier. Nick Crawford, former FXC assistant coach, was named as the new UAF cross- These stories have been on the NSCF country running and ski coach: Facebook page and/or on the NSCF tinyurl.com/nan4d35 website, but in case you missed any n Members Mike and Michelle here’s a rundown: Hajdukovich organized the first NSCF n The NSCF was entered in the Alaska Schools on Skis, drawing more than 150 to High School Hall of Fame as a Major Birch Hill for the event: Contributor for its many efforts over the tinyurl.com/qdlrljz years to support high school skiing: n The club was mentioned in SportsTravel tinyurl.com/oqqrwjn magazine as a prime sports destination spot: n John Estle, club administrator, longtime sportstravelmagazine.com/ member and race director, joined member the-big-stage-of-the-pacific/ Audun Endestad, Judy Rabinowitz and the n The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner praised late Jim Whisenhant as some of the first the borough and the ski club for its efforts inductees to the Alaska Cross Country Ski to make Birch Hill Recreation Area one of PHOTO BY ERIC TROYER Hall of Fame: Fairbanks’ gems: After a ski on the trails near the stadium at Birch Hill Recreation Area, participants tinyurl.com/pmo3hh5 tinyurl.com/o6er39u of the first-ever Schools on Skis enjoy snacks and marshmallow roasting.

the Alkas a nordic skier