D e c e m b e r 2 0 2 0 , Vo l . 2 2 , N o . 3 PICTURE PERFECT: Check out the super shots from the NSAA Photo Contest 4-5
ANCHORAGE: NSAA Solstice Tree Tour: Holiday tradition continues 2
STATEWIDE: Thanking special and tireless volunteers, Linderman and Brann 6&11
MAT-SU: Let’s get ready to Icicle Double! 9
STATEWIDE: Alaskans representing state, communities on U.S. Ski Team 14&16
Anchorage. . . . . 2 Eagle River. . . 12 Fairbanks. . . . . 13 Girdwood. . . . . 7 Kachemak . . . . 10 PHOTO BY RUSSELL HOOD Mat-Su ...... 8 2 December 2020
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 Skiing Association Of Anchorage, Inc.
The Alaska Ski for Women raises funds for non-profit BOARD MEMBERS AROUND THE BOWL organizations working to stop the cycle of domestic vio- PRESIDENT Safe, festive family fun lence and support survivors. Support an important cause Joey Caterinichio while helping us continue the great tradition of North VICE PRESIDENT at the upcoming Solstice Tree Tour Sara Miller America’s largest women-only cross-country ski event. SECRETARY The NSAA Solstice Tree Josh Niva Stay up to date on the latest event details by visiting Tour has become a popular TREASURER anchoragenordicski.com/events/alaska-ski-for-women/. Claire LeClair holiday tradition in Anchor- MEMBERS Interested in volunteering or supporting the event as a age. This year marks the 5th Tim Stone sponsor? Contact us at [email protected]. Chris Seaman anniversary of the tree-lighting Mike Miller Tim Miller and Winter Solstice celebration Upcoming NSAA Backcountry Ski Tours Will Earnhart at Kincaid Park. The event is Saturday, December 12 — Iditarod National Historic Trail, Turnagain Pass, still on for Sunday, December Kenai Mountains OFFICE STAFF Haley Johnston, Business Manager 13, and sponsors are gearing Tour leader: Mary Vavrik, 907-306-7686; [email protected] Sara Kamahele, Program Manager up their decorations and gen- Sunday, January 17 — Matanuska Glacier from Caribou Creek Heather Liller, Office & Program Admin Tour leader: Joe Meehan, 907-884-2994; [email protected] erators to bring you a festive OPERATIONS STAFF evening of family fun! Find a full schedule and learn more about specific tours Craig Norman at anchoragenordicski.com/programs/backcountry- Bill Brion For the safety of everyone involved, a COVID mitigation Jack Cummins plan is in place and there are changes this year: tours/. Annette Brion Matthew Pauli • The event is RSVP ONLY. Visit the www.anchor- NSAA CALENDAR Peter Zug agenordicski.com/solstice-tree-tour/ to RSVP your family Tyler Norman DECEMBER for a specific time slot. TRAILS • There will be no gathering and participants must stay Wednesday, December 2 — Junior Nordic Session #1 Starts Mike Miller Sunday, December 6 — Biathlon Race #1 moving while on the trail. COMMITTEE CHAIRS • Masks are mandatory. TBA — Ski Jumping: Winter Session Starts TBA — ASD High School Freestyle Snowball Race — Hillside ALASKA SKI FOR WOMEN • Physical distancing is mandatory. Saturday, December 12 — Backcountry Tours: Iditarod National Historic Molly Mylius • There will be no food or beverages provided at the Trail, Turnagain Pass, Kenai Mountains event. AMH ANCHORAGE CUP TBA — ASD High School Lynx Loppet — Kincaid Branden Fontana We want to bring you a festive opportunity for your fam- Sunday, December 13 — AMH Anchorage Cup — Freestyle ily to get outside this season. Please review the full event Sunday, December 13 — Solstice Tree Tour BACKCOUNTRY TOURS Mary Vavrik mitigation plan at anchoragenordicski.com/solstice-tree- Wednesday, December 16 — Biathlon Race #2 tour/ and we’ll see you on the trails! Saturday, December 19 — Besh Cup #1, Kincaid Park BESH CUPS RACE DIRECTOR Sunday, December 20 — Besh Cup #2, Kincaid Park Anson Moxness New season of NSAA Junior Nordics is on Saturday-Sunday, December 26-27 — Mat-Su Icicle Double track for safe skiing, learning, adventures BIATHLON JANUARY Joey Caterinichio, interim NSAA Junior Nordic is a go! Several of our Session One Saturday, January 2 — Biathlon Race #3 HIGH SCHOOL RACING and Session Two groups are at full capacity, including Anson Moxness Russian Jack’s new 4:30 p.m. group. (Check www.anchor- Sunday, January 3 — Biathlon Race #4 TB — Junior Nordic Gear Pick Up for 2nd Session agenordicski.com/junior-nordic/ to see which locations JUNIOR NORDIC Saturday, January 9 — Junior Nordic End of 1st Session Shannon Donley still have openings.) Junior Nordic coaches cannot wait to TBA — ASD High School Skiathlon — Kincaid get out on the trails beginning December 2! MIDDLE SCHOOL RACING TBA — Ski Jumping: Fun Club Competition Diane Moxness There are several changes this season to keep our Sunday, January 10 — AMH Anchorage Cup — Hickok Duathlon skiers and coaches safe and we will be following a strict Monday, January 11 — Junior Nordic Session #2 Starts RACE CHAIRMAN Tim Stone COVID mitigation plan. We will not have our usual “Cookie TBA — ASD High School Bartlett Relay — Bartlett Tour” to sort our skiers, although Great Harvest has Saturday, January 16 — Besh Cup #3, GPRA SCHOLARSHIPS graciously donated a Cookie Coupon for each skier. We’ve Saturday, January 16 — Triflake Winter Triathlon Dan Rosenberg hired additional coaches to ensure small groups, and each Sunday, January 17 — Besh Cup #4 — GPRA SKAN 24 of those groups will be meeting in designated outdoor Sunday, January 17 — NSAA Backcountry Tours: Matanuska Glacier from Geoff and Cathy Wright Caribou Creek areas, no indoor facilities will be available this season. In Wednesday, 20 — Biathlon Race #5 SKI 4 KIDS addition to our traditional Junior Nordic jackets and hats, TBA — Ski Jumping: Fun Club Competition Erin Whitney Witmer each skier will receive a free neck gator this year (which TBA — ASD High School Chugiak Stampede — Chugiak skiers can use as their mandatory face covering). All SKI JUMPING Sunday, January 24 — AMH Anchorage Cup — Classic Karen Compton and Vivienne Murray coaches, skiers and volunteers will be required to com- Saturday, January 30 — Besh Cup #5 — Fairbanks plete a Daily Covid Assessment prior to attending each SKI TRAIN Sunday, January 31 — Besh Cup #6 — Fairbanks Travis Taylor practice. Saturday practices will be staggered this season Find more events at anchoragenordicski.com/calen- to eliminate large groups of skiers. dar/. SOLSTICE TREE TOUR Sara Miller Although there are several changes this season, we have no doubt that we will still have a blast and will suc- TOUR OF ANCHORAGE cessfully achieve our mission which is to instill a lifelong Matias Saari love of cross-country skiing in Anchorage’s youth! NSAA OFFICE HOURS 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday Join us to celebrate the 25th anniversary BOARD MEETINGS of the Alaska Ski for Women Fourth Thursday of the month, The Ski for Women 6:15 P.M. at BP Energy Center is on for 2021! The 4K or NSAA office. Open to all. course will be marked for a weeklong period beginning February 7, 2021. Whether you are a competitive racer or a casual weekend skier, this event is for you. Skiers will have flexible options for safe and fun participation. In keeping with tradition, costumes will be encouraged.
the Alaska nordic skier December 2020 ANCHORAGE 3
New season, new jumpers, same frequent nordicthe Alaska skier flyers and enthusiasm to start the season EDITOR Josh Niva BY ZAK HAMMILL [email protected] NSAA JUMPING PROGRAM COACH
NSAA’s Ski Jumping program registration is open, and LAYOUT with that comes new ski jumpers! Each season brings in Kevin Powell curious new skiers from around town who want to give [email protected] ski jumping a try. Cross-country skiers, alpine skiers, and everyone in between eventually gets curious about what AD REPRESENTATIVE it feels like to go off a ski jump. Who can blame them: a Michele Hansen chance to fly through the air with nothing but yourself and [email protected] two long skis. In order to get those new skiers ready for ski jumping LOCAL EDITORS we have to get snow on our jumps. Snowmaking is no easy ANCHORAGE task, and everyone pitches in to make it happen. For us, Josh Niva Hilltop Ski Area is an integral part of our ski community. [email protected] When we first purchased our snowmaking gun, Hilltop’s a luxury that is not often found in many U.S. skiing com- operations crew agreed to not only educate us on how to munities as there are currently less than 20 active ski EAGLE RIVER use it, but also share their water resources and water sys- jumping clubs. Moving into the new season we, at the ski Barbara Johnson tem. Each season they continue to aid us in our snowmak- jumps, are excited as ever to watch the new ski jumpers [email protected] take flight! ing endeavors, and we are very grateful for their support. FAIRBANKS Join us and learn more at anchoragenordicski.com/ Since our skiing community is so strong, we are able Eric Troyer to continue to expose new skiers to ski jumping. This is ski-jumping/. [email protected]
JUNEAU Frankie Pillifant A shiny, new edition to NSAA’s grooming fleet: A PistenBully 400! [email protected] KACHEMAK Club and community rally Mike Gracz to bring a new groomer to [email protected] Southcentral trails MAT-SU Christmas is coming a little early Ed Strabel this year for NSAA. A brand new [email protected] PistenBully 400 snowcat will move into the Kincaid Bunker and take over SALCHA as the prime trail groomer. Jim Ostlind NSAA’s Operations team’s fleet is [email protected] aging, and we are planning to re- SEWARD home two of our ‘80s vintage PB 200 Julie Robinson machines. The 13-year-old PB 600, [email protected] which held up to some tough years of ice grinding and heavy use, will SOLDOTNA Penny McClain now be the backup cat and assist in 262-6257 trail grooming at Kincaid Park. Back financial management. Following fresh corduroy, know that is all made in the day when the 600 was new we the purchase, NSAA reached out to possible because of the generous con- TALKEETNA couldn’t get genuine PistenBully our community members to offset tributions of Lynden Transport Inc., Chris Mannix Nordic attachments for it because some of the roughly $14,000 in ship- our incredible Nordic skiing commu- 733-2427 the 600 series had never been utilized ping costs to transport the machine nity, and NSAA’s hardworking staff The Alaska Nordic Skier is a in a Nordic setting. Fortunately, we from the Lower 48 to Anchorage. With and leadership. publication representing the nordic were able to purchase track pans and just over 100 donors giving quickly, Special thanks to this group of pas- ski clubs of Anchorage, Eagle a renovator from Yellowstone Track generously and enthusiastically, we sionate donors who helped us reach River, Fairbanks, Homer, Juneau, Systems out of Sheridan, WY. surpassed the fundraising goal! And our goal and deliver the new Pisten- Mat-Su, Salcha, Seward, Soldotna, But now, this new PB 400 comes then an extra special gift of kindness Bully to our world-class trails: Kenai, Talkeetna and Valdez. The with all the PistenBully built attach- was made by Lynden Transport, Inc., Jack Porter; Lloyd Stiassny; Gary Baugh; Jeffrey Alaska Nordic Skier is published Rubin; Reno Deprey; Lisa Maurer; Lisa Paesani; October through April by the ments, has a little less horsepower which donated the barging costs from Robert Scher; Jan Buron; Wally Smith; Matt and Jess Guess; Brent Haugen; Jack Hewitt; Brian and Nordic Skiing Association and weight but better fuel economy. Seattle to Anchorage! Gail Hoefler; Kirk Johnson; Alice & Gunnar Knapp; of Anchorage, Inc. Naturally, our cat operators a very NSAA is thrilled to announce that Todd Parrish; Dick Mylius; Jennifer Armstrong; Ben Arians; Carla Britton; Tonia Burrough; Jessica Della excited and appreciative for this new thanks to the incredible donation Croce; Trevor Clayton; David Dobler; Joe Engel; Rick All rights reserved. © 2020 piece of equipment. There’s nothing from Lynden, combined with the Germaine; Jim Jager; Stacey Moon; Lisa Keller; Articles, letters and advertisements William Nye; Steven Pearson; Nancy Pease; Karl and are welcome. Please ensure all quite like the smell of a new snow cat awesome community donations, we Ley Schleich; Michel Villon; Andrea Wang; Frederic or the feel of perfect groom! not only covered the cost of ship- Wilson; Kyle Wilson; Ed Yarmak; Eric Zinck; Mary K names are correct and information is Neher; Erin and Jade Beam; John Christopherson; accurate. Submissions may be edited ping but will also be able to power up Christie Cowee; Beverly Cross-Cason; Avigail Curry; for clarity, content and space Thank you for giving the gift to 400 hours of grooming from this Bill Diel; Abigail Elbow; Sandra Estenson; Tiffany of grooming this season! Flowers; Jeanne Funatake; Rebekah Garnett; Martin limitations. Deadline is the 15th day sweet new machine this winter! If you Hansen; Sandra Harley; Christopher Hodel; Lisa of the prior month. E-mail Our community showed their Holzapfel; Carson Jones; Marc June; Claire Kaufman; [email protected]. would like to contribute to the Give Jon Konkler; Erin Larson; Elaine Mccambridge; Mindy generosity and support in full force the Gift of Grooming campaign and and John Meyn; Lucy O’Hara; Latanya Odden; John in November – thank you to all who Power; Alli Slamkowski; Brittany Vancil; Natalie On the cover: A group of kiddos racing provide some extra love to our trail Rouse; Sarah Allan; Jessica Cochran; John Reed; John up the Gong Hill and into warmth of donated to help bring the new NSAA maintenance this season, for a short Trapp; Danielle Ayers; Earl Becker; Nathan Brown; PistenBully 400 home to Anchorage. Anne Keith; Shauna Boquist; Charles Couvillion; Marc the sun at Kincaid Park made for a period we are keeping the opportunity Esslinger; Jeanne Funatake; Michael Lane; Ann Marie perfect photo for Russell Hood, , who This fall, NSAA purchased this Larquier; Kati Lucas; Rachael McPherson; Tara Petter; to donate live on our website: www. took first place in the Kids on Skis brand new, shiny red PistenBully to Roberta Quintavell; Christopher Sorich; Elizabeth Van anchoragenordicski.com. Patten; Sean Barry; Bethany Schulz; Allison Hillen; category of the 2020 NSAA Photo groom the Anchorage-area trails. The new PistenBully will be hit the Tobias Radke; and 13 anonymous donors. Contest. See more contest photos on This investment was made pos- trails this month. When you see that Pages 4-5 sible by years of saving and smart
the Alaska nordic skier 4 STATEWIDE December 2020 Snow stills Awesome adventures, memorable moments from Alaska captured in the 2020 NSAA Photography Contest Biathletes in Northwestern Alaska This fall, Keith Conger and his must take advantage of any day in photo won over the online voters in which the weather allows them to the 2020 Nordic Skiing Association of practice shooting their rifles. Winds Anchorage Photography Contest, who can whip across the treeless tundra. named Conger’s shot Best of Show. Double-digit below zero temperatures His winning shot was among 128 en- feel colder due to coastal humidity. tries in the 2020 edition of the annual Nome’s conditions on December competition. Top photos were show- 3, 2019, were projected as suitable cased at the recent NSAA Season for sending a few shots downrange. Annual Kickoff Party. The sun would rise at 11:30 a.m. but For taking top prize, Keith earned only be up a few hours. Nome Nordic a prize from Alaska Mountaineer- biathlete Mallory Conger, who was ing & Hiking worth $50. Winners in training for the 2019 United States each of the eight categories earned Youth/Juniors Biathlon Team Trials, prizes worth $25 from AMH; second- headed to the Sunset Range, the west- place entrants received prizes worth ernmost biathlon range in the world, $20 from AMH; third-place entrants about 10:45 a.m. Accessing the facility received prizes worth $15 from AMH. required a seven-mile drive to the NSAA, the Anchorage Nordic ski com- end of road maintenance on the Teller munity and contest photographers Highway, followed by a two-mile ski. thank Alaska Mountaineering & Hik- As Mallory set up her targets, tem- ing for the generous prizes. peratures were creeping toward zero, NSAA also thanks the members and there was no wind. The night’s who went online to vote for their fa- Keith Conger captured a perfect silhouette, and the grand prize of the 2020 NSAA deep cold forced moist air to crystal- vorite photos, as well as Justin Ritter Photography Contest, with this photo Mallory Conger finetuning her biathlon skills ize on every exposed blade of grass for his graphic design and technical near Nome, at the westernmost biathlon range in the world. and willow branch. When the sun assistance in creating the 2020-21 rose, it cast a brilliant orange glow calendar. about the horizon. NSAA selected contest photo- The lighting was just right to add graphs for its 2020-21 calendar, a picture to Mallory’s senior portrait which is on sale now; they’re $10 at collection. We were pleasantly sur- the NSAA office or online at anchor- prised by the quality of the photo- agenordicski.com/merchandise. graph taken by the iPhone.
Flying with skinny skis? Bring a parachute. Jennifer Aist won the Jumping category with this prelude to an epic biff.
Sometimes you just have to stop and take it all in … and take a photo of it! Teresa Fish captured a moment of Alaska awesome with this sun-splashed shot.
The icy crust glaze was glistening when Joe Kurtak took this photo of Peter Johnson gliding across the Coastal Wildlife Refuge.
When the long approach is as incredible as this one, you wish it would go on forever. This shot earned Eric Parsons first in Touring.
the Alaska nordic skier December 2020 STATEWIDE 5
Cheers to great skiing and good times on St. Patrick’s Day. And cheers to Teresa Fish for the fun photo!
Dylan Robertson earned first in Groomed Trails with this image of immaculate cord at Independence Mine.
The Kincaid Park tunnel provided dramatic backlighting for Julie Hood, who Russell Hood scored first place in the Fun Ski Events category with his early snapped this winning photo in the Racing category. morning arrival at the Homer Besh Cups.
2020 NSAA PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST RESULTS Grand Prize: Shadow Shooter (Biathlon Training) by Keith Conger. Racing: 1. Racing Into the Tunnel by Julie Hood; 2. GPRA Besh Cup Classic Mass Start by Russell Hood; 3. Junior Nationals Step Turn by Tobias Albrigtsen. Backcountry/Touring: 1. Long Approach by Eric Parsons; 2. Glacier Skating by Eric Parsons; 3. Social Distanced Graduation Celebration by Keith Conger. Kids on Skis: 1. Gong Hill in the Sun by Russell Hood; 2. Classic Touring by Eric Parsons; 3. Denali View Trail by Eric Parsons. Groomed Trails: 1. First Tracks by Dylan Robertson; 2. Aurora Tracks by Elizabeth Knapp; 3. Flying downhill into the sun by Russell Hood. Fun Ski Events: 1. Homer Besh Cups by Russell Hood; 2. Solstice Cider Station by Scott Broadwell; 3. Megamid Winter Camping by Robert Whitney. Rec/Casual Skiing: 1. Skate Skiing above the clouds by Dylan Robertson; 2. Flying Under the Radar on the Sisson Loop by Russell Hood; 3. Crust Skiing in Black and White by Robert Whitney. Biathlon: 1. Shadow Shooter by Keith Conger; 2. White tights on white snow by Helen Wilson; 3. Taking Aim by Jennifer Aist. Jumping: 1. Ski Jumping with Skinny Skis by Jennifer Aist; 2. Backflip at the T-bird Relays by Russell Hood; 3. Rocked the Landing by Julie Hood.
the Alaska nordic skier ANCHORAGE 6 December 2020 Lin Hinderman – Super-volunteer, Nordic pioneer receives 2020 NSAA Lifetime Member honor During the virtual 2020 NSAA Sea- started coaching with Tom Besh son Kickoff Party, NSAA board presi- at the newly opened Bartlett High dent Joey Caterinchio announced School and was also part of the Alas- that Lin Hinderman was granted the ka Regional team. Moving to Gird- 2020 NSAA Lifetime Member Award. wood in 1977, she developed a cross- Lin’s a coach, a leader, an U.S. & FIS country program which produced Technical Delegate, the president of skiers who went on to be varsity high CCAK, and so much more. You have school skiers, Alaska state champi- seen her at the start line of almost all ons, Junior National skiers, college of the races in Alaska for more than a All Americans and members of NCAA decade. We are honored to recognize championship teams. Lin’s dedication to the Nordic skiing From 1991-1999 Hinderman orga- community. nized and directed a Cross Country Lin has a deep history in Nordic Christmas Camp for high school skiing and has helped build so many skiers from Anchorage, Mat-Su and programs in Alaska. Lin was inducted Kenai. Knowing the importance of into the Alaska Cross Country Ski involving athletes as instructors, she Hall of Fame in 2015. Here is just called upon college skiers to help Lifetime Member and a longtime vol- building for life, the only coach in some of her story: coach the camps. After 35 years of unteer in Alaska’s Nordic skiing com- memory to be so honored. When the From her CCAK Cross Country Ski coaching Hinderman has spent re- munity, shared a favorite story about announcement was broadcast over Hall of Fame induction in 2015: Start- cent decades as a FIS Technical Del- Lin: Even Grunts have their favorites the PA system, we could hear Lin’s ing her career as an alpine racer, Lin egate and finally achieved a longtime and Lin is undoubtedly one. melodic voice rise above the noise in Hinderman quickly made the change goal of earning a Green Grunt Jacket. Lin was the head coach at Dimond the stadium. For some reason, she to cross-country skiing when, while Skiers from the first group of ski- when I began announcing at the took the ban as a slight. Lin’s appeal still in college, she was hired to coach ers she coached are now in their 60’s high school races. In those days the was doomed from the start, donuts her old high school team which was and many are still involved in skiing. tradition of providing donuts to the being a very important part of the four way (for boys) in those days. It Skiers of her last group are now in Grunts was already well-established. grunt experience. However, Dimond was 1967 and also the first year girls the Masters 1 division and many are The host team was responsible and never failed to provide the donuts were allowed to ski in the Junior Na- coaching in some capacity or getting no one dared to risk the potential again and, ultimately, Lin was par- tionals, which she attended as a very their own children involved in ski- consequences of failing to produce doned. Having regained her dignity inexperienced coach. She continued ing. Hinderman considers herself the donuts when the grunts finished and access to the timing building, she to coach in Montana until 1969 when extremely lucky to have been able to setting up the course and stadium. retired and became a fulltime race Jr. Nationals were held at Alyeska. work with the people being inducted One race day the grunts were en- official. After seeing Alaska and some heavy into the Hall of Fame; role models joying the luxurious accommodations There is no one I would rather see recruitment by Nordic Ski Club, she for all parts of life, not just sport. And of the timing building a few years before dawn at Kincaid with a race moved north and started teaching there can’t be a better job than coach- after its construction when someone course and stadium to set up. and coaching for ASD and the Alaska ing a sport that attracts such dedicat- delivered the incredible news that the From the ski community and Division (a forerunner of CCAK). ed, talented, smart, funny people. host school, none other than Dimond NSAA: Congratulations on this well- When Lin started coaching cross Lauri Bassett, Executive Adminis- High, coached by one of Alaska’s most deserved honor, Lin, and the deepest country, she was one of the few trator for Cross Country Alaska and successful and experienced coaches, thank you for the immeasurable im- women in the country coaching the a longtime friend of Lin’s, recently had forgotten the donuts. pact you’ve had on and support you’ve sport and for a number of years was wrote: Lin has been involved with In light of the tremendous respect provided to Alaska’s ski community the only one working on a Junior Cross Country Alaska for many years the grunts had for Lin, and realizing and its skiers. National level. The novelty of this af- and has been president since at least that Lin must be intentionally sending forded many opportunities to attend 2011. She has been a driving force to a message concerning some short- U.S. Ski Team camps and training improve the operations of CCAK and coming in the grunts’ performance, sessions and to work with some of the keep the program sustainable, not something had to be done. Lin was best coaches in the country. In 1968, only in the arena of ConocoPhillips summarily banned from the timing she was an inaugural member of the Besh Cup races. When CCAK part- first Women’s Cross Country Com- nered with the UAA ski team for the mittee, and in 1970 was a coach at the Tuesday Night Ski Race series ear- first Arctic Winter Games. She went lier in 2020, her enthusiasm for build- on to coach 17 Junior National Teams, ing a fun ski community truly shined. be part of the coaching staff for two Many of the participants were skiers World Juniors, and spent 14 years she coached expressing how much coaching at Dimond High School with they enjoyed the Tuesday Night Ski John Clark and Tania Spurkland. Races of “the old days.” Some of During Hinderman’s first summer them even brought their kids to the in Alaska she teamed up with Jim races which shows how influential Burkholder and Chuck Johnson for her enthusiasm cross-country skiing what might be considered the first has been. She announced the race sort of summer training program in directions at the start line (her happy Anchorage. It included building kay- place) in a jovial manner along with a aks in the Richter’s garage and head- sense of seriousness for the competi- ing for the Six Mile River, ice climbing tors which included high schoolers to at Raven Glacier, training on Mount ski parents to Olympians. Marathon and any other number of Tim Stone, an NSAA Board of Di- epic adventures. In 1973, Hinderman rectors member, Green Grunt, NSAA
the Alaska nordic skier STATEWIDE / GIRDWOOD December 2020 7 CCAK rolls out COVID plans for 2020-2021 racing season CCAK has been making mitiga- tionnaires to compete. The links to the CCAK race tent for people to sign, tion plan preparations and working the following questionnaires will be if needed. Both questionnaires need to with host clubs to conduct modified emailed to all registrants, posted on be completed to receive a bib. Informa- ConocoPhillips Besh Cup races. While the COVID-19 Considerations page, tion provided in these questionnaires each day brings statistics that cause and pushed out via WhatsApp. Instruc- will be held on a HIPPA-approved concern over holding competition, tions for joining WhatsApp will be on secure website. CCAK will continue to assess our site the COVID-19 Considerations Page • Bib Distribution: Bibs will be requirements plan and the mitigation and the Besh Cup Race Details Page. distributed to each training club to plans of each host club to offer Alaska • On the Thursday before each distribute to their athletes. Athletes skiers the opportunity to race. One lation has not been decided in the race, all registrants need to complete who have not completed the question- thing that CCAK has learned is that 10 day/two-week assessment, a final a Pre-Screening Questionnaire. One naires by 8 a.m. on each race day will plans are fluid. The best place to watch decision will always be made at the 8 of the questions on this questionnaire need to check in at the CCAK race tent for updates is the CCAK Facebook p.m. Competition Committee meeting is Have you traveled in/out of Alaska in in to receive a bib. page directing people to information held the Wednesday prior to each race the last 14 days? Without restating the CCAK appreciates the efforts every- posted on the CCAK website: www. weekend. subject to change local or state re- one has made, especially the athletes crosscountryalaska.org. • Deadline to register: Will stay the quirements, please follow the mandate who have taken the necessary precau- Additionally, if you are an athlete same as in the past, which is midnight as it pertains to the current COVID-19 tions on their part. Everyone involved who is part of a training club, each club of the Wednesday (after the Competi- status mandates and your situation. genuinely wants there to be competi- has coach representation on the CCAK tion Committee meeting) prior to the On the morning of each race, all tion to test the limits and build the ca- Competition Committee. Decisions are race weekend. registrants need to complete the Race maraderie that racing provides – even made between the host club Boards • Refunds: Will not be issued. Day Questionnaire. This questionnaire if we cannot do it the way we like best. of Directors/Organizing Committees, • Health Assessments: U.S. Ski is the now familiar list of daily health Stay tuned, stay safe and be happy that the CCAK Board of Directors and & Snowboard has suggested clubs assessments to provide. Hard copies of we are in Alaska and have such awe- the CCAK Competition Committee. require athletes complete two ques- the questionnaires will be available at some opportunities to be outdoors. Coaches will pass information directly to their members as decisions are made. For non-social media users, please watch the following pages of the CCAK website: Current Announcements Page will list announcements about upcom- ing registration and racing updates regarding event decisions. CCAK will work with host clubs 10 days to two weeks prior to the race weekend to assess the risk level assessment. At this point, host clubs are doing the heavy lifting in working with boroughs and municipalities to prepare to hold solstice events. Thank you to the board and organizing committees of the Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage, the Mat-Su Ski Club, and the Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks for all of your extra efforts! COVID-19 Considerations Page has LIGHT SKI overall race information as it relates to Community Nordic Ski Event COVID-19 mitigation plans. It contains a Season Race Information link, an Ski the 1km Loop Decorated with Lights! Athlete Information link, the CCAK Site Requirements link, as well as the link to US Ski & Snowboard guidelines monday, december 21, 6-8 pm for return to competition. Addition- ally, you can view the waivers related All Ages Welcome to COVID-19. Finally, you can find the links to the Pre-Screening Question- Snow (or rain) naire and the Race Day Questionnaire. Ski at your own time and pace and give others some friendly space Besh Cup Race Details Page: Once to comply with Alaska’s State Health Mandate the final race plan has been decided, this is where you go for race day de- tails. Be aware of this information as well as information on the COVID-19 Considerations page. Important Information: • Discounts: The discount for reg- istering for all six races will not be in effect this season. Enjoy the Nordic Loop lights & warm bonfire • Swag: The first 300 entrants will Bring a headlamp, lights, & hot drink container - or buy a GNSC receive a season T-shirt and a CCAK moose thermos & get your 2021 membership too! mask. • Race day registration: This will FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMIlY! not be offered. No exceptions. • Decision-making: If race cancel-
the Alaska nordic skier 8 December 2020 P.O. Box 364 Palmer, Alaska 99645 Mat-Su Ski Club (907) 745-SKIS Palmer, Alaska www.matsuski.org
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AROUND PRESIDENT Lucas Parker THE VALLEY VICE PRESIDENT Ailis Vann COVID can’t contain our TREASURER outdoor, skiing passions Jerry Hupp Obviously, we are all over it. It has SECRETARY Lorene Lynn stretched on long enough that it is the last thing you want is to read about it BOARD MEMBERS Ed Strabel in a skiing newsletter. Of course I am Mark Strabel talking about the big “C” … and that Chris Thomsen does not refer to cancer, coaching, Lori Berrigan Chris Gierymski Crystal (Billy) or any other C-word. So Lori Straub I am going to take advantage of these Kimberly Del Frate few inches of print space and do some Ben Raevsky selfish promoting, which hopefully Kim Taylor PHOTOS BY GLENN STRABEL MAT-SU SKI CLUB / will not lead to the “C” anger swing- Junior Nordic kids enjoying the GPRA trails. ing towards me. www.matsuski.org My wife is brilliant (I can hear the Fast forward an hour and my lovely be accomplished by mere mortals. groans of those thinking that this is housemate is slipping this contraption It is such an important component going to be one of those Facebook over the top of me much like a toddler of surviving these interesting times; at Independence Mine, was elected posts were I humbly brag about my getting dressed, while I stood at the engaging the outdoors, fresh air, with to one position; and Kim Taylor, a life). For those of you who happen to trailhead of Archangel Valley. What one’s family, that when we can make longtime skier, Palmer High School be located outside of my circle of ac- she had cobbled together was several it a bit more more enjoyable with the ski team booster, and ski parent/reg- quaintances (which I believe excludes elastic band exercising implements, limited time available, it makes me istered nurse will fill the other posi- about 10-ish people), we have a 5-year- one that was fashioned into a slip say, “Hell yeah!” But while I was rel- tion. The board bid farewell to Dave old who is slowly coming around to knot that was now secured around ishing in this excellent parenting win, Musgrave, who gave almost 10 years our brainwashing that skiing is the my waist and the other end held a thought immediately crossed my of dedicated service to the ski club bees-knees. Many of you with kids two handles that my kiddo was now brain. Our ski tow setup was amazing board. His wisdom, knowledge and have experienced this scenario; you eagerly grasping at. I had just become for allowing us all to have a happy and experience with the Nordic Ski Club of have spent 30 minutes getting the kid the dog end of a skijoring operation. rewarding time, but the real mecha- Fairbanks was a tremendous boost to ready for skiing at the house, 20-ish I am not going to sugarcoat it, the nism that is 99 percent responsible for the club when we needed it the most. minutes convincing them to get out next 40 minutes were not what most this opportunity is our club. Thanks to the efforts of John Estle the door and into the vehicle, drive would describe as relaxing or zone 1-2 With that, I will leave you with a from the Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks 20-30 minutes to the ski area, spend heartrate. That kid of ours was all of plea; respect the club, support the club, and Mat-Su Ski Club volunteers the 0-40 minutes getting gear together in 50 pounds with his downhill ski gear and volunteer when you can. It is orga- Government Peak Rec Area now has the parking lot, only to make it to the and we were heading up to the heart nizations like the Mat-Su Ski Club that three internationally recognized Nor- trail for a full-on five-alarm meltdown. of the Valley, which is not an extreme allow us to engage in our sport, which dic race courses. They include a 1.3 This is where the accumulation of grade over the course of the trail, but ultimately gives us the necessary life KM sprint course, a 5 KM course and your day dictates how long you spend it is definitely going up. Of course, it blood to make it through trying times. a 7.5 KM course. GPRA is now one of battling this situation before the towel is sacrilege to outfit one’s offspring in Be safe and take care. 33 locations in the USA with Homolo- is thrown in, or as I like to refer to it downhill skis on a Nordic ski trail, but — BY HANS HILL gated FIS Nordic race courses. as the “hurt locker.” please bear with me. What my wife Ski racing begins in the had devised was part kid entertain- Mat-Su skis into new Several weeks ago, my bride came season Valley into the living room and proclaimed ment, part exercise (slightly more for While we didn’t have the early The Nordic ski racing season she had an idea. In her hands was me and her …) and part family bond- dump of snow at Independence Mine started a week later than normal with something that at first glance ap- ing time. in early October like we did last year, the annual Race to the Outhouse at peared to be something one would Of course, we are not rushing to skiers were on groomed trails at In- Independence Mine. It was pushed procure from the girl’s toy aisle. It patent this invention. Both of us had dependence Mine, Archangel Rd. and back one week to give skiers more was bright pink, yellow and green. heard of such parenting escapades, also GPRA by late October. time on snow. Using COVID-19 proto- I honestly could not conjure up any but I had written off this concept, con- Skiers young and old are out enjoy- cols, 24 skiers got a chance to “blow reasonable idea of what she was about sidering this as something Olympians ing the perfect pandemic recreational the carbon out” and get ready for the to propose with this technicolor snak- would do for Instagram likes. Thank- activity, maintaining their mental real race season. Complete results ing object. fully I am glad to report that this can health, and interacting with friends are at the ski club website. This race and family while practicing good was also a test of COVID-19 protocols. “social distancing.” The Junior Nordic Athletes, volunteers and parents all program is completely filled, equip- played by the established rules. ment issued, and the kids are zipping The ski club has a very full racing around the trails with their parents. calendar with Besh Cup races sched- The formal part of the Junior Nordic uled for January 16-17 and backup program doesn’t start until January sites for Besh Cup races scheduled on 4, but there is no restriction on having December 19-20 and January 30-31. fun. The ski club will host the annual The Mat-Su Ski Club held the An- Icicle Double ski races on Decem- nual Meeting on Saturday evening the ber 26-27. The races offer the option October 17, outdoors, at the Govern- of a 5KM, 15KM or 30KM each day, ment Peak stadium area using CO- with classic races on Saturday, and VID-19 protocols (masks and social freestyle races on Sunday. COVID-19 distancing). Two new board members protocols will be followed with either were elected: Ben Raevsky, a retired small wave starts or individual starts. wildlands firefighter, vacation rent- Junior Nordic kids enjoying the GPRA trails. als operator, and volunteer groomer See AROUND THE VALLEY, Page 9
the Alaska nordic skier December 2020 MAT-SU 9 AROUND THE VALLEY Continued from Page 8 Racing in the time of COVID-19: The 2020 Icicle Double Go to the Mat-Su Ski Club website to sign up. BY CAITLIN BUXBAUM The high school race season is As Alaska’s coronavirus case count climbs, tensions are still being sorted out but we antici- understandably high, and it’s more important than ever pate several races in January and to be mindful of our physical and mental health. Skiing February and the Northern Lights can improve both of those things, but what better way to Community Race series and the supercharge the effort and raise one’s spirits than to have Mat-Su Ski for Women filling out a training goal in sight? the calendar. I’m talking about Mat-Su Ski Club’s 2020 Icicle Double. This year’s annual event will be held, as usual, at Volunteer opportunities Government Peak Recreation Area, over the weekend The Mat-Su Ski Club is always between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Classic races will seeking more volunteers. Virtu- be held on Saturday, December 26, with freestyle races to ally everyone has a skill that the follow on Sunday, December 27. Wave starts for the 30-ki- ski club can use. Coaching Junior lometer race will begin at 11 a.m. each day, followed by the Nordics; helping out at ski races, as 15K at noon and the 5K after that. part of the “Blue Crew”; computer The early registration fee is $50 whether entrants skills in timing ski races and post- register for one or both days, and fees must be paid by ing results; and grooming ski trails December 15. Late registration – $60 for one day, $75 for (Note: One of our best groomers, is both – ends December 25. Entry comes with an Icicle Are you down to double? The 2020 races are coming soon. There photos are from the 2018 Icicle Double races. a female senior citizen!). Double neck gaiter, and participants may choose different distances each day, but any skier who completes both 30K aged during warm-ups and cooldowns; upon completing Farewell to our friend, Hap races will receive the coveted 2020 Icicle Double pint glass. a race, participants should leave the finish area as soon The Mat-Su Ski Club along with Here’s what will be different: COVID mitigation. All as possible. “At risk” individuals are recommended not to many other skiers from around Icicle Double volunteers will be required to wear masks, participate, and MSSC will follow any new mandates or the state lament the passing of and all entrants will be required to complete a health guidelines that may be issued by the CDC, DHSS, or Mat- Hap Wurlitzer – the builder, owner, screening questionnaire before participating (early Su Borough prior to or on race day. and operator of the Hatcher Pass registrants will receive an email in advance of the event). There will be feed stations with individually packed Lodge. Hap was the original Paper bibs will be supplied to each racer, who will use the snacks during the races, but unfortunately, the ski club is groomer of ski trails in the area same bib for both days (so hang onto it). Fewer start lanes not able to host a raffle or awards ceremony this year. and assisted the Mat-Su Ski Club and an extended start area will be provided for greater New rules and safety precautions notwithstanding, the in our early efforts to provide participant distancing. All participants and spectators 2020 Icicle Double is designed to be a fun and competitive groomed ski trails to the public. will be strongly encouraged to wear face coverings in the family event. Register at www.matsuski.org or directly at He also provided the club with a start area, for the first part of the race, and at any time bit.ly/2020IcicleDBL. secure storage site for our groom- not actively exercising. Physical distancing is also encour- We hope to see you there! ing equipment.
SPONSORED WE EMPOWER ACTIVE ALASKANS OF ALL AGES TO RETURN TO WHAT THEY LOVE SAFELY AND ASK ME ANYTHING… EFFICIENTLY… you asked, we answered: FOR LIFE! Q: I’m a recreational/master skier who started Nordic 2. Standing hip flexor strength, thera- skiing again. My hip flexors are killing me! Stretching band resistance hasn’t helped. Any advice on transitioning from running 3. Hip flexor strength in a single leg to skiing without hip flexor issues? bridge (challenge yourself but listen to Let’s look at the main reason why hip flexors may feel your body!) tight/painful: when stress on the tissue (muscle) exceeds the capacity of the muscle to tolerate load or if they are relatively weak when considering the demands you put on them. You may have ended running season and jumped right into classic skiing, but classic skiing demands on hip flexors are a lot larger than running. The most efficient way to get your hip flexors ready Zuzana Rogers, PT, ScD, SCS, COMT for the ski season is to has been a physical therapist for STRENGTHEN them! 17 years, always trying to pursue • Start slowly, with light SOURCEC FOR 2 &3: CHRIS JOHNSON PT OF ZEREN PT AND PERFORMANCE higher goals and share her passion or no weight, then gradually After a workout, if you feel you need to regain hip flexor and experience. She belongs to progress. mobility, here’s a nice stretch. I don’t recommend it before the World Confederation of Sports • If your form is falling training/racing; it can alter your muscles’ performance. Physical Therapists and continually apart, then the exercise is too Your muscles need to behave like a loaded spring, not an gaining knowledge to keep active difficult! Scale down. overstretched spring! people healthy. She brings a wealth of Gently hold this position for about 20 seconds. • Recommended frequency experience to Runners’ Edge Alaska; is 3 times per week (add this to DON’T MISS THIS AMA (ask me anything) OPPORTUNITY! she is a long-time physical therapist your weekly strength routine). Email questions about training, tweaks and niggles, for the U.S. National Cross-Country • Work up to about 10-12 footwear, returning to skiing/running after injury, supple- Ski Team, covering major competitions reps per set, 3 sets. mental mobility/strength programs to get you better. We including the Winter Olympics in 2018 1. Standing hip flexor promise answers in the next issue of the Alaska Nordic and World Nordic Ski Championships. strength, no weight Skier. Also, find us on Facebook and Instagram. Zuzana gives back to the Alaskan community – coaching kids mountain Disclaimer: Since we don’t know you and we can’t perform a www runnersege. physio. biking skills and cross-country skiing detailed examination, responses are general tips only and not (online scheduling for PT and massage) and lecturing on injury prevention medical or physical therapy advice. If you need detailed answers [email protected] • 907.929.9009 issues, specifically in runners and to your questions, please contact us directly. We are mobile and Telehealth clinic – cross-country skiers. we come to you wherever you need us!
the Alaska nordic skier 10 December 2020
P.O. Box 44, Homer, Alaska 99603 kachemaknordicskiclub.org Kachemak Nordic Ski Club [email protected] Homer, Alaska
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AROUND Mike Gracz | President Stacey Buckelew | Vice President Cameale Johnson | Secretary THE BAY Richard Burton | Treasurer
BOARD MEMBERS KNSC COVID statement Kenny Daher Community spread of COVID-19 is Jason Neely Derek Bynagle increasing. Viruses survive longer in Charles Barnwell cold weather. An intact sample from Bob Glen Chessie Sharp | Administrative Assistant the 1918 influenza virus was collected almost 100 years later from a body COMMITTEES AND EVENTS buried in Alaska permafrost. It was Baycrest Upper Alan Parks used to sequence the DNA of that Baycrest Lower, Eveline State Recreation virus. Site, Snowshoe Trails Skiing is good, because it is out- Dave Brann doors, and can be done while mini- Super volunteer Bill Hague loading KNSCs new Scandic 900 ready for grooming! Lookout Mountain Mike Byerly mizing the spread of the virus and is around 10 percent of Homer’s popula- although grooming had yet to begin McNeil Canyon School wonderful for health and well-being. tion. there as of this writing. Look forward Nicky Szarzi It’s bad because it is enjoyed when • A report on the status of club to a slightly enlarged and improved Trail Signs temperatures are ideal for virus pres- equipment by board member Bob trail system this season thanks to the Mike Gracz Glen. Despite its high-mileage, club hard work of a very well-coordinated Snow Machine Maintenance ervation. Equipment Chairperson You know the recommendations equipment remains in good shape McNeil trail and grooming crew! Bob Glen – mask, distance, wash hands, mini- due to careful use and maintenance At Baycrest, note the changes in the Junior Nordic Kathy Sarns mize duration of contact. Please be of head mechanic Bill Hague and trail map. Some of the eastern trails company. that connect Sunset Loop, on Diamond Kachemak Women’s Nordic careful! Masks are uncomfortable and Jasmine Maurer usually impractical to wear while ski- • An online auction drew many bids Ridge, with the lower trails are longer Membership, Website ing strenuously. However, trailheads for ski clothing donated by Homer being maintained. Serpentine, Awe- Richard Burton Saw and Cycle, fine wine and tequila some, Perkins, Powerline, and Ruck- Alaska Nordic Skier can get crowded and buffs aren’t Mike Gracz too inconvenient. We do not want to from the Grog Shop, a ski lesson for sack are gone. Most of those haven’t School Races Coordinator over-stress our friends working in the four by Kathy Sarns, and a beautiful been groomed in a while anyway. Mid- Jan Spurkland painting by local artist Alayne Tetor way no longer connects to Awesome/ health care system! Please be care- Backcountry Film Festival ful! Grooming will continue. Events that is featured on this year’s mem- Sunset. The perimeter now means Dan Del Missier and the Junior Nordic Program are bership zipper pulls. going up Far Side, around Sunset, and Winter Gear & Ski Swap Mike Illg (Homer Community Recreation) on hold for now. Junior Nordic gear • Well-subscribed board elections: back down Far Side. Occasionally a Welcome new KNSC board mem- short trail connecting Far Side, below Besh Cup Races rentals are still available. Jan Spurkland bers Peter Crimp and Melissa Cloud. Midway, to College is groomed to the Friday Night Lights Annual Meeting Derek Bynagle has agreed to serve west. Please respect private land! Stacey Buckalew Bucking a COVID headwind, at as Vice President. Sorry to see Vice Check the trail cams at http:// Kachemak Bay Ski for Women least 28 members of KSNC held a vir- President Stacey Buckelew and Char- kachemaknordicskiclub.org/cat- & Haven House tual annual meeting on November 11. lie Barnwell leaving! They may be off egory/mcneil/ (McNeil) and http:// Kris Holdereid/Shelly Laukitis Highlights of the meeting were: the board, but they will still be helping kachemaknordicskiclub.org/category/ Wine, Cheese & Wooden Ski Tour Mike Gracz • President Mike Gracz’s report out KNSC! lookout/ (Lookout) for a picture of the Kachemak Bay Marathon Ski describing the excellent work that • KNSC Board of Directors Vol- latest conditions. As of this writing, the Deland Anderson volunteer trail groomers have done unteer of the Year was presented to real-time tracking of trail grooming Homer Epic 100 over the years and thanking many of Dave Brann (see special story about has not been operational at SkiTrails. Homer Cycling Club them individually. Currently the club Dave in this edtion of the Alaska Nor- info. Hopefully this is because we are Sea to Ski Triathlon has 30 regular groomers maintaining dic Skier). the first ski area in North America Derek Bynagle 80 kilometers of trail. • And more! to report! Inquiries have been made • Record KNSC membership – about the problem; stay tuned … Early season ski news Jr. Nordic program. They’ll continue with approximately 700 members – or assessing the COVID situation and Hopefully, by the time you read this, Jr . Nordic program plan to run the program if they can do groomed skiing will be good every- Kathy Sarns-Irwin and her gang so safely following state guidelines. where, but as I write, there is little of enthusiastic coaches are being snow. However, the magic grooming cautiously optimistic about this year’s See AROUND THE BAY, Page 11 artists at Lookout have unbelievably created very nice skiing on about four inches of snow up there. Grooming began on November 13. I’ve seen folks down from Soldotna out enjoying the early season skiing on the Lookout trails. An astonished smile at how conditions have exceeded expectations has been the uniform expression. Just be careful at the lowest point on the perimeter trail – Wiest Beast. It’s a little narrow, but well-marked with a caution sign and flags. Otherwise, there are only a few exposed spots that are easy to avoid, and a few exposed rocks at the Harbin- son Lane crossings. McNeil and Eveline are also enjoy- Alayne Tetor’s painting is this year’s ing some early-season skiable snow, KNSC zipper-pull art.
the Alaska nordic skier December 2020 KACHEMAK 11
AROUND THE BAY Continued from Page 10 “Volunteer of the Millennia” Dave Brann honored In the meantime, gear is available to KNSC’s Board of Directors handmade newsletter replete with rent through the KNSC to members Volunteer of the Year Award was ski cartoons and artwork liter- for $25 plus your family membership. established in 2017 and is presented ally cut-and-pasted from various Around 70 pairs of skis/boots have every year at the annual meeting. sources. He kept paper files of this already been rented out to young- The volunteer is nominated by the old material, which is a delight to sters, some of whom have been seen president and voted on by the board browse though. trying out their new gear on the Look- of directors. Each board member Dave began grooming ski trails out Trails. Please contact Mike or contributes an equal amount of cash using a Skidoo Alpine (“One ski in Michele at [email protected] to the award from their own pocket. front, two tracks in back”) and a if you need to rent skis/boots for the A volunteer can earn the award only homemade drag in Ninilchik in the younger skiers in your house grades once. The award is KNSC Board late 1970s before moving to Homer K-6. Be sure to include your child’s members showing their personal the ‘80s. Dave began by helping to weight, shoe size and whether they appreciation to an individual who establish the Lower Baycrest ski want skate or classic gear. We will at- made exceptional contributions to trails at the Homer Demonstration tempt to get every child who wants to the success of the club! Forest. He is locally known as Mr. ski on the right gear. The 2020 award went to a volun- Trails! Keep washing your hands, wearing teer that deserves more than just a Dave was instrumental in estab- your mask and practicing your social Volunteer of the Year Award. More lishing and maintaining the Eveline distancing and with any luck we’ll be like Volunteer of the Millennium – or Millennia – two out State Recreation Site, formed in tribute to his friend’s able to have fun on the trails with Jr. of the past three millennia, anyway! Dave Brann is a late wife Eveline Shuster. He designed and built the trails Nordic in 2021. Stay tuned for more founding member of KNSC, and he has been a member there. Dave is slowly weaning himself from maintenance information in January. of the club longer than anyone. He was a member before duties, but just last week he was building a new bridge on Homer Nordic KNSC formed! Dave served as KNSC’s president from the lower Baycrest trails using telephone poles donated Homer Nordic is in full swing, but 1988-1990, VP in 1997 and 2008, and served on the board by the City of Homer. Be sure to wave, smile and congrat- it’s never too late to join! The group of directors until 2013. While president, he started a ulate Dave when you see him out on the trails! meets five days a week through March 6 for a fun, comprehensive training program. Alison O’Hara has spent countless volunteer hours developing a fun, challenging training program that is inclusive and geared to make better skiers out of all of us! She’s assisted by Kathy Sarns-Irwin, which allows the two of them to give quality instruction to each partici- pant. All level of skiers are welcome, from true beginners to serious com- petitors, no intimidation … guaran- teed. Anyone wanting to learn to ski or improve their skiing technique, as well as athletes wanting to strengthen their fitness, are encouraged to at- tend. The cost is $150 for the season plus your ski club membership. Once you’ve signed up, you’ll be able to Dave grooming with a Skidoo Alpine sometime during the Pleistocene. access the Team app so you can keep up on daily workout schedules and changes. Sign up at knsc.clubexpress. com. Come as often as you can! Stacey Buckelew leaves big shoes to fill Stacey Buckelew stepped down from the KNSC Board of Directors in November, ending a four-year-long stint as board member extraordi- naire. Stacey’s love of skiing and her commitment to the skiing community of Homer are evidence of the way she approaches everything … with passion! She could always be counted on as a hardworking board member, from fundraising, running meetings, organizing events and volunteering for whatever was needed. Stacey’s enthusiasm, energy and passion made her an invaluable board mem- ber. We are grateful for her dedica- tion to KNSC over the last four years and hope to see her on the trails this winter! Thank you, Stacey!
the Alaska nordic skier 12 December 2020
P.O. Box 770117, Eagle River, Alaska 99577 Club hotline — 689-7660 Eagle River Nordic Ski Club Junior nordic hotline — 689-7661 Eagle River, Alaska cernsc wildapricot. org.
AROUND BOARD MEMBERS PRESIDENT EAGLE RIVER Jason Dennis CERNSC sees high demand VICE PRESIDENT/RACING CHAIR for ski rentals Mike Beiergrohslein The ski club recognizes the need TREASURER for families to get outside this winter Bob Stehn more than ever with the pandemic. SECRETARY CERNSC board members passed Jackie Welge out ski rentals to families in a quick, JR. NORDIC easy, and safe format this year during Rish Harty, Ryan Caldwell two weekends in November. Demand was high and most families that MASTERS (ANR) rented skis came to get them the first Katie Rehm weekend they were offered. Families NEWSLETTER had to complete the ski rental process Mike Beiergrohslein, Alycia Beiergrohslein and Jim Singleton getting skis organized Barbara Johnson and ready to distribute. online and the system for outside AT LARGE pickup went smoothly with the help of Saturday, December 5 — Eagle River area athletes, and parents have risen to Jason Gray, Annette Brion, dedicated club volunteers. Friday, December 12 — Archangel Valley at the COVID-19 challenge to be ready Jesse Bee, Andy Hall, Hatcher Pass Jim Singleton, and Kati Rehm for this ski season. We’ve been taking Sunday, December 20 — Peters Creek area Member family tours and extra special care and efforts to be Please text Barb and Steve John- races planned for December in compliance with the Municipality, son at (907) 229-6891 for further Due to the pandemic, our Junior state and CDC guidelines. We are so ticipation in both groups. We have details regarding the tours. Exact Nordic season won’t officially start very thankful that our athletes and about 65 high school athletes and 40 locations and times will be dependent until January, but we are planning parents have been understanding and middle school athletes that train in on snow and weather conditions. some exciting events for our families doing their best to live up to all these the Valley and Eagle River areas. All In addition, we are planning some throughout December! Skis have al- new rules. We have been able to get are showing promise and have made virtual family races the weeks of ready been rented so we are hoping to out and continue training routinely great strides in their summer train- December 13-19 and December help families put them to good use. with only a few breaks to ensure ing. We had to get a little creative with 27-January 2. Please refer to cernsc. We are planning family fun ski athlete safety for our high school and some of our workouts but I think we org for details on the races as we get tours. The ski trips will be designed middle school training groups. By have successfully pulled off a summer closer to the events. As per the usual, to get families out for 60-90 minutes instituting social distancing, mask of training. Now that the snow has these events are all weather/terrain and will be geared to help beginning wearing, as well as other measures, arrived, we are hopeful we can find dependent. to intermediate skiers who may not we feel we have been able to keep our the means to host safe and successful We hope to see you out there skiing! know of places to go or feel confident athletes and their families safe. races in Alaska. going to new places. ANR We are really excited this year, – Sarissa Lammers The scheduled trips for club mem- The Alaska Nordic Racing coaches, as we have had an increase in par- bers are as follows: Take a tour (or two) around Chugiak/Eagle River area with fellow CERNSC members Come tour with us! CERNSC is sponsoring ski tours for club members around Chugiak/Eagle River. We had a great Think of us for your holiday turnout for tours last season as shopping for stocking stuffers we traveled the and gift ideas! Homestead trail, We welcome curbside pick-up! Peters Creek, and South Fork. If you are interested in joining us, please contact Ros Singleton at rosalynsingle- [email protected] or (907) 229-1989 to get on the ski tour list. Requirements: You must be a CERNSC member. If you’re not a member, you can register online at our new website, www.cernsc.org, and pay a nominal fee to support the club’s many activities! You should be an experienced skier and have touring or classical skis. You can bring dogs if they are well-behaved, stay with you, and don’t fight with other dogs. If you are not an experienced skier and would like to tour with beginning/intermediate skiers, contact Barb Johnson at (907) 229-6891. She is leading a few shorter outings in December. Here are proposed tour dates and times. The venues are dependent on conditions. We’ll finalize the venue the week before the event and send an e-mail to the group. Sunday, December 6 — 12:45 p.m. Ros Singleton – Meet at Briggs bridge for tour on Eagle River or the Homestead trail along Eagle River Call (907-272-1811) or email ([email protected]) us for your shopping needs. Saturday, January 3 — 12:45 p.m. Barb Johnson – Tour Peters Creek trail from the trailhead 2633 Spenard Rd. | 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday | Follow us on Instagram and Facebook
the Alaska nordic skier December 2020 13
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 NSCF Calendar keeps you updated Nordic Ski Club Remember to check the NSCF Calendar for upcom- of Fairbanks ing club events. You can check competition events, social JUNIOR NORDIC HOTLINE THE INTERIOR 457-4437 activities and more. Visit nscfairbanks.org > calendar for Photo contest highlights more! You can also “like” the Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks PRESIDENT Chris Puchner Alaska State Parks on Facebook to keep up with local events. [email protected] Alaska State Parks is running a monthly photography NSCF Seeking Junior Nordics Coaches, VICE PRESIDENT contest in celebration of its 50th anniversary. The contest Steven Hansen runs just through the end of the year, so there less than a Adult Lessons instructors [email protected] Our young and young at heart skiers are in need of your month left. This is a great opportunity to highlight the joy S E C R E T A R Y/ help! We have lots of excited, budding Junior Nordic skiers TREASURER of cross-country skiing! All photos need to be taken in one ready to enjoy this amazing snow and not enough volunteer Ann Jamieson of the many Alaska State Park units, but they can be from [email protected] coaches to go around. You do not need experience, just a any season and from any year. For more information see: AT-LARGE MEMBERS positive attitude and love of skiing. If you are interested, tinyurl.com/qnssp93. Eric Buetow please contact Susan Kramer (juniornordics@nscairbanks. Peter Delamere Helena Rueter Skiing beats Hollywood org; 907-371-9564). Davya Flaharty Fun quote from United States Ski and Snowboard Want to share your love of skiing with people new to the ADULT LESSONS athlete page (usskiandsnowboard.org/athletes/kendall- sport? Help them gain confidence and skills? Share in- COORDINATOR depth techniques and training strategies? The NSCF Adult Shelly Soderstrom kramer) of Fairbanks phenom Kendall Kramer: “Before [email protected] I started skiing in 7th grade, I wanted to move to LA and Lessons program is looking for instructors and substitute FAIRBANKS JUNIOR NORDICS become an actress.” instructors. Instructors need to be NSCF members and Shelly Soderstrom and need to undergo a background check. Instructors get paid Sally Endestad Skiing info from your smart phone [email protected] $45 per hour for group lessons and are covered by club in- 371-9564 Use your smart phone’s browser and go to the NSCF surance for those lessons. Instructors need to be First Aid website. For weather: in the menu (top right corner) FAIRBANKS CROSS COUNTRY and CPR certified. (The club will provide an opportunity to Nick Crawford choose Weather. Scroll down to Mobile Weather. Click on gain these certifications.) The club also provides instructor Head Coach, Program Director [email protected] that link. For grooming: in the menu (top right corner) training alongside the Jr. Nordics program instructors. For choose Trails. Then scroll down a bit and you’ll get the more information and to sign up as an instructor, please RACE PROGRAM DIRECTOR John Estle latest grooming updates. Scroll down farther to get to contact Susan Kramer at [email protected]. [email protected] the grooming chart. Turn your phone sideways for easier To see our current group of Adult Lessons instructors go to: BIATHLON reading. nscfairbanks.org/programs/adult-lessons/instructors/. Jim Pasek [email protected]
TOURING [email protected] Portions of ADMA Trails included in refuge addition Eric Troyer | [email protected] BY ERIC TROYER • Planning Board Approves Vari- to the refuge. NEWSLETTER EDITOR [email protected] Portions of several Alaska Dog ance Affecting ADMA Trails: tinyurl. Eric Troyer | [email protected] Mushing Association trails, which com/txh6kxm Eric Troyer is the Fairbanks editor of the Alaska Nordic Skier. are also popular skiing trails, now The Conservation Fund is report- have greater protections because of edly trying to secure more land to add several land deals by The Conserva- tion Fund. The nonprofit group, which has dual goals of environmental preser- vation and economic development, recently finalized land deals that resulted in 530 acres being added to Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl State Game Refuge. Several portions of ADMA trails cross that land. Much of the ADMA trail network is already in the refuge. Read the group’s press release about the land being transferred to the refuge at tinyurl.com/y5bdycq4. The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner also did a story: tinyurl.com/y4oqfsx7. While the land transfer has gener- ally been praised by trail advocates, it was not without controversy. The largest chunk of land was involved in a subdivision in which protections for other parts of ADMA trails were given up. You can read about that here: • The Case of the ADMA Trails and Creamer’s Field: tinyurl.com/ r29c5vx • The Continuing Case of the ADMA Trails and Creamer’s Field: This map shows the additional acreage that has been added to the Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl State Game Refuge tinyurl.com/wbh8xph and the ADMA trails (aka Jeff Studdert Trails) that are now protected within the refuge.
the Alaska nordic skier FAIRBANKS 14 December 2020 Change of seasons brings changes of NSCF personnel BY ERIC TROYER when I was 5 and lived there for two Skiing may have been minimal years before returning to Alta. Later over the summer, but the club was I moved further south in Norway to quite active. We have had several Trondheim. I attended UAF and skied NSCF personnel changes. In addition for the Alaska Nanooks for three to Susan Kramer taking over Junior years. Because I was injured for most Nordics and Adult Lessons (see story of my time there, I spent my last two in last issue), Åsne Honerød Hoveid years as a volunteer assistant coach. has taken over as FXC head coach “My competitive skiing career be- and Christina Turman has taken over gan for the Salcha Elementary School as Director of Skier Development. ski team at the age of 6. I took a break Both positions were previously held from competitive skiing at the age of by Nick Crawford. 13 to focus on skijoring. I competed nationally and internationally in Åsne Honerød Hoveid skijoring for several years before re- Hoveid’s transition to FXC head turning to competitive cross-country coach was a smooth one. She was skiing with the Nanooks in 2015.” hired in 2018 as an FXC assistant coach. Christina Turman “I have had a great time coach- Turman has been a key part of ing for the FXC program for the last the growing FXC Masters offerings, PHOTOS COURTESY CHRISTINA TURMAN couple of years,” Hoveid said. “And I which have proved popular. In her Christina Turman and her family take a break during a recent hike in Interior Alaska. am really excited to step up into the role as Director of Skier Develop- head coach role.” ment, she will help mesh all of NSCF’s Turman says she is ready to face of high school. Some top 10 results Hoveid has made some changes to offerings from the youngest Junior the challenges of her new position. at Junior Nationals helped me land the FXC program in order to be able Nordic participants to the oldest Mas- “I’ve always believed with our long a spot on the Northern Michigan Ski to accommodate more kids in re- ters skiers. cold winters, skiing is the best way Team. Under the tutelage of coach sponse to increasing demand. “I am excited to play a bigger to embrace and enjoy living in Fair- Sten Fjeldheim I improved more “We have added an FXC Introduc- role in the club and hope to act as banks,” she said. “With COVID-19, and fell deeper in love with the sport tion course as well as a new high a unifying force between all of our this is more true than ever before. To of cross country skiing then I ever school program,” she said. programs,” she said. “A big priority have an opportunity to help facilitate imagined! Hoveid wrote about her background for me is to be a resource to all of the and improve programs that get people “After college, my husband Jake when she was first hired: “I grew up NSCF coaches and to prioritize tech- outside, improve physical and mental and I moved back to Fairbanks and I in Alta, Norway, but moved to Salcha nique training for coaches.” health, and offer an outlet to socialize was excited to get involved and give safely this winter truly excites me!” back to the ski community that had Turman described her growth from given me so much. I coached Adult a young Fairbanks skier to a Fair- Lessons for the NSCF, helped coach banks skier coach and mom: “Skiing FXC for a summer, was head coach runs deep in my family. It was skiing of West Valley (Go Wolf Pack!) for that originally brought my mom from one season, and then coached with Sweden to Fairbanks where she at- the Nanooks for four seasons. Most tended UAF and skied for the Na- recently, I have coached and helped nooks. My parents introduced me to develop a Masters Ski program for skiing when I was just 2 years old, and the NSCF. quickly thereafter my mom and some “With two kiddos of my own we are other parents founded Junior Nordics. fortunate to be coming full circle. My “Growing up in Fairbanks, Ju- son Sawyer is enrolled for his first nior Nordics and the ski community winter of Junior Nordics, and I am brought me my best friends, and fond- working directly with the program my est memories. I skied for West Valley mom started for me and my brother
PHOTOS COURTESY ÅSNE HONERØD HOVEID High School and competed for Team almost 30 years ago. I’m excited for a Åsne Honerød Hoveid checks FXC ski equipment at before a 2019-20 ski race. Alaska at Junior Nationals each year great winter of skiing with NSCF!” Hanneman, Kramer named to U.S. Cross-Country Ski Team BY ERIC TROYER more about the team in an article in this Alaska Fairbanksans Logan Nordic Skier.) Hanneman and Kendall This is Hanneman’s first official time on the Kramer have been named team. He has an impressive resume, including to the 2020-21 Davis U.S. competing in the 2018 Winter Olympics and gaining Cross Country Ski Team. points in World Cup races last season. He currently Hanneman was named skis for Alaska Pacific University Nordic Ski Center to the men’s B Team and in Anchorage. Kramer was named to the This is the second season for Kramer on the De- women’s Development velopment Team. Kramer’s racing resume is also Team. The selection an- impressive. Last season she skied in World Cup rac- nouncement was made on es and had some outstanding finishes in the World Logan Hanneman November 10. Junior Olympics, including a historic silver medal Hanneman and Kramer as part of America’s relay team. The three other join 21 other athletes to the team, which also in- members of that relay team have also been named cludes several Anchoragites. The team will start its to the Development Team. Kramer currently skis PHOTO BY SALLY ENDESTAD Kendall Kramer presents one of her 2019 World Cup competition season with the traditional World Cup for the University of Alaska Fairbanks. racing bibs to Peter Delamere, board member of the season opener in Ruka, Finland, Nov. 27-29. (Learn Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks.
the Alaska nordic skier FAIRBANKS December 2020 15 Volunteers clear Mastodon Trail of most downed trees BY ERIC TROYER “I encourage people who use non- Thanks to the efforts of three motorized trails to consider taking volunteers, the newest non-motorized, a small saw or hatchet when hiking, multi-use trail in the Chena River biking, or skiing to help keep trails State Recreation Area has been clear of smaller deadfalls or shrubs cleared of downed trees. that snow bends over the trail. Every- The Mastodon Trail was finished in one pitching in a few minutes on their the autumn of 2019 after years of work trip helps keep trails open for all to and delays. It was built to provide enjoy and spread out the work. year-round access to the Nugget “Last winter three people helped Creek Public Use Cabin. In the winter me open about 40 percent of the Mist it also offers nice day outings for ski- Creek trail, which was also affected ers, mushers, hikers, and fatbikers. by the Nugget fire. I hope to chip away While the 11-mile trail was pass- at it again once the river freezes near able after it was finished, with just a the shooting range at 36-mile CHSR few trees down in the last couple of and get it open to the Mastodon trail miles, more trees had fallen across it this winter. It is a much shorter route this past summer, starting from about for packraft loops out the South Fork PHOTO BY NED ROZELL three miles in, where the trail crosses Tom Paragi clears a tree from the Mastodon Trail while Jim Brader stands by, ready in summer and ski loops to the cabin Mastodon Creek. to help. in winter.” “The damage to the Mastodon Trail A map of the Mastodon Trail can be is due in large part to the forest fire rent state of affairs.” tread so it is a great bike trail until we found at dnr.alaska.gov/parks/maps/ event last summer (in 2019) which will Tom Paragi knew of the situation get too much snow. Encourage people mastadontrail.pdf. cause blowdown problems for years to and decided to see what he could do. to get out and enjoy it. Last weekend There’s some other good news in come,” Ian Thomas, superintendent He and two friends volunteered a cou- before any snow there were at least the Chena River State Recreation of the state parks northern region, ple days of their time this fall working 15 people on the trail based on our Area. The 44 miles of motorized wrote in an email. to clear the trail. Here is an excerpt of encounters, possibly more who took multi-use trails, including the Com- Thomas said this fall that while he an email from Paragi explaining what shorter trips. There is no shortage of peau, Stiles Creek and Angel Creek wanted to get someone out to clear happened. dry wood for winter camping! Hillside trails, were repaired this the trail, he simply didn’t have the “Over the last two sunny Satur- “Once non-motorized trails are summer. The work was done by a staff. days, Jim Brader and I (joined this built, we don’t need expensive ma- contractor, Happy Trails, Inc., funded “The simple fact is that I don’t have past Saturday by Ned Rozell) biked chinery or government programs by a grant. Among other things, ruts anybody to send out there to under- in with my chainsaw and cleared the to do most maintenance, we simply from all-terrain vehicles were filled in take a maintenance project of that fallen dead trees from the 2019 Nug- need users willing to volunteer a little and smoothed out. This should make scope. Years of staffing reductions get fire off the Mastadon trail. By the time periodically. (I used) simple trail the trails ready for skiing earlier and funding cuts have pretty much second trip we made it almost to the clearing machine (chainsaw chaps than they have been in the past. A emptied the bag of tricks that we once old dozer line crossing near mile 10, and saw gear on front rack), plus Ned map of the rec area can be found at: had in times that we considered to be so most of the way to Nugget cabin. and Jim walked bikes uphill as we dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/chena/ tight yet were far better than the cur- We also kicked loose rocks off the frequently stopped to clear deadfalls. chenarsrmap.pdf. Short trail to Tolovana Hot Springs NSCF board adjusts closed by landowner to changing pandemic BY ERIC TROYER Due to a variety of reasons related to The shortest trail to the popular COVID-19, the Nordic Ski Club of Fair- Tolovana Hot Springs, a popular banks has altered its programming. winter destination for skiers, has As of press time, all programs were been closed by a landowner. taking place – or were scheduled to The hot springs has at least one take place – in some form. At that time, other trail that accesses it, but the a webpage was being constructed that one used by most people is a 10-mile would bring together a variety of infor- trail that starts on the Elliott High- mation about COVID and skiing, includ- way. A one-mile portion of the begin- ing how programs would be altered, ning of that trail has been closed by how to ski safely during the pandemic, Doyon, Ltd., the landowner. and where to find out more information According to Doyon, “It is willing about the pandemic. to work with Tolovana Hot Springs Some of the bigger changes that have for access and worked for about a taken place include changing ski races year to reach agreeable terms for a to virtual formats and postponing Junior permit for the Tolovana Hot Springs Nordics while a new class format was business to use the trail and parking being worked on. The FXC, Adult Les- lot for their business.” You can read PHOTO BY ERIC TROYER sons, and Biathlon programs have been the full text of Doyon’s statement Corrine Leistikow takes a break atop the lower peak on Tolovana Hot Springs Dome on a 2017 allowed to continue with certain mea- trip to Tolovana Hot Springs. here: tinyurl.com/y5ftywsq. sures in place, including masking and The owners of Tolovana Hot News-Miner have done stories on ticket?: Doyon issues trespass distancing when appropriate. Springs have not commented to the the issue. notice for Tolovana Hot Springs The changes have been made by the media about the situation. The busi- • KUAC - Tolovana Hot Springs trailhead: tinyurl.com/y67l- NSCF Board of Directors, which is mon- ness has hot tubs and rental cabins Access Blocked: tinyurl.com/y39u- may5 itoring pandemic events and consulting on land that it leases from the fed- me8z • Doyon issues statement on with medical professionals. The club will eral Bureau of Land Management. • FDNM stories Tolovana Hot Springs access: continue to keep its members updated KUAC and the Fairbanks Daily • Go for a soak, end up with a tinyurl.com/yyuork7r on any new changes, if necessary.
the Alaska nordic skier STATEWIDE 16 December 2020 U.S. World Cup team, development team packed with Alaskans BY TOM HORROCKS um, will live stream the 2020-21 FIS Cross Country U.S. Ski & Snowboard tour this season. NBC, NBCSN, Olympic Chan- Ten skiers with Alaska roots or are currently nel: Home of Team USA and NBC Sports’ digital training with Alaska programs make up the bulk of platforms will also air World Cup cross country the 23 athletes the U.S. Ski & Snowboard recently coverage all season. Cross Country broadcast and named to the Davis U.S. Cross Country Ski Team streaming listings will be available throughout the for the 2020-21 season. The competition kicked off season at USSkiandSnowboard.org. with the traditional World Cup season-opener in 2020-21 DAVIS U.S. CROSS COUNTRY TEAM Ruka, Finland, Nov. 27-29. (Hometown; Club; Birthdate) Athletes named to the A Team for the 20-2021 In 2017, Katherine Ogden, Julia Kern, Hailey Swirbul A TEAM and Hannah Halvorsen made a historic podium, Women - Sadie Maubet Bjornsen (Winthrop, Wash.; Alaska Pacific season include 2018 Olympic Gold medalist Jes- earning a silver medal at World Juniors. Now the University Nordic Center; 11/21/89) sie Diggins and 2018 Olympians Simi Hamilton, quartet are all members of the 2020-21 Davis U.S. Rosie Brennan (Anchorage, Alaska; Alaska Pacific University Nordic Sophie Caldwell Hamilton, Sadie Maubet Bjornsen, Cross Country Team. Swirbul and Halvorsen both live Center; 12/21/98. Sophie Caldwell Hamilton (Peru, Vt.; Stratton and train in Alaska. Mountain School Elite Team; 3/22/90). Jessie Diggins (Afton, Minn.; and Rosie Brennan. Also joining the A Team this Stratton Mountain School Elite Team; 8/26/91) season are Julia Kern, who earned her first World who is back on snow after missing the entire season Julia Kern (Waltham, Mass.; Stratton Mountain School Elite Team; 9/12/97). Hailey Swirbul (Aspen, Colo.; Alaska Pacific University Nordic Cup podium last season, and Hailey Swirbul, who last year after she was hit by a car in Anchorage Center; 7/10/98) scored World Cup points in classic and freestyle and suffered head, back, and knee injuries. Men - Simi Hamilton (Aspen, Colo.; Stratton Mountain School Elite Team; 5/14/87) sprint and distance races last season. The fourth member of the men’s gold medal relay B TEAM In addition to a host of veteran athletes with team, Gus Schumacher, joins the B Team for the Women - Katharine Ogden (Landgrove, Vt.; Stratton Mountain School/ 20-2021 season, thanks in large part to becoming Dartmouth College; 11/17/97) World Cup, World Championship, and Olympic Men - Kevin Bolger (Minocqua, Wisc.; Sun Valley Ski Education experience, the 2020-21 team includes the largest the first American male to win an individual gold Foundation; 4/11/93). Scott Patterson (Anchorage, Alaska; Alaska medal at the Junior World Championships. Katha- Pacific University Nordic Center; 1/28/92). Gus Schumacher Development Team the United States has fielded (Anchorage, Alaska; Alaska Winter Stars; 7/25/00). Logan Hanneman in many years with 11 athletes, including all four rine Ogden rejoins the B Team this season after (Anchorage, Alaska; Alaska Pacific University Nordic Center; 6/2/93) DEVELOPMENT TEAM members of the silver-medal-winning 2020 FIS Ju- racing for Dartmouth the past couple of seasons. Women - Hannah Halvorsen (Truckee, Calif.; Alaska Pacific University nior World Ski Championships women’s relay team: Katharine posted two top-30 World Cup results in Nordic Center; 2/19/98). Novie McCabe (Winthrop, Wash.; MVNT; last season’s Tour de Ski. 12/15/01). Kendall Kramer (Fairbanks, Alaska; NSCF-FXC; 6/25/02). Kendall Kramer, Sydney Palmer-Leger, Novie Sydney Palmer-Leger (Park City, Utah; Sun Valley Ski Ski Education McCabe and Sophia Laukli. Also returning to the Following a unique summer of training, mem- Foundation; 2/4/2002). Sophia Laukli (Yarmouth, Maine; Middlebury bers of the Davis U.S. Cross Country Ski Team are College Ski Team; 6/8/00) D Team are three members of the men’s two-time Men - Johnny Hagenbuch (Ketchum, Idaho; Sun Valley Ski Education gold-medal-winning Junior World Championships ready to go and open the season, which will also Foundation; 10/1/2001). Luke Jager (Anchorage, Alaska; APU/University feature the 2021 FIS Nordic World Championships of Utah; 1/17/00). Noel Keeffe (Steamboat Springs, Colo.; SSWSC/ relay team, Luke Jager, Ben Ogden, and Johnny University of Utah; 8/24/99). Ben Ogden (Landgrove, Vt.; Stratton Hagenbuch. Also bringing her smile and positive Feb. 24-March 7 in Oberstdorf, Germany. Mountain School/University of Vermont; 2/13/00). JC Schoonmaker (Tahoe City, Calif; Auburn Ski Club; 8/12/00). Hunter Wonders energy back to the D Team is Hannah Halvorsen, NBC’s new streaming platform, Peacock Premi- (Anchorage, Alaska; Alaska Pacific University Nordic Center; 8/7/98)
SPONSORED In-Person or Virtual • Less active patients – if you’re not used to ex- • Athletes and others with good body aware- ercising and moving, having someone physically ness – being on your own for your home exercise Physical Therapy? present to coach you along can be a big benefit. program requires you to be in tune with your (Maybe Both!)* • People with complicated or chronic condi- body and how it’s moving. tions – for example, if your back has been hurting • If your limitation is a movement-based prob- Virtual physical therapy has quickly for the last 5 years and you’ve been ignoring it, lem – this can be addressed virtually. moved from a niche offering to the mainstream. an in-person treatment will allow the therapist • People who are comfortable with technol- Having more options is great, but it can also to provide all the components of your care neces- ogy – you don’t have to be a technology whiz, but complicate decision making. Understanding the sary for your recovery. having some familiarity with Skype, Facetime, or benefits of both can help make clear which one • Less-motivated patients – virtual PT requires Zoom helps! would best help you meet your goals. you to do most of your exercises by yourself. If you • Existing and returning patients – if your need someone watching over you to make sure physical therapist knows you, it’s easier to treat you do them, in-person PT might work better for you virtually. you. Both options have benefits and limitations. One VIRTUAL PT or the other might be right for you and your needs, but they’re not mutually exclusive. Combining the The main benefit of virtual PT is convenience. two can work well for many people. Doing an in- Because virtual PT relies on you doing most of person visit for your initial evaluation and perhaps your exercise and treatment on your own, ap- a follow up visit or two will let your therapist pro- pointments can be shorter. This also means that vide an accurate diagnosis and get you started on motivation is a prerequisite to choosing virtual your exercise program. Once you’re comfortable PT. The fact that you don’t have to travel to the with your exercise program, you can transition to clinic makes it easier to squeeze a visit into a busy virtual visits. schedule. Virtual PT works well for: *From the APTA Private Practice Section Blog IN-PERSON PHYSICAL THERAPY The main advantage of traditional “brick and mortar” PT is that the therapist is in the room with you. That means they can move around to see how you’re moving from different angles, physically adjust your position or movement as you exercise, and physically examine you – testing your strength, measuring your range of motion, etc. They can also use things like manual therapy, electrical stimulation or ultrasound when you’re in the clinic. In person PT may work best for: • New patients – the ability to physically exam- Do you want to learn more? Come see us at ine you makes it easier for your PT to accurately Advanced Physical Therapy! Call for an appointment at any of our diagnose what’s going on. five locations statewide , or visit us online at: aptak.com
ANCHORAGE: (907) 279-4266 | WASILLA: (907) 376-8590 | FAIRBANKS: (907) 374-0992 | SOLDOTNA: (907) 420-0640 | SEWARD: (907) 224-7848
the Alaska nordic skier