N o v e m b e r 2 0 2 0 , Vo l . 2 2 , N o . 2

PHOTO BY ROSIE FRANKOWSKI

Anchorage...... 2 ANCHORAGE: MAT-SU: FAIRBANKS: Eagle River...... 10 Bursting the “bubble” Snow hitting the ground, Staying active while Fairbanks...... 13 with family fun groomers getting busy staying safe Girdwood...... 10 Kachemak ...... 11 Mat-Su ...... 8 6 8 13 Statewide ...... 7 2 November 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. AROUND THE BOWL BOARD MEMBERS PRESIDENT Joey Caterinichio Solstice Tree Tour: New plans, new trails, VICE PRESIDENT great tree decorating opportunities Sara Miller SECRETARY Celebrate Winter Solstice on the trails with Anchorage’s Josh Niva new favorite holiday tradition: The NSAA Solstice Tree TREASURER Claire LeClair Tour! The fifth annual Solstice Tree Tour on Sunday, De- MEMBERS Tim Stone cember 13, is a one-day-only event that lets attendees walk Chris Seaman the Kincaid Park and Hillside ski trails to enjoy festively Mike Miller Tim Miller decorated trees by local businesses. During COVID-19 Will Earnhart times, we are excited to invite you to a modified and mitigated event, encouraging families to RSVP for one of OFFICE STAFF Haley Johnston, Business Manager two locations: the 2.5k of the Mize Loop at Kincaid Park or Sara Kamahele, Program Manager Randy’s Loop on the Hillside Trails. Check the website for Heather Liller, Office & Program Admin details: anchoragenordicski.com/solstice-tree-tour/. OPERATIONS STAFF Is your business interested in sponsoring a tree? There Craig Norman PHOTO BY MICHAEL DINNEEN Bill Brion are plenty of trees available along Randy’s and Mize loops Ready to race? It’s never too early to get excited about the Jack Cummins for your team to decorate and celebrate all that you love Tour of Anchorage, which arrives on March 7, 2021. Annette Brion Matthew Pauli about winter. Find the sponsorship packet on the website Peter Zug or email Sara Miller at [email protected] to get Tyler Norman involved! TRAILS Mike Miller NSAA Junior Nordic: Back with special plans for special sessions COMMITTEE CHAIRS Registration is open and spots are filling fast! Worried ALASKA SKI FOR WOMEN Molly Mylius about snowfall? First session isn’t always about the snow; sometimes it’s about the camaraderie on the trails and it’s AMH ANCHORAGE CUP always about a little bit of exercise and technique. NSAA Branden Fontana wants to reassure families that they get the same quality Good times and great competition are in the frosty air every BACKCOUNTRY TOURS of fun and coaching from the program regardless of snow- season during the AMH Anchorage Cup. Mary Vavrik fall early in the season. BESH CUPS RACE DIRECTOR The Junior Nordic program will be taking many precau- to gear up for this annual event. Welcome back to the Tour Anson Moxness tions this season to decrease the risk of COVID-19 to ski- of Anchorage Gold Level Sponsor, ConocoPhillips! Learn more about this season’s Tour at anchoragenordicski. BIATHLON ers and coaches. A complete mitigation plan can be found Joey Caterinichio, interim on the Junior Nordic website and will incorporate things com/tour-of-anchorage/. like: face coverings and social distancing of at least 6 feet HIGH SCHOOL RACING AMH Anchorage Cup: Anson Moxness are required; all skiers must complete the daily COVID Runneth over with racing fun assessment prior to each practice; waxing will be done by JUNIOR NORDIC It looks like winter is just around the corner, so you Shannon Donley one person per group to limit touch points; no indoor facili- know it’s almost time for another season of the AMH An- ties will be used; Saturday practice times have changed MIDDLE SCHOOL RACING chorage Cup. With COVID lingering, there’s a little more Diane Moxness to decrease the number of skiers grouped at one practice challenge and uncertainty than usual. But our race com- time; and no shared food or beverage. mittee is working hard to mitigate risks, adapt formats, RACE CHAIRMAN Have questions or want more information about Junior Tim Stone and bring you a full series of races. The results may end Nordic? Visit anchoragenordicski.com/junior-nordic/. up with a bit more of an old-school vibe – interval/wave SCHOLARSHIPS Dan Rosenberg Tour of Anchorage: Start training now! starts, limited facility access, etc. – but we’ll still have fun, Save the date: March 7, 2021, because a mitigated safe racing opportunities for everyone. SKAN 24 Geoff and Cathy Wright version of the Tour of Anchorage is in the works. Due to With the trying times, we do want to say a big thank COVID-19, the event format is pending, but that should not you to AMH for their continued sponsorship and support. SKI 4 KIDS Erin Whitney Witmer stop you from training for the big day. Take advantage of And further thanks to our co-hosts returning this winter, the world-class trails in and around the Anchorage Bowl including Alaska Winter Stars, APU Nordic Ski Team, and SKI JUMPING Sons of Norway. Karen Compton and Vivienne Murray So go ahead and get excited, do a snow dance, and keep SKI TRAIN an eye out for updates as we get closer to race day. We Travis Taylor look forward to seeing you all out on the trails this winter. SOLSTICE TREE TOUR Learn more at anchoragenordicski.com/amh-anchor- Sara Miller age-cup-series/. TOUR OF ANCHORAGE Turnagain Brewing gives back with Matias Saari October’s Selfless Sundays NSAA OFFICE HOURS Turnagain Brewing is committed to being an active 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday and engaged community partner, so every month during BOARD MEETINGS the fall and winter they select a non-profit organization for Fourth Thursday of the month, 6:15 P.M. at BP Energy Center which to raise funds. All tips earned during the Sundays in or NSAA office. Open to all. October were dedicated to NSAA. We are grateful for com- munity partners who have the trails in mind. Thank you to Turnagain Brewing for their continued support of the NSAA mission and the Anchorage community! You can sip and chill year-round at Turnagain Brewing, located at 7920 King St. Check them out at turnagainbrewing.com.

See AROUND THE BOWL, Page 3

the Alaska nordic skier November 2020 ANCHORAGE 3

Joe Meehan, 907-884-2994; [email protected] AROUND THE BOWL the Alaska Continued from Page 2 Saturday, February 6— Middle Fork Loop, Chugach Mountains; Tour nordic skier leader: Monica O’Keefe, 907-350-5300; [email protected] Thank you for your Pick Click. Give. Monday, February 15 (President’s Day holiday) — Beach Lake ski trails’ donations this season! Tour leader: Ray Cammisa, 907-726-7977; [email protected] EDITOR NSAA couldn’t do what we do without you! The Alaska Friday, February 26 — Friday Night Fun Ski, Alaska Pacific University ski Josh Niva community has various opportunities to elect funds to trails; Tour leader: Karlene Leeper at 907-440-0049; [email protected] [email protected] Saturday, February 27 — AT/Tele tour, Turnagain Pass, Kenai Mountains; non-profit organizations and the Pick.Click.Give. program Tour leader: Zachary Liller, 907-717-3419; [email protected] LAYOUT is one of the most charitable. While applying for your PFD Sunday, March 14 — Center Ridge, Turnagain Pass, Kenai Mountains; Tour online, Alaskans can choose to Pick.Click.Give. in incre- leader: Elizabeth Bluemink, 907-952-3956; [email protected] Kevin Powell ments of $25. All donations are tax deductible and donors Saturday, March 27 — South Fork Eagle River, Chugach Mountains; Tour [email protected] will receive tax documentation from the state once their leader: Mary Vavrik, 907-306-7686; [email protected] donations have been processed. Thank you to all 198 com- Saturday, April 3 — Skookum Glacier, Kenai Mountains; Tour leader: Mary AD REPRESENTATIVE Vavrik, 907-306-7686; [email protected] munity members who dedicated nearly $12,000 in funds to Michele Hansen Saturday-Sunday, April 10-11 — Reed Lakes overnight camping, Hatcher [email protected] the NSAA and the trails this season! Pass, Talkeetna Mountains; Tour leader: Mary Vavrik, 907-306-7686; [email protected] Saturday, April 24 — Crust skiing, location TBD; Tour leader: Zachary LOCAL EDITORS Liller, 907-717-3419; [email protected] ANCHORAGE Learn more at anchoragenordicski.com/programs/ Josh Niva backcountry-tours/. [email protected]

NSAA CALENDAR EAGLE RIVER NOVEMBER Barbara Johnson Sunday, November 1 — NSAA Season Kickoff Party! (Virtual) [email protected] TBA – Junior Nordic — Equipment Pickup FAIRBANKS Friday, November 27 — NSAA Backcountry Tour: 22nd annual Turkey Day Eric Troyer Shake-off [email protected] DECEMBER KACHEMAK The dog days of winter have yet to arrive but we’re already Wednesday, December 2 — Junior Nordic Session #1 Starts Mike Gracz barking for backcountry skiing adventures! Check out the TBA —Ski Jumping: Winter Session Starts Turkey Day Shakeoff, hosted by NSAA’s Backcountry Tours [email protected] team, after Thanksgiving, as well as other tours taking place TBA — ASD High School Freestyle Snowball Race – Hillside this season. Saturday, December 12 — Backcountry Tours: Iditarod National Historic JUNEAU Trail, Turnagain Pass, Kenai Mountains Frankie Pillifant NSAA Backcountry Tours: TBA — Biathlon Race #1 [email protected] Kicking off with a Shake-off TBA — ASD High School Lynx Loppet – Kincaid 23rd annual Turkey Day Shake-off — Friday, November 27, Archangel Sunday, December 13 — AMH Anchorage Cup – Freestyle MAT-SU Road, Hatcher Pass; Tour leader: Karlene Leeper, 907-440-0049, Sunday, December 13 — Solstice Tree Tour Ed Strabel [email protected] TBA – Biathlon Race #2 [email protected] Join us for this post-Thanksgiving Shake-off ski and Saturday, December 19 — Besh Cup #1, Kincaid Park SALCHA NSAA’s first tour of the season. Travel under the rugged Sunday, December 20 — Besh Cup #2, Kincaid Park Jim Ostlind and beautiful peaks of the Archangel Valley and past old TBA — Mat-Su Icicle Double [email protected] mining ruins in Hatcher Pass for a spectacular day of ski- Find more events at anchoragenordicski.com/calen- ing on the Archangel Road. This is a great opportunity for dar/. SEWARD those who want to learn about ski touring in the moun- Julie Robinson [email protected] tains, or start skiing for the season. Meet at the Carrs Muldoon parking lot near the bakery at 9 a.m. From there SOLDOTNA we’ll drive to the Archangel Road trailhead about .8 miles Penny McClain up the road from Gold Mint Trailhead. If you’d rather 262-6257 meet us at the trailhead, expect to see us about 10:30 a.m. TALKEETNA We anticipate arriving back at the cars about 3:30 p.m., Chris Mannix depending on how much fun we are having and how far 733-2427 we ski. The first portion of the trail, to the Reed Lakes trailhead, is flat gaining only 300 feet in 2.5 miles. This is The Alaska Nordic Skier is a a great turnaround spot for beginning skiers. The trail to publication representing the nordic the gate is another 1.5 miles, gaining 500 feet and will be a ski clubs of Anchorage, Eagle great downhill run for those with more experience. River, Fairbanks, Homer, Juneau, Mat-Su, Salcha, Seward, Soldotna, We expect to ski about 8 miles round-trip. Alternatively Kenai, Talkeetna and Valdez. The (depending on snow conditions), we will ski through Inde- Alaska Nordic Skier is published pendence Mine (likely off the groomed trails) and continue October through April by the up the hill past Gold Cord Mine. We will ski beyond into Nordic Skiing Association the flatter upper bowl below Granite Peak and Friendship of Anchorage, Inc. Pass, where we will have lunch. We will descend the hill All rights reserved. © 2020 at our own pace and, if conditions allow, cross the creek Articles, letters and advertisements to find our way back to the trailhead. This tour would be are welcome. Please ensure all appropriate for an advanced beginner to intermediate names are correct and information is skier who can travel about 6 miles round trip on terrain accurate. Submissions may be edited with short climbs and downhills under various snow condi- for clarity, content and space tions. We’ll meet at the Carrs Muldoon parking lot near limitations. Deadline is the 15th day of the prior month. E-mail the bakery at 9:00 am and then drive to the Independence [email protected]. Mine trailhead where we expect to arrive at 10:30 am. A Chugach State Park pass is required; a self-service fee On the cover: Anchorage’s Becca station is located at the parking lot. Rorabaugh and friends recently NSAA BACKCOUNTRY SKI TOURS climbed into the Chugach Mountains 2020-2021 SCHEDULE to play in some early-season snow.

Saturday, December 12 — Iditarod National Historic Trail, Turnagain Pass, PHOTO BY ROSIE FRANKOWSKI Kenai Mountains; Tour leader: Mary Vavrik, 907-306-7686; mvavrik@gci. net Sunday, January 17— Matanuska Glacier from Caribou Creek; Tour leader:

the Alaska nordic skier 4 ANCHORAGE November 2020 Coach Dan hangs NSAA Scholarships awarded to up his JN skis, four outstanding student-athletes Each season, NSAA awards a handful of shares secret hot talented young student-skiers with scholar- ships. Funds for the scholarship program come cocoa recipe from the Sven Johansson Memorial Ski Race and the Elizabeth Tower memorial scholarship Coach Dan Bosch announced this fall that he’ll be fund. This year $5,000 in scholarship funds were hanging up his Junior Nordic skis this season after more awarded to four outstanding student-athletes. than 25 years of being the Hillside Tuesday/Thursday site Have a student in mind for a future scholar- director and coach. ship? The NSAA Scholarship application can be Coach Dan recalls, “When I began coaching there was found online on February 1 and will be due in only one group which met at Kincaid Park, and sometimes March 2021. Learn more at anchoragenordic- Russian Jack. There were five levels then: Polar Cub, Mar- ski.com/nsaa-scholarships/. mot, Otter, Wolverine and Hawks. Jr. Nordic was the only game in town then, the Winter Stars, APU (aka Gold 2002), and other groups had not yet formed. Jr. Nordic was get- ting very large and unwieldy and thus we split into groups. I am the only Hillside Tuesday/Thursday site director. I Maya Brubaker of Service High School, going to have seen several Monday/Wednesday site directors over University of Montana, received a $1,000 NSAA the years and Dave Ward is the longest running and doing Scholarship. a fantastic job.” If you haven’t met Coach Dan in person, you may recog- nize his vibrant voice from the Junior Nordic Hotline. He says, “Years ago I started ending my phone updates with ‘I’ll see you on the Trails!’ Craig Harpel, who has since Ivy Eski of West High School, going to University of Colorado Boulder, received a $1,500 NSAA passed away, figured out how to say it in Norwegian and Scholarship. had me recording that way for a while.” Max Dan’s favorite thing about Jr. Nordic was working with Beiergrohslein so many great kids and their families. Dan says, “I can’t of Chugiak High School, going tell you how many of my former Polar Cubs have come to University back to coach either for me or in another group. There of Alaska are currently quite a few former Polar Cubs coaching for Fairbanks, received a the Tues./Thurs. group, including head coaches.” Every $1,000 NSAA Saturday for the last 25 years Coach Dan would provide Scholarship. hot chocolate and cookies for practice. “The kids always ask how I make my hot chocolate, and I tell them it is ‘secret recipe hot chocolate’ and I can’t tell you. So former Peter Hinds of Dimond High School, going to Montana State University, received a $1,500 NSAA Polar Cubs, here is the secret ingredient: milk and French Scholarship. Vanilla. It works every time.” When asked, Coach Dan said, “I don’t really have a favorite game to play, it is really up to the kids, and what they want to play. I do miss ‘Calvin Ball’ that Bart Stone used to play with his Wolverines. It was based on the Calvin and Hobbs comic strip, and of course there were no rules.” Nordic skiing in Anchorage is a well-loved sport and activity – embracing the outdoors and the snow during the dark days is important for our health and sanity. Coach Dan embraces this concept and said, “I do like showing the kids that you can do anything on skis, whether it is playing games or bushwhacking through the deep snow cutting across to another trail. I want to be sure that every skier knows that they do not have to stay on the groomed trails, you can ski wherever there is snow.” With that note, we at NSAA want to say “Thank You, Coach Dan!” You have embodied the spirit of Junior Nor- dic and brought the joy of skiing to hundreds of kids over the years. We will miss you on the trails and your voice on the Hotline!

PHOTO BY KIRSTEN HOPPE

the Alaska nordic skier November 2020 ANCHORAGE 5 Alaska Ski for Women provides grant to AWAIC BY MOLLY MYLIUS proceeds, and the sale of event merchandise. Each year, the all-volunteer Alaska Ski for Thanks to our community for joining us for Women grant committee awards grants to 24 years and enjoying a morning of skiing while organizations around the state who are work- supporting important organizations who are do- ing to stop the cycle of domestic violence and/or ing critical work in Alaska. Together, we can stop supporting survivors of domestic violence and the cycle of domestic violence and help women in their families. This year, the committee opted crisis find positive solutions to a healthier life. to donate 100 percent of the proceeds to Abused Women’s Aid in Crisis (AWAIC) to show con- Mark your calendars tinued support for what AWAIC is doing in the for February 7, 2021! We are working hard to adapt the traditional community. event and create a safe environment for folks The Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage is to participate. The all-volunteer event commit- proud of the success of the Alaska Ski for Women tee is seeking event day help. Email alaskaski- event and the great work of AWAIC, and award- [email protected] if you would like to get ed them $25,747 in June 2020. These funds come A dedication to Mr. Prince involved. See you on the trails! from sponsorships, race entries, silent auction Longtime NSAA groomer and friend, Mr. Rick (Ricky) Prince passed away this spring on April 14, 2020. Mr. Prince started as a seasonal employee in 1999. He brought with him his skills as an equipment operator, truck driver and, most valuable of all, his talent for tell- ing three stories all rolled into one. Of course, if you had a story, he would interject with, “It’s your story, you can tell it any way you want!” Mr. Prince was always “Johnny on the Spot,” and willing to do whatever was needed. Brushing, shoveling, hauling snow or grinding into the wee hours of the morn- ing – he was there till the job was done. If it involved kids, Ricky was there. He’d say, “Gotta make something for the kids to ski on.” He made it his mis- sion to groom for middle school races, Ski 4 Kids, and the practice loops at middle schools. Here on the NSAA Operations team, our good friend Ricky Prince will be missed but not forgotten. We each have our stories about him and will tell them “Any way we want.”

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! Shin splints: I am a high school of load, especially running. Make sure don injuries, because tendons become runner and a skier - my shins have the training load is progressive. Talk more brittle as we age. At 8 weeks post been sore since the beginning of the with your coach. injury, the muscle/tendon should be running season. Massage and rest 3. Make sure your body is ready healing well but it is still somehow helped some, but I still cannot run for change of footwear and running irritable, especially with high and fast without pain. surface – improve foot strength, get loads. At this stage, gradual strength Shin splints can be a plague for used to cleats gradually, run on differ- training of the hamstring and glutes is runners. They usually happen when ent surfaces. important, done slowly and progres- there is a sudden change of train- 4. Check your running gait – ca- sively heavier. Then, we recommend ing – such as increased training dence is recommended to be about to gradually progress to faster con- loads, change of surface or change of 165-175 steps per minute (your smart traction/ strength as we get closer to 3 footwear (cleats!). Significant contrib- watch can measure that), avoid heavy months post injury. Gradual progress uting factors are heavy heel strike, heel strike but don’t change to forefoot is the key! At this time, we recom- Zuzana Rogers, PT, ScD, SCS, COMT overstriding, nutritional and energy strike if you are a natural heel striker. mend avoiding uphill running/strid- has been a physical therapist for deficiencies and inadequate recovery 5. Nutrition! If you are increasing ing. 17 years, always trying to pursue after workouts. Shin splints can start training, you need to increase calo- higher goals and share her passion as a shin soreness, progress to medial ries. Period. DON’T MISS THIS AMA (ask me and experience. She belongs to tibial stress reaction (you can see this 6. Get some quality Zzzz’s. Sleep is anything) OPPORTUNITY! the World Confederation of Sports on MRIs) and then to a stress fracture very important in recovery. That is Email us your questions about Physical Therapists and continually if they are not addressed (and you get when your body heals. training, tweaks and niggles, foot- gaining knowledge to keep active put in a boot). wear, returning to skiing or running people healthy. She brings a wealth of If you are dealing with shin pain, Hamstring injury: I am a master after an injury, supplemental mobility experience to Runners’ Edge Alaska; make sure you address the following: skier and a runner. I suffered a ham- or strength programs to get you better. she is a long-time physical therapist 1. If you have pain while running string injury 8 weeks ago. What can I We promise to answer your questions for the U.S. National Cross-Country and the next day, you need to de- do to get back to hiking, running and in the next issue of the Alaska Nordic Ski Team, covering major competitions crease training/ running. skiing? Skier. including the Winter Olympics in 2018 2. When training, avoid big spikes Master runners can be prone to ten- and World Nordic Ski Championships. Zuzana gives back to the Alaskan Disclaimer: Since we don’t know you and we can’t perform a www runnersege. physio. community – coaching kids mountain detailed examination, responses are general tips only and not (online scheduling for PT and massage) biking skills and cross-country skiing medical or physical therapy advice. If you need detailed answers [email protected] • 907.929.9009 and lecturing on injury prevention to your questions, please contact us directly. We are mobile and Telehealth clinic – issues, specifically in runners and we come to you wherever you need us! cross-country skiers.

the Alaska nordic skier ANCHORAGE 6 November 2020 A peek – and peak – back into early quarantine BY ROD WHITNEY It was April 2020 and the Quaran- tine was in full swing. My wife and I had our safe COVID bubble of close friends, and I was tired all winter of seeing friends post endless backcoun- try powder shots. So, I started ‘snooz- ing’ folks on “FaceCrack” and anyone posting 3x/day political posts and rants (best move ever, BTW.) The last few years have been tough raising out 3-year-old twins, I won’t sugarcoat it. We have wonderful kids, but holy guacamole, talk about high energy and no rest for us parents. We both work fulltime and recently life is full of chaos, poop, screaming; it’s a raging gong-show at our house 24/7. I think I got five BC ski days total in all last winter … which is approximately 30 less than what is healthy for an adult, lol. So, our crew and the Kastning fam- ily, who have been part of our COVID bubble, drove our separate cars south to a popular backcountry skiing area off the Seward Highway. We slogged Our bubble – and Megamid tent – was bursting with good times. up into our favorite ski meadow with our kids. I carried one kiddo, my 12-hour marathon which includes: wife the other kiddo. We both had loading kids, driving, skinning/slog- 90 liter packs with kids strapped on ging, setting up the tent, changing the outside; very much anatomically poopy diaper(s) and finally, a survival NOT correct. We made it up to our ski back down on breakable rotten destination, put up the Megamid tent afternoon corn snow followed by the for the kids to play and (theoretically) slog up to the car with overly tired nap in. The Kastning parents skinned kids. Needless to say, this redefines a up with their three daughters, and “ski day.” after a few tantrums and some tears, In the end, and especially looking Andrew began grabbing kids, skis, back on that enjoyable day, it was to- whatever he could to make it up the tally worth the momentous effort. Our hill to our ski meadow. kids are being raised on experiences: For all the effort, the adults got one that pushes them, but also us as ONE full ski run in. Nothing spec- parents. tacular, maybe 800 vertical feet of skiing. But that’s all in a long day’s You need more gear, Andrew Kastning! Sun down, lights on: Excitement, work, and skiers are in the air BY ZAK HAMMILL Ski Jump Program Director/Coach October ski jumping in Alaska reminds us where the light switches are at the Karl Eid Ski Jumping Facility. As practice rolls on into the night, there is a certain time that tells us it’s time to turn on our big stadium style lights so that our jumpers can still see where they are go- ing. Our fall season is now one week away from completion, and we have seen so much progress from our jumpers. Soon we will cover our hills with big blue cargo nets, to hold snow, and wait for cold temperatures. As the ski jumps lay dormant for just over a month, our coaches will keep busy. There are skis to be waxed, snowmaking gear to be prepped, lights to be fix, and plans to be made. Maintenance is part of the game at the ski jumping facility as most of the structures are 40 years old now. While many stands have been rebuilt and jumps been re-decked there is still work to be done out there. Projects such as steps to better connect our jumps and a new chalet are on the list. For us, flipping on the lights each night gets us a little bit more excited each night as that means winter and snow are on their way! We will put our heads down and work through the off season, because each day gets us closer to looking at the Karl Eid ski jumps cover in snow! Join in the fun, the work and learn more about NSAA’s Jumping pro- gram at anchoragenordicski.com/ski-jumping/.

the Alaska nordic skier STATEWIDE November 2020 7 Investment strategy aims to focus on trail efforts statewide BY ERIC TROYER a presentation this past year during to encourage even more efforts across will become even more important as In collaboration with many other the online Statewide Trails Confer- the state to expand the trail infra- other sectors wane. But the strategy organizations, the statewide group ence. structure and improve the resources recognizes that intelligent planning is Alaska Trails recently released the The Statewide Trails Investment we already have. required to grow trail infrastructure Statewide Trails Investment Strategy. Strategy aims to help focus and facili- Besides trail organizations, the while maintaining the quality of our The strategy is being developed as a tate trail efforts already taking place strategy includes organizations and communities and natural places. way to build on and expand trail infra- at many different Alaska communi- people from government, business, The strategy also appreciates structure in Alaska. It was unveiled at ties. In addition, the strategy is meant the health industry, the visitor in- that trails provide other benefits for dustry, and other groups that have Alaska, including a place for healthy complementary goals. exercise and a quality of life that is The Strategy recognizes that trails uniquely Alaskan and helps draw bring a wide variety of benefits to our high-quality workers to the state. state, especially by providing resourc- Trails also complement other efforts, es for visitor industry businesses such as the forestry industry and ef- and an outlet for outdoor recreation forts to preserve greenspace. sports, including skiing. Already, To find out more about the Strat- more than 10 percent of Alaskan egy, including a draft of the 2020 workforce is tied to the tourism and Statewide Trails Investment Strategy outdoor recreation industries. The document see alaska-trails.org/ strategy emphasizes that smart in- alaska-trails-initiative. vestments can help grow this dynam- This article was originally run in the May 2020 ic sector of Alaska’s economy, which edition of the Alaska Trails newsletter.

PHOTO BY ERIC TROYER A winter view from the Rosie Creek forestry area trails, which are part of the A page from the Statewide Trails Investment Strategy. Statewide Trails Investment Strategy. Planning sessions continue with Besh Cup racing season on the horizon BY CCAK Start and Finish areas. seeding formula. As if planning for a ski season with the usual con- • Masks will be required of athletes, officials, tingency plans isn’t complicated enough, this year volunteers, and spectators. Other CCAK events Cross Country Alaska will add COVID-19 Mitigation U.S. Ski & Snowboard has cancelled its national • CCAK is helping support early season FIS Planning to its pre-season preparations. races, which means there will be no official Team races in Fairbanks. Please visit the NSCF website Along with host clubs from around the state, Alaska event for athletes to specifically work for registration information. Cross Country Alaska has three weekends of Cono- toward. CCAK is working with NSAA to host the • December Coaching Clinic – Due to the chal- coPhillips Besh Cup races planned. The December Alaska State Championships. Watch for details. lenges that go along with dealing with COVID-19, races will be hosted by the Nordic Skiing Associa- This event will likely be three days during the week CCAK will not be offering the clinic this year. tion of Anchorage; the Mat-Su Ski Club will host of March 8-12, 2021. • Tuesday Night Ski Races (Anchorage) – We are the mid-January races; and the Nordic Ski Club of still hopeful that a few races can be offered; but stay Fairbanks will host Besh 5 & 6 the final weekend US Ski & Snowboard license tuned. in January. This will be the first weekend in many information for U16/U18/U20 If there will not be U.S. Junior Nationals Champi- Registration begins years that the final races will not fall on Super Bowl in mid-November weekend. onships, why should I get a Competitive License? This is correct – technically you don’t need a • As in the past, athletes who register for all six To host the races with safety being first and races receive a T-shirt designed by APUNSC Elite foremost, CCAK is finalizing a mitigation plan that Competitive license, but without a Competitive License, as the season goes on, your seeding will skier Rebecca Rorabaugh. Thank you, Rebecca! will include adjustments based on being able to be • All U08/U10/U12 skiers receive a T-shirt re- physically distant in all areas. Some changes will go down as the rest of the skiers in your age group earn U.S. Ski & Snowboard points based on season gardless of the number of races they attend. include: • All athletes, officials and volunteers will re- • Bib pickup and waxing will take place outside. results. CCAK will still announce a Team Alaska as it normally has, so if you are not a skier with a ceive the accessory of 2020 – a CCAK facemask. • Racers should expect all events to be individual We have all learned that life with COVID-19 start events. Competitive License, your name will not show up in the Team Alaska points list. changes often. Please be ready to adjust as neces- • Sprint races will likely include only the qualify- sary and watch the CCAK website (www.crosscoun- ing races. U08/U10/U12/U14 are not required to have a com- petitive license; though for the races that U14 skiers tryalaska.org) and the CCAK Facebook page for • Flower ceremonies will be reworked to ac- updated information. knowledge top racers in an online format with ski with U16 skiers, they earn U.S. Ski & Snowboard points if they have a competitive license. Ultimately, CCAK is ready to make the season happen; even athlete pictures. with additional challenges. Keep training and we’ll • Only athletes and officials will be allowed in the that can help them in seeding as the season goes on because USSS points are included in the CCAK see you in December!

the Alaska nordic skier 8 November 2020 1150 S. Colony Way, Suite 3 Palmer, Alaska 99645 Mat-Su Ski Club (907) 745-SKIS Palmer, Alaska www.matsuski.org

BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT Lucas Parker VICE PRESIDENT Dave Musgrave TREASURER Jerry Hupp SECRETARY Lorene Lynn BOARD MEMBERS Ed Strabel Mark Strabel Chris Thomsen Lori Berrigan Terry Slaven Chris Gierymski Lori Straub Kimberly Del Frate Ailis Vann

get their skis on, teaching them how to get back up after falling down and playing games. The Otters and Foxes are a step or two above the Polar Cubs as far as skill development goes. We also have a group known as the Yetis. These are older kids who have never skied before. Volunteer coaches can pick the level they feel most com- fortable with. If you are interested in coaching, leave a message on the club’s website. mentally and emotionally stimulating. Wednesday from 1-2 p.m. at GPRA. AROUND Volunteer coaches’ major require- Ready to race? Junior Nordic: Coaches The ski club will again have a full THE VALLEY ment is an abundance of enthusiasm needed for a big crew and a positive attitude. Skiing skills calendar of races this winter. of young skiers The Fall Race to the Out House Mat-Su Ski Club are secondary. If you are a good tech- is ready to ski This fall, the ski club’s Junior nical skier you may choose to work will be at Independence Mine and is Nordic ski program filled up in record scheduled for November 7 or 14 (most As we roll on into the fall of 2020 the with the “Top Carnivores” (advanced time and we have almost 50 kids on likely November 14 because of the ski club is gearing on up for a great skiers in the Grizzly and Wolves). Or the waiting list to join if we can get later than average arrival of snow). ski season in spite of, or possibly be- you can work with the Polar Cubs more volunteer coaches. The pro- We will offer both classic and skate cause of, the COVID-19 pandemic. (the youngest skiers and beginners) gram runs from January 4 to March See AROUND THE VALLEY, Page 9 Upon close analysis, Nordic ski- where your major task is helping kids 5 with two evening practices (Mon- ing is the perfect sport or activity to day and Wednesday or Tuesday and engage in while under the cloud of a Thursday) from 5:30-6:30 p.m. under world-wide pandemic. Social distanc- the trail lights at the Government ing is required, it is done outside, Peak Rec Area (GPRA) and also a engages almost all muscle groups and home school program on Monday and the cardio-vascular system, and is

the Alaska nordic skier November 2020 MAT-SU 9 AROUND THE VALLEY Mat-Su Ski for Women is Sunday 14 Continued from Page 8 February and probably several high divisions and individual starts due to school races depending on how the COVID-19. Racers start at 10:30. high school season shakes out. The ski club will host Besh Cup This and that … races 3 and 4 on January 16-17 and Club memberships are up this fall. serve as a backup site for Besh Cup 1 The low-key annual meeting, under and 2, as well as 5 and 6. the lights, outdoors at GPRA with The ski club will host the Icicle several fire pits around the stadium Double ski races on December 26-27 area went well and the club recog- at GPRA with the classic races on nized Dave Musgrave for his years of Saturday and freestyle races on Sun- hard work in getting the club up and day. Race distances are 5, 15, and 30 running smoothly and especially for kilometers each day. Register at the his contributions to the start-up of the club website. Junior Nordic ski program. The club will also offer our low-key The club is also ordering new trail Northern Lights Race series on 10 pins for the season. and 24 January and 21 February. The

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the Alaska nordic skier 10 November 2020

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

DEB BRIAN BURNETT BRIANA JUSTIN JIM PETER KAREN LOSO BRIAN KARI, BOARD OF ESSEX Vice President, SULLIVAN THOMAS BRAHAM ZUG FVCS Nordic NELS BARBER DIRECTORS President Events Secretary Treasurer Trail Maintenance Grooming Ski Coach Events

with the Beaver Pond Trail, the Lower AROUND Iditarod National Historic Trail Loop, GIRDWOOD and the Bird/Gird Trail to the first rest stop from Girdwood. Narrow gauge grooming A new Snow Dog groomer costs comes to Girdwood around $5,250 with all the accessories, We have a new groomer to coming and will be purchased and maintained to town! Let me introduce Ben Kohler by the Girdwood Nordic Ski Club. If and his great idea for a new Snow Dog you would like to donate – easy peasy! trail groomer. When you sign up for your 2020-2021 Ben is a trail loving mountain biker Membership, we have an additional who has witnessed the success of nar- line for “Donations.” You can write in row-gauge grooming around the U.S. any amount, and we will contribute These machines are used for ice-fish- donations towards the Snow Dog ma- drag. You can stand or sit behind the brought this concept to the Girdwood ing, hunting, hauling gear, and single chine and accessories. Winter single machine as it rolls out great two-foot- Trails Committee and the Girdwood track grooming. They are lighter and track trails just got a little better in wide trails for classic skiing, walking, Nordic Ski Club. After he gained sup- more maneuverable than a snow ma- Girdwood. and biking. They can handle the deep port from both committees, we imme- chine at about a third the price. They Bring on the snow!! snow that cycles through Girdwood, diately started fundraising for a new can go 20 MPH, and have the options – Deb Essex and are easily transportable. Snow Dog. These two-foot-wide trails of an attachable sled and grooming Ben has done the research, and will be tried out this season starting

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.

coach based on a first come, first served basis. BOARD MEMBERS AROUND That means that our need for coaches is more important than ever. So much so, that your EAGLE RIVER PRESIDENT JR. NORDIC kiddo may not get to ski this season if you don’t Jason Dennis Rish Harty, Ryan Caldwell Big season requires big changes, step up. An additional change is that we will be stag- and more coaches, for VICE PRESIDENT/RACING MASTERS (ANR) gering start times and end times so that we can Junior Nordic skiers CHAIR Katie Rehm As always, we are looking forward to another mitigate the amount of folks that are gathering Mike Beiergrohslein around in one place. Finally, the chalet will be exciting ski season, especial for Eagle River NEWSLETTER area’s Junior Nordic participants! We are hop- open for emergency use only. TREASURER Barbara Johnson ing that this is our most successful season ever, Due to the uncharted waters we are navi- Bob Stehn even with some obvious modifications. gating, our ski season will not officially start AT LARGE There are some big changes that we’d like to until January. Please check our website (www. Jason Gray, Annette Brion, SECRETARY Jesse Bee, Andy Hall, highlight. The first, and probably most impact- cernsc.org) and Facebook for up to date infor- Jackie Welge Jim Singleton, and Kati Rehm ful, is that there will be only 10 kids per coach, mation. no exceptions. When parents sign up for Junior – Rish Harty Nordic, they will be immediately placed on a Jr. Nordic Coordinator waiting list and we will assign those kiddos a

STATEWIDE Photo contest highlights Researcher seeks photos of woods for fire fuel maps Alaska State Parks Skiers across Alaska can help with a study that will help send it to [email protected]. Alaska State Parks is running wildfire responders get a better handle on the amount Also, would you be willing to spread our flyer around a monthly photography contest in and types of fire fuel around the state. Read Chris Smith’s and/or our Facebook page: facebook.com/mad.bov2020/ celebration of its 50th anniversary. request letter below. Thank you for the help! If you would like to help with the The contest runs just through the I am a Graduate Student at the University of Alaska study, follow these steps: end of the year, so there are only Fairbanks working on a project called Mapping Detection 1. Find a spot in the Alaska forest (anywhere outside two months left: November and of Boreal Vegetation (MaDBoV). The goal of this project is with natural vegetation). December. to involve the community in the data collection process in 2. On your smartphone make sure location is turned This is a great opportunity to return helping me produce more accurate fire fuel maps on (this geotags the photo for analysis) and then snap a highlight the joy of cross-country of the Alaskan boreal forest to help predict fire risk. picture of the ground vegetation and tree trunks so we can skiing! All photos need to be taken Anyone in Alaska can participate, and it is a great rea- identify plant species. in one of the many Alaska State son to get outdoors while actively participating in appli- 3. Send the geotagged pictures to mad.bov2020@gmail. Park units, but they can be from cable research (in accordance with state social distancing com. any season and from any year. policies). All participants have to do is get out in the woods The goal is to keep this project running as long as pos- For more information see behind their homes, on trails, or any naturally wooded sible because data and vegetation are constantly chang- tinyurl.com/qnssp93. area and take a geotagged photo on their smartphone and ing, so there is no deadline date.

the Alaska nordic skier November 2020 11

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

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mike Gracz | President The dollars and sense of extraordinary Stacey Buckelew | Vice President Cameale Johnson | Secretary skiing, trails, programs Richard Burton | Treasurer BOARD MEMBERS Kenny Daher MIKE GRACZ / KNSC PRESIDENT Jason Neely The members of Kachemak Nordic Derek Bynagle Charles Barnwell Ski Club deserve to know how their Bob Glen membership dollars are used to keep Chessie Sharp | Administrative Assistant our great trails groomed and ready COMMITTEES AND EVENTS for events, programs, school groups Baycrest Upper and teams, and tons of fun skiing. Alan Parks KNSC separates the budgets for Baycrest Lower, Eveline State Recreation Site, Snowshoe Trails operating expenses and capital im- Dave Brann provements. This makes tracking the Lookout Mountain progress, or lack thereof, in saving for Mike Byerly replacement equipment easier. This McNeil Canyon School Nicky Szarzi is the annual report summarizing the Trail Signs operating budget. Mike Gracz In the revenue pie for KNSC’s Snow Machine Maintenance Equipment Chairperson operating budget, by far the largest Bob Glen slices come directly from your mem- but also to local businesses, which CAP funds were augmented by sub- Junior Nordic bership contributions and the fees you benefit from the spending of the nu- stantial contributions of both money Kathy Sarns pay when you register for a program, merous out-of-town participants. and labor by the outstanding group of Kachemak Women’s Nordic Jasmine Maurer such as the Homer Nordic ski pro- Comparing KNSC’s operating volunteers that steward the McNeil Membership, Website gram or Junior Nordic gear rental, expense pie to revenues, you can trail system, led by Stan Purington Richard Burton or an event, such as the Marathon see that programs and events more and Nicky Szarzi. McNeil was truly a Alaska Nordic Skier Race or Friday Night Lights. Revenue than paid for themselves; generating gem during the early stages of coro- Mike Gracz originating directly from our local a surplus to help meet the expense navirus closures last spring largely School Races Coordinator Jan Spurkland community is even greater when the of keeping the trails groomed for the due to the coordinated effort of this Backcountry Film Festival money received from our extremely programs and events. Here, a special fine crew: many thanks! Dan Del Missier supportive local businesses and foun- shout-out of thanks is owed to the Revenues exceeded expenses Winter Gear & Ski Swap dations are included, such as Homer Women’s Nordic Program for keeping by about $8,000 last year, including Mike Illg (Homer Community Recreation) Saw and Cycle, Fritz Creek General their expenses especially low! Extra equipment depreciation. In other Besh Cup Races Store, Ulmer’s, The Grog Shop, Bear event revenue was gained from host- words, in 2019/20 KNSC was able to Jan Spurkland Creek Winery, The City of Homer, and ing the Besh Cup Races, but lost due generate enough revenue to cover Friday Night Lights Stacey Buckalew The Homer Foundation. Last season to the cancellation of the Marathon, the purchase of a new snowmachine Kachemak Bay Ski for Women saw a record amount for membership usually our biggest event, and the this fall and a matching amount for & Haven House contributions – thank you! Sea-to-Ski race; both due to concerns the new maintenance shed on Sunset Kris Holdereid/Shelly Laukitis The revenue slice labeled CAP in about spreading the coronavirus. Loop. The maintenance shed was Wine, Cheese & Wooden Ski Tour Mike Gracz the pie chart is the State of Alaska’s Equipment and depreciation com- funded mostly through a grant from Kachemak Bay Marathon Ski revenue sharing program (now prise the largest slice of the expense the Rasmuson Foundation, for which Deland Anderson named the Community Assistance pie. Costs are inevitably high to own we are very thankful! The surplus Homer Epic 100 Program). This program, from the and operate eight snow-machines, revenue is almost entirely due to Homer Cycling Club State of Alaska, provides funding for four tracked-ATVs, four ginzu-groom- lower than average equipment main- Sea to Ski Triathlon unincorporated areas such as Dia- ers, three mowers, and numerous tenance expenses, which were more Derek Bynagle mond Ridge and Fritz Creek. Last other implements. However, last sea- than $2,000 less than last season and season, CAP provided 14 percent of son’s expenses were the lowest they $7,000-$8,000 less than each of the two KNSC’s revenues, mainly for trail have been in many years, primarily seasons before that. Unfortunately, due to the cancellation of events such maintenance and contract groom- due to the extensive preventative our equipment continues to age. as the Marathon in March, and the ing, a record high amount. This year maintenance program overseen by In 2019/20, the basic operating costs annual meeting this month. Unlike we know that the program will exist, Bill Hague and crew. Thank you! Trail of keeping the lights on, maintaining every other season, this season KNSC however, we are unsure of the amount maintenance expenses were higher our trail system, and covering the has passed only a provisional budget, that will be available. than they have been, mainly due to depreciation of equipment, but not in- to be reassessed each month based Revenue from events was high extensive improvements made by the cluding event and program expenses on changing conditions due to the last season mainly due to the Besh McNeil crew because of the additional (such as skis and boots for Jr. Nordic pandemic and uncertainty of the CAP, Cup races, which bring a significant revenue KNSC received through the participants), ran to $111.24 for each which is an important revenue source amount of money not only to KNSC CAP for the Fritz Creek area. Those individual member (e.g. around $445 for contract grooming. KNSC hopes for a family with four members). to provide programs and events as This season, we are applying to usual but is concerned that many will the Homer Foundation for additional need to be cancelled. We also rec- trail improvements at McNeil, and ognize that many members may be to the Rasmuson Foundation for a experiencing difficulties that prevent second ginzu groomer for the McNeil them from contributing as much as crew. Two groomers working together they are used to. Don’t worry, ski! The makes the grooming go more than trails will get groomed! We hope that twice as fast. others, who are more fortunate, will This coming season will no doubt recognize this potential shortage and see extra challenges. KNSC was for- help if they are able. tunate to receive substantial CARES Thank you for your continued sup- Act funding through the City of port and enjoy the fine trails! Ski you Homer. The funding will cover losses out there!

the Alaska nordic skier 12 KACHEMAK November 2020 AROUND Junior Nordic Junior Nordic equipment rental THE BAY has started, but it’s not too late to get gear for your young skier (K-6th Homer Nordic co-ed grade). Contact graczstenger@gmail. training program com. It’s best if you include the height, This year KNSC is excited to offer weight and shoe size of your young a new co-ed training program: Homer skier(s). We may not be able to provide Nordic. The price is the same as last instruction this year, but we really years’ pilot program: $150 for the want to make sure that everyone who season and $100 for weekend war- wants skis can get them! riors. Sign-up online at knsc.webex- press.com, click the Programs tab. Baycrest Trail changes There are some changes on the Homer Nordic is a five-month workout middle part of the Baycrest trail program for skiers training for races system that are not yet reflected on and for skiers who want to stay in the trail maps. Serpentine has been good shape and challenge themselves eliminated. Midway will not connect to reach new levels in their workouts to Awesome and Sunset Loop, at the and skiing ability. Homer Nordic of- continuing to allow us to ski on these respect the wishes of our neighbors top of Diamond Ridge. Midway will fers group workouts five days a week, great trails! by being extra alert and driving safely only be an out-and-back trail to Ru- and a weekly strength workout on on the road. Please recognize that the ben’s Bench, which has been moved your own. The program has begun Ohlson Mountain Road trail system there is in an otherwise a little to the west. The only trail that with dryland training already, but it’s speed limit quiet neighborhood. will be groomed from the lower part not too late to join! It runs through At its virtual October board meet- of the Baycrest Trail System to con- March 6. ing, KNSC supported the residents Ulmer’s update nect with Sunset Loop, at the top, will living near the Lookout Mountain Once the current stock is depleted, be Far Side. Recreation Area with a resolution Ulmer’s will no longer be selling skis Please remember that these upper in favor of a 25 mile-per-hour speed or ski supplies. Operating a full-ser- trails (Far Side, Midway, and Sunset limit on Ohlson Mt. Road. Traffic from vice ski shop requires knowledge and Loop) are mostly on private land. renewed gravel pit activity has caused experience, and Ulmer’s has been Some landowners have requested concerns about safety due to speed- unable to find a suitable replacement that dogs not be allowed on Sunset ing dump trucks. A local horse was for Steve Soitsman. Steve will con- Loop, thus KNSC’s No Dogs policy on killed by one of these trucks. KNSC tinue working at Ulmer’s but plans on that trail. However, many landowners members and event participants retiring soon. Steve’s workbench was do own dogs and their dogs will be out are major users of Ohlson Mountain moved to the Lookout Maintenance on their land. If you see any of those Road. Therefore, the Board of Direc- building. Stay tuned! landowners, please thank them for tors asks that KNSC members please

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the Alaska nordic skier November 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 Nordic Ski Club NSCF Board continues to closely monitor COVID-19 of Fairbanks JUNIOR NORDIC HOTLINE The Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks Board of Directors 457-4437 continues to closely monitor COVID-19 and is taking pro- Six feet away PRESIDENT active measures to mitigate the impact of the virus. When Chris Puchner [email protected] it comes to decision-making, our commitment is this: to COVID-19 and minimizing risk protect the health and safety of all ski club patrons and the VICE PRESIDENT Steven Hansen community at large. The following letter was dated Octo- [email protected] ber 13, 2020, and sent out to the NSCF membership. S E C R E T A R Y/ TREASURER DEAR MEMBERS, ATHLETES, PARENTS, AND Ann Jamieson COACHES, [email protected] As I am sure you are aware, the incidence of COVID-19 AT-LARGE MEMBERS Eric Buetow in our community increased slowly but fairly steadily from Peter Delamere early in the summer to mid-September, exceeding the Helena Rueter Davya Flaharty 14-day average case rate/100,000 population of 15 dur- ing the week of September 14, the limit the NSCF board ADULT LESSONS COORDINATOR formalized nearly two months ago as the cutoff for group Shelly Soderstrom outdoor training. After much discussion and deliberation, [email protected] on September 17th the board decided to continue to offer FAIRBANKS JUNIOR NORDICS Shelly Soderstrom and outdoor group training for three reasons: Sally Endestad • Since the time the board first initiated protocols for [email protected] 371-9564 group training, understanding of COVID-19 spread has progressed to the understanding that the virus is primar- FAIRBANKS CROSS COUNTRY Nick Crawford ily spread through respiratory transmission, which mask Head Coach, Program Director wearing and social distancing limit effectively. [email protected] • For this reason, we believe that strict compliance RACE PROGRAM DIRECTOR with our training protocols, which include proper social John Estle [email protected] distancing for athletic activities (10 feet), mandatory use of BIATHLON masks at all times when athletes are not actively exercis- Jim Pasek ing, and group sizes limited to no more than 10 partici- [email protected] pants that are kept intact for the duration of a training TOURING period effectively lowers the probability of transmission. [email protected] Eric Troyer | [email protected] • Of all the training and competition opportunities cidence of COVID-19 in our community and will act to limit currently being offered by clubs and schools in our com- NEWSLETTER EDITOR training when it feels that the risks outweigh the benefits [email protected] munity, including football, volleyball, swimming, and cross of our activities. While the club will do what it can to keep Eric Troyer | [email protected] country running, we believe that the NSCF’s outdoor participants safe, no activity is without risk; we urge all training program lies at or near the safe end of possible participants and/or their parents to decide whether the group activities where the likelihood of transmission of the risk is acceptable to them. virus is lowest. Please see our updated Guidelines for NSCF Train- Since then the incidence of COVID-19 has increased ing Activities (https://tinyurl.com/yxk7j9uj). If you have AROUND THE more rapidly, reaching a 14-day average case rate of questions, concerns or comments please do not hesitate 32/100,000 population yesterday. The NSCF board still feels to contact me. I hope this finds you well and still enjoying INTERIOR that as long as masking, social distancing and our other getting outside. guidelines incorporated in the club’s policy document Sincerely, Pearl Creek Nordic Ski are strictly observed outdoor activities can be conducted Chris Puchner Park Trails get gate safely. The board appreciates the health risks of COVID-19 President, NSCF Board of Directors The following notice was seen on and will continue, as planned, to carefully monitor the in- [email protected] the Skarland and Pearl Creek Park Trail Users Facebook page in Sep- tember: Many thanks to Pam Groves, who donated this gate to the Pearl Creek Nordic Ski Park. It’s at the head of the powerline that goes from Ballaine Road to Pearl Creek School, blocking motorized recreation, but allowing access for maintenance machinery. There is a walking path on the right. Skiing info from your smart phone Use your smart phone’s browser and go to the NSCF website: nscfair- banks.org. For weather: in the menu (top right corner) choose Weather. Scroll down to Mobile Weather. Click on that link. For grooming: in the menu (top right corner) choose Trails. Then scroll down a bit and you’ll get See AROUND THE INTERIOR, Page 15

the Alaska nordic skier FAIRBANKS 14 November 2020 NSCF offers full schedule of races for 2020-21 season The NSCF once again has a full annual UAF versus UAA collegiate slate of ski races for this coming competition, alternating between Fair- season, though the race formats will banks and Anchorage. This year UAF be modified in order to account for CO- is the host school. The Nordic Cup is a VID-19 safety protocols. At press time, two-day competition with team scores the protocols were still under develop- kept based on the competitors’ finish ment. Whatever the protocols, they places. The first race will be a Friday will be adjusted as needed throughout night mass or interval start race. The the winter, depending upon the sever- second event will be held in conjunc- ity of local COVID-19 conditions, and tion with Town Series Race #2, a whether those conditions are increas- classic sprint. ing or decreasing in severity. WEDNESDAY NIGHT RACE While these changes will make this SERIES ski racing season different than in the PHOTO BY ERIC TROYER These races are for people who past, the good news is that the NSCF A line of skiers crosses a road as they head from the Chena River to the Birch Hill want to compete over short distances will continue to offer high-quality, ski trails during the 2016 Sonot Kkaazoot. in warm temperatures (by Fairbanks fun ski racing as long as it can be standards). The courses are usually done safely. So, whether you prefer one from hard-core competitors to the oldest in Alaska, having started in about two laps equaling 5 kilometers short sprints or longer endurance relaxed cruisers. Held in March, the the mid-1960s. total with a one-lap option for those marathons, high level competition or Sonot offers the standard 50-kilome- CONOCO PHILLIPS/CROSS just wanting to go 2.5K. Normally, the something more laid back, we’ve got ter, freestyle ski marathon. The event COUNTRY ALASKA BESH CUP temperature cut off is 5 below and something for you. Watch for updated also has 40- and 20-kilometer freestyle JUNIOR NATIONAL QUALIFYING races start at 6:30 p.m. However, dur- information on the club’s website (nsc- divisions. Classic-style skiers are wel- RACES ing the COVID pandemic, the season fairbanks.org) and Facebook page come, too! The start and finish are at Every year Fairbanks hosts two will start with virtual races based off a (facebook.com/NSCFairbanks/). the Chena River’s Centennial Bridge of the six statewide Besh Cup races, Strava segment. (Basic Strava mem- For more information on any of these downtown (unless poor ice conditions bringing the state’s best cross-country berships are free: www.strava.com) If races, see Races on our website. force a Birch Hill start and finish). skiers to Birch Hill. Junior skiers (U20, there is enough interest and it can be Here’s what’s coming up: BUETOW DENTAL DISTANCE U18, U16) earn points toward being se- done safely, in-person races may be SERIES (22ND SEASON) KINROSS / FORT KNOX TOWN lected for the Alaska Team to the U.S. done with an interval start. RACE SERIES If you like going the distance, the Junior National Championships, as BIATHLON RACES Distance Series is for you. The Buetow well as earning points toward their na- Celebrating its 25th year in 2020-21, Dental Distance Series features three tional ranking against age peers. This Biathlon is growing in Fairbanks the Town Race Series includes four events: the Gundeloppet 7.5Km/15Km, year Fairbanks will host the Besh Cup and the club will be offering several short-to-medium-distance races held the January Jaunt 10Km/20Km, and races January 30 and 31. In addition to races for competitors to test their from November to through January the Raven Romp 10K/30K. Events being U.S. Ski and Snowboard national skills against other Fairbanksans as open to all ages of skiers. Each event alternate between classic and freestyle calendar events, this year’s Besh Cup well as athletes from other areas of features races at increasing distances in alternate years. All events are held races will also be International Ski Alaska. Races will be held at Birch for several different age/gender groups in mass-start format. Federation (FIS) races. Hill Recreation Area and will use the from kindergarteners to adults. These shooting range, generously offered by races also serve as high school compe- ALASKA COFFEE ROASTING CONOCOPHILLIPS INTERIOR Fort Wainwright, on the White Bear titions among local schools. In addition COMPANY TURKEY DAY RELAYS YOUTH FESTIVAL Trail. to mass start and interval start for- Get out on the day after Thanksgiv- This event, held over two Wednes- SKIATHON mats, this series features a sprint and ing and burn some of those calories day evenings in March, is all about a ski-cross. Fairbanks Youth Sports you packed away the day before. The young skiers, open only to skiers from The 20-kilometer, classic-only is the event sponsor for the first two Turkey Day Relays are open to ski- elementary through junior high school. Skiathon is a race and a tour held at races. Wedgewood Resort and Kendall ers from kindergarten to adult. They The shorter distances are geared for the UAF ski trails. Participants are Subaru of Fairbanks each sponsor one feature teams of three skiers, each youth and allow the skiers to try mul- timed but can go as fast or as slow of the events. skiing one lap. Laps are usually 1-4 tiple formats, including short sprints as they want. All finishers receive a kilometers with the distance varying and ski-cross. The emphasis is on fun, Skiathon patch. This joint event of the depending on age of the competitors. relaxed competition. To help keep the Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks and the DENALI STATE BANK SONOT UAF Trails Club is a fundraiser for KKAAZOOT Costumes and unique team names add mood light, there are food and prizes to the fun of this event. The Turkey both nights. the UAF trail system. The Skiathon Fairbanks’ premiere springtime has quite a history, reaching way back Day Relays is the oldest continuously- ALASKA NORDIC CUP cross-country skiing event offers a held ski race in Fairbanks, and one of into the last century. variety of divisions attracting every- The Alaska Nordic Cup is the Fairbanks Nordic Ski Patrol needs volunteer patrollers to help keep skiers safe BY ERIC TROYER Moose Mountain and Birch Hill Alpine ski patrols. Want to help keep skiers safe at NSCF races? Last season, “FNSP wrapped up its patrol sea- Considering joining the volunteer Fairbanks Nordic son much earlier than expected with the country- Ski Patrol. The FNSP is “always looking for poten- wide lockdown brought by the COVID-19 pandem- tial candidates interested in patrolling,” according ic,” Hanneman wrote to our board. to Patrol Director Nancy Hanneman. Still, the program had 16 patroller-days spread The FNSP has volunteers at most of the major out over six NSCF events. The patrol had three competitive events of NSCF, including coordinating patient contact events with no serious injuries. with Birch Hill Alpine during the Sonot Kazoot. It While details of the race season are still unclear, has served the NSCF since 2015. The group is an Hanneman is interested in hearing from people offshoot of the Fairbanks Ski Patrol, which patrols who want to join the patrol. To volunteer or find PHOTO COURTESY OF NANCY HANNEMAN Patrol Director Nancy Hanneman, right, and patroller the Ski Land alpine ski area, and has many mem- out more information contact Nancy Hanneman at Donna Gardino help keep skiers safe at a recent NSCF bers who patrol both. It also has members from the [email protected]. ski race.

the Alaska nordic skier FAIRBANKS November 2020 15 Kramer takes over as director of Junior Nordics and Adult Lessons Susan Kramer was hired this restaurant industry until the winter my love for coaching with my fellow summer to take over as coordinator 2004. My daughter Kendall was born Rotarians’ love of community service for Junior Nordics and Adult Les- in 2002 and after 18 months, I realized and started a free running club for sons. Shelly Soderstrom, the previous I wanted to be a stay-at-home mom. youth ages 7-12. We meet twice a week director, moved to Anchorage. We will However, I did enjoy planning events, for eight weeks in the summer. miss Shelly’s enthusiasm and love of so I started my event-planning busi- I have always been a runner and skiing, but we are happy to welcome ness that winter. Planning meetings enjoy being part of the Fairbanks run- Susan, who was already a part of the and weddings turned into working for ning community. Nordic skiing has Fairbanks Nordic skiing family. Su- non-profits and becoming the race also been a part of my life, but not as san is the mother of Kendall Kramer, director for many local races and a skier myself. I have been a specta- a standout junior skier who competed coordinating Mush for Kids. tor, volunteer, and Ski Mom since for FXC and West Valley High School PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSAN KRAMER I have been a running coach since Kendall joined FXC in seventh grade. and is now a member of the University Proud mom Susan Kramer with Kendall was in kindergarten at Weller I have loved being part of the skiing daughter Kendall at the Craftsbury of Alaska Fairbanks Nanooks. Susan 2019 US Nationals. Elementary School and through her community for six months a year and her husband Mike have long been junior high years at Randy Smith and thought it was time to offer my active in the Fairbanks community, grade through two years of commu- Middle School. I became the assistant “event planning” skills to the NSCF. I especially in running. Susan wrote up nity college. cross-country running coach at Mon- am looking forward to continuing the the following biography: I transferred to Washington State roe Catholic High School in 2016 and tradition of Junior Nordics and Adult I was born in Falmouth, Massachu- University and graduated with a was the interim running coach at the Lessons under these unusual times setts, to a stay-at-home mom and Air degree in Hotel and Restaurant University of Alaska Fairbanks in the and helping coaches and families Force dad. I moved around for three Management in December 1990. I spring of 2019. adapt to the changes we have to make years, until my Dad was assigned moved around the Lower 48 with The I have been a Golden Heart Rotar- to keep everyone safe and healthy in to Fairchild Air Force Base outside Old Spaghetti Factory for 4-1/2 years, ian since 2006, which has taught me Fairbanks. of Spokane, Washington. After Dad until I married Mike and moved to the importance of volunteering and retired, my family stayed in Spokane, Fairbanks in the summer of 1995. giving back to your community when- where I attended school from second I continued to work in the hotel and ever possible. In 2014, I combined Kick-Off Day generates excitement for ski season BY ERIC TROYER AND MICHELLE ETHUN climate change, which is pushing the Fairbanks ski The NSCF Ski Season Kick-off Day, held on season later. Last year, despite snow in early Octo- October 3, was a big success despite the COVID-19 ber, our ski season didn’t start until November 2, pandemic and a lack of snow. It was held in conjunc- when NSCF groomers packed a thin layer of snow tion with the Golden Heart Trail Run. at Birch Hill Recreation Area. The ski kick-off, sponsored by H B Rueter Fortunately, the lack of snow this year made for Engineering, was held in anticipation of a record good conditions for the second version of the Golden number of new skiers this winter. The NSCF knows Heart Trail Run, a fundraiser for FXC. that people are looking for family-friendly activities A virtual version of the event had been held ear- that are COVID safe, especially newer home school lier in the year, but organizers brainstormed ways families who will need to fulfill physical education to put on an in-person event using recommended requirements. The event was organized as a place PHOTO BY ERIC ENGMAN COVID-19 guidelines. The Fairbanks running com- where families could quickly get information, look Runners of all ages were delighted to be able to munity has had very few events in which to partici- participate in an in-person Golden Heart Trail Run. at gear and sign up on the spot. pate because of the pandemic. Fortunately, in recent years the NSCF has con- Following recommendations from the Centers verted almost all of the club’s membership renew- getting more information. Many new Junior Nor- for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), partici- als and program sign-ups from paper to online. But dics coaches were recruited. pants started in waves to reduce crowd sizes. Youth this year the club felt it was important to be able to Materials for FXC Masters were a huge hit. That races were limited to 25 kids per wave. The 5-ki- answer questions directly from new skiers who may program is relatively new, but it already has a large lometer races were limited to 50 people per wave. not know the difference between Jr. Nordics, FXC following. The FXC program was represented and No race bibs were given out. Each finisher also or biathlon. Recognizing the danger group events was selling surplus equipment, which was popular received a Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks face mask. present during the pandemic, the event was held with eventgoers and helped generate some funds Donated finisher masks were sponsored by H B outdoors and followed recommended COVID-19 for the program. The membership and biathlon Rueter Engineering and an anonymous donor. safety guidelines. tables were also busy with people signing up and Results and photos of that event can be found at But the COVID-cautious format didn’t dampen getting information about club programs. tinyurl.com/yyg2h6bj. the enthusiasm of participants. Our staff and vol- The lack of snow for the event was not surprising. Michelle Ethun is NSCF Sponsorship Coordinator. Eric Troyer is the unteers stayed busy. The Junior Nordics table was Historically, the first measurable snow doesn’t fall Fairbanks editor of the Alaska Nordic Skier. hopping with people registering their children or until September 30. That is changing due to global

AROUND THE INTERIOR banks.org > Calendar for more! You interested, please contact Shelly Sod- bers and need to undergo a back- Continued from Page 13 can also “like” the Nordic Ski Club of erstrom (juniornordics@nscairbanks. ground check. Instructors get paid Fairbanks on Facebook to keep up org; 907-371-9564). $45 per hour for group lessons and are the latest grooming updates. Scroll with local events. covered by club insurance for those down farther to get to the grooming NSCF seeking adult lessons lessons. Instructors need to be First chart. Turn your phone sideways for NSCF seeking Junior instructors Aid and CPR certified. (The club will easier reading. Nordics coaches Want to share your love of skiing provide an opportunity to gain these Our youth skiers are in need of with people new to the sport? Help NSCF Calendar keeps you certifications.) The club also provides your help! We have lots of excited, them gain confidence and skills? instructor training alongside the Jr. updated budding Nordic skiers ready to enjoy Share in-depth techniques and train- Remember to check the NSCF Cal- Nordics program instructors. this amazing snow and not enough ing strategies? The NSCF Adult Les- endar for upcoming club events. You For more information and to sign volunteer coaches to go around. You sons program is looking for instruc- can check competition events, social up as an instructor, please contact do not need experience, just a positive tors and substitute instructors. activities and more. Visit nscfair- Shelly Soderstrom at adultlessons@ attitude and love of skiing. If you are Instructors need to be NSCF mem- nscfairbanks.org.

the Alaska nordic skier FAIRBANKS 16 November 2020 Grant approved for Rosie Creek Forest Road/Trail project BY ERIC TROYER section with the Old Nenana Highway. An effort to turn forest service Work on the trailhead will include roads in the Rosie Creek area of the removing junk cars, re-grading the Tanana Valley State Forest into a open area, and installation of a map more organized trail system is mov- kiosk. Work in the forest roads will ing ahead, but it has been delayed for include brushing, directional signs, a season. and erosion repair and control. The Division of Forestry received The motivation behind the project a $100,000 grant from State Parks’ is two-fold. One is that the division Recreational Trails Program to work has no plans to log in that area for at on the project. With the grant funds, least several decades. The other is the division will work on a trailhead, that there is a desire on the Board of trail signage, and forest service road Forestry to explore more of the divi- maintenance. sion’s recreation mandate. The work had been planned for this For questions or to get email up- past summer and a trail contractor, dates on the project, please contact Happy Trails, was hired. However, Alison Arians at the Division of For- Happy Trails was hired for a last-min- estry at [email protected]. ute, COVID-related job in Anchorage This project has got some people that must be finished by the end of the talking about the possibility of creat- year. The Rosie Creek grant can be ing a “long trail” between Fairbanks spent over two years. Happy Trails and Nenana. The idea would be to now plans to do the Rosie Creek work PHOTO BY ERIC TROYER connect already existing forestry next summer. Skiers and bikers share the Rosie Creek forestry trails during the 2020 Tanana roads with new trail segments. The River Challenge multi-sport race. While the proposal has drawn at- idea is in the very early stages and it tention to the recreation potential of tional signs, making it easy to get lost. sport winter race. The race uses is unclear what other sorts of chal- the Rosie Creek area, many people For people interested in exploring the many of the trails in the Rosie Creek lenges it might entail, such as pur- already use the roads and trails in- area on their own, this map can be area. To find out more about the race, chasing rights-of-way and/or building formally during winter and summer. useful: https://tinyurl.com/uuwf75v. see tananariverchallenge.org. bridges. You can read more about it in However, some have been discour- Several skiers have learned about The planned Rosie Creek trailhead the April 2020 Statewide Trails Invest- aged from venturing there because of some of the trails by participating in will be at an existing open area off the ment Strategy here: tinyurl.com/ the lack of formal trailheads or direc- the Tanana River Challenge, a multi- Parks Highway near its upper inter- ydggsmna (it is the fifth project).

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the Alaska nordic skier