F e b r u a r y 2 018 , Vo l .1 9, N o . 5

ALASKANS ROCK!

PHOTOS BY MICHAEL DINNEEN PHOTOGRAPHY

Anchorage...... 2 Kachemak . . . . . 10 Eagle River. . . . 6 Mat-Su ...... 7 U.S. NATIONALS, 8&9 WINTER OLYMPICS, 16 Fairbanks...... 14 Statewide . . . . . 11 2 February 2018

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.

BOARD MEMBERS Big start to 2018 provides momentum for remainder of the season PRESIDENT Joey Caterinichio VICE PRESIDENT Sara Miller Message from NSAA’s Staff and Board of Directors SECRETARY Josh Niva Winter is upon us and what an awesome January. We’re well done; many of us were present to accept the resolu- TREASURER still coming down from the highs of the 2018 L.L.Bean U.S. tions. The amount of people coming together for Nationals Karl Garber MEMBERS Cross Country Ski National Champions at Kincaid Park. It made this honor possible. NSAA thanks the Municipality Molly Brown Alex Grumman was truly a community event and the buzz, the large and and its staff – special shout-out to the team at Kincaid Elizabeth Arnold enthusiastic crowds, the volunteers and the athletes and Park ¬– for the support. Mike Miller Tim Miller coaches made NSAA, Anchorage and the Nordic commu- For those who attended Nationals, it was a perfect nity around the nation proud. preview for the upcoming Olympics. Many Alaska athletes OFFICE STAFF NSAA’s new sound system and timing upgrades at are in line to represent our state and country, making Erin Beam, Business Manager Tamra Kornfield, Program Manager Kincaid Park made the larger success of the event pos- their dreams reality. Alaska’s Nordic community is proud Amber Adams, Office Manager sible, along with grants and donations from the Rasmuson of those skiers, as well as thankful for all who help and OPERATIONS STAFF Foundation and private donors, as well as many gener- inspire in so many ways. Craig Norman ous sponsors and countless amazing volunteers. The new And our favorite – and busiest – stretch of the season Bill Brion Peter Zug technology upgrades helped more than 88,000 online view- is coming up: Ski for Women, Ski 4 Kids, Ski Train, high Annette Brion ers watch Nationals live, along with live timing/results, school/junior High and community races, epic tours, and Matthew Pauli no matter where they lived. That elevated the event to a the list goes one … There’s still a chance to compete, to TRAILS world-class level. volunteer, to cheer and to be part of our special Nordic Mike Miller Soon after Nationals, NSAA was recognized by the community. COMMITTEE CHAIRS Anchorage Assembly and Mayor Ethan Berkowitz for a job ALASKA SKI FOR WOMEN Jenny Di Grappa

AMH ANCHORAGE CUP to win a Trek Fat bike, being raffled in NSSA, and we thank you. Branden Fontana AROUND conjunction with Ski Train! The draw- Sincerely, BACKCOUNTRY TOURS ing happens on the train ride home Diane Crawford and family Patti Phillips, Mary Vavrik, Karlene Leeper THE BOWL and Ken DePalma from Curry. No need to be present to Ready for exploration? Ski Train: Snow in Curry, win, but why would you miss it? BIATHLON Attend an upcoming NSAA Marti Pausback and Catherine Kilby tickets remain, fat bike Want to buy Ski Train tickets, raffle backcountry tour tickets, conductor hats? Want more raffle, cool Find more information about NSAA HIGH SCHOOL RACING information on Ski Train? Call the John Christopherson swag and tours at anchoragenordicski.com/ NSAA office at 276-7609 or stop by. more! tours.htm. All tours are accompanied HOPE CABIN Learn more on the Ski Train Face- As snow by members of the Anchorage Nordic anchoragenordicski.com/cabin-rental continues to book page and at anchoragenordicski. Ski Patrol, who provide safety, trail JUNIOR NORDIC com/events/ski-train/. accumulate in sweep, and assist skiers with broken Shannon Donley Curry, preparations for this year’s Ski A community thank you to equipment or any other issues. If MIDDLE SCHOOL RACING Train are underway with volunteers NSAA staff and volunteers you have questions about tours or Diane Moxness and staff diligently working through To all the volunteers and staff of program or, contact one of the NSAA the details with excited sponsors and RACE CHAIRMAN NSAA, Touring leaders: Patti Phillips, Co- Tim Stone partners like the Alaska Railroad. This is a long overdue letter of chair: NSAA contact, (907) 240-3742, Plan to join the outdoor adventures SCHOLARSHIPS appreciation: As always, the orga- [email protected]; Mary Vavrik, Dan Rosenberg and train-ride family fun on Ski Train nization of NSAA has performed Co-chair: Nordic Ski Patrol contact, leaving the station on Saturday, SKAN 24 an amazing task of hosting the U.S. (907) 306-7686, [email protected]; Kar- March 24. Cassandra and Grant Stevenson Nationals at Kincaid Park the first lene Leeper, Co-chair: Denali View Less than 100 tickets are left as part of January. Nothing ever seems Chalet, (907) 440-0049, kbleeper@ SKI 4 KIDS of publication. If you haven’t gotten Erin Whitney Witmer too daunting to those who always alaska.net; and Ken DePalma, Co- yours, this is a great getaway for the bring excellence and professionalism, chair: AT and Tele-ski tours, 907-440- SKI JUMPING entire family! Kid pricing makes it Karen Compton and Vivienne Murray enthusiasm and friendliness to each 1562, [email protected]. affordable, family friendly cars make activity and event: high school, col- SKI TRAIN it fun! Plan to wear a superhero cape UPCOMING TOURS INCLUDE: lege, and masters races, Ski for Kids, Travis Taylor for the Incredibles car so you aren’t February 9 — Friday Night Fun Ski. Upper Ski for Women, Jr. Nordic, Tour of O’Malley Trailhead; Tour leader — Ken DePalma. SOLSTICE TREE TOUR left out! There are seven train cars Anchorage, Anchorage Cup, Biathlon, February 11 — Portage Lake and Pass; Tour Sara Miller with seven different themes, thanks and many more. leader — Patti Phillips. to our very cool sponsors. SPECIAL EVENTS AND RACING NSAA has hosted so many races February 17-19 — Two overnights at Manitoba Lauri Bassett Once onboard, look for the new Ski Huts – Tele/AT and touring options; Tour leaders and events, and very few have been Train swag: conductor hats complete — Michael Henrich, Karlene Leeper and Mary TOUR OF ANCHORAGE cancelled over the years, in spite Vavrik. Matias Saari with the new Ski Train logo, guaran- of very challenging conditions due March 2 — Friday Night Fun Ski. Glen Alps; Tour teed to properly equip you for your NSAA OFFICE HOURS to weather. Dedicated and tireless leader — Ken DePalma. Curry experience! 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday volunteers, as well as paid staff and March 2-4 — Denali View Chalet, two Only 50 tickets are left for a chance overnights, Peters Hills; Tour leader — Karlene coaches of all levels, continue to make BOARD MEETINGS Leeper. Fourth Thursday of the month, Nordic skiing the popular sport it has 6:15 P.M. at BP Energy Center March 10-18 — Denali National Park, fly-in or NSAA office. Open to all. been in Anchorage for all generations. and out of Kantishna, ski to mountain passes; Our annual membership towards see article in this month’s Nordic Skier for more trail maintenance and race organiz- information; Tour leader — Bob Sutherland. March 18 — Skookum Glacier, Turnagain Arm, ing is one donation from which our Kenai Peninsula; Tour leader — Patti Phillips. family has greatly benefitted for a March 30 — Friday Night Fun Ski. Prospect span of almost 50 years, including our Heights Trailhead; Tour leader — Ken DePalma. children and grandchildren. We are proud to be supporting members of See AROUND THE BOWL, Page 3

the Alaska nordic skier February 2018 ANCHORAGE 3

Ski 4 Kids arrives February 24 nordicthe Alaska skier

Our community develops the next generation of EDITOR Josh Niva champions and happy recreational skiers [email protected] BY CARLA BEAM In early January, thousands of Anchorage residents LAYOUT watched their hometown heroes dominate at the 2018 Kevin Powell L.L.Bean U.S. Cross Country Ski National Championships [email protected] at Kincaid Park. On February 24, hundreds of Anchorage kids will come out to the 21st annual Ski 4 Kids to explore AD REPRESENTATIVE the same trails and tracks where the country’s best skiers Andre Lovett challenged themselves and one another. Thanks to the [email protected] work of many committed people in our community, one or [email protected] more of those kids might one day compete in a national championship, a World Cup event, or even the Olympics. LOCAL EDITORS Many more will develop a lifelong love of cross-country ANCHORAGE skiing. PHOTO BY TWISTED BRANCH PHOTOGRAPHY Josh Niva It’s through the partnership and cooperation of many [email protected] organizations and people that Anchorage has grown to Community donors – businesses, individuals and foun- be a vibrant winter city with a flourishing community of dations – are also important partners and help provide EAGLE RIVER Ros Singleton skiers, and a powerhouse in the world of Nordic skiing. Ac- funds for the event and for the equipment grants adminis- [email protected] cording to Margaret Timmerman, outreach skiing coordi- tered by Ski 4 Kids. nator for Anchorage Parks and Recreation, these partner- LaTouche Pediatrics is one donor that sees support of FAIRBANKS ships have also created the fun and successful annual Ski Ski 4 Kids as strongly connected to its business mission. Kate Carey 4 Kids program. In turn, Ski 4 Kids has helped provide According to LaTouche’s Angi Titus, “We want to encour- [email protected] encouragement, equipment and access to the sport for age kids of all ages to be happy and healthy; it’s what we KACHEMAK countless kids, many of whom would not otherwise be are about.” Jeannie Woodring exposed to cross-country skiing. The doctors at another medical practice, Anchorage Pe- [email protected] Timmerman has been involved with the Ski 4 Kids since diatric Group (APG), not only support the event as donors, the beginning. It was created by Jerry Walton, her boss but as volunteers. Brice Alexander of APG says, “We have JUNEAU at Parks and Recreation, and Holly Hill, an Anchorage marveled at how many attendees and other supporters Frankie Pillifant [email protected] School District teacher. Their goal was to raise money to are always there, from Great Harvest Bread Co. to Kaladi buy better and more ski equipment to use in the Munici- Brothers Coffee to high school student volunteers. Ski 4 MAT-SU pality’s popular outreach program that got kids onto skis Kids promotes kids and families staying active and getting Ed Strabel through their local schools. outside to enjoy this great state, even during the darkest [email protected] Over the years, Timmerman has seen partners step up and coldest parts of the year.” SALCHA to ensure that Ski 4 Kids and the Ski Outreach Program Ski 4 Kids Coordinator Erin Whitney Witmer encour- Jim Ostlind remain strong. Volunteer coaches from the community, ages businesses and individuals to consider giving back to [email protected] NSAA Junior Nordic, the Anchorage School District, and the community and Alaska’s youth by supporting the Ski 4 the University of Alaska Anchorage have stepped in to Kids and its equipment grant program. Further, says Wit- SEWARD help with the outreach to schools. Healthy Futures came mer, “We hope to see NSAA members, donors and com- Julie Robinson forward to provide media support, race bibs, medals and munity members come out to see, firsthand, the positive [email protected] busing for Title I schools to the Ski 4 Kids festival and the affect of this great event.” SOLDOTNA NSAA handles various administrative and fiscal responsi- This year’s Ski 4 Kids is noon-3:30 p.m. Saturday, February 24, at Kincaid Penny McClain bilities for the event. REI has been a donor and provides a Park. Register at anchoragenordicski.com/events/ski-4-kids/. Online 262-6257 location for bib pick-up. While Parks and Recreation con- volunteer sign-up at goo.gl/MQafnC. If you would like to make a donation that will help fund ski equipment grants to schools and ski programs, contact TALKEETNA tinues to play an important leadership role, Timmerman the NSAA office at [email protected]. Chris Mannix acknowledges that these partnerships are critical. 733-2427

The Alaska Nordic Skier is a Wednesday, February 14 — ASD Middle School Championships publication representing the nordic AROUND THE BOWL Race – Kincaid Park Continued from Page 2 Friday, March 2 — Tour of Anchorage Bib Pickup ski clubs of Anchorage, Eagle Wednesday, February 14 — Biathlon Race #5 – APU River, Fairbanks, Homer, Juneau, April 7 — Turnagain or Hatcher Pass – TBD; Tour Saturday, February 17 — ASD High School Saturday, March 3 — Tour of Anchorage Bib Mat-Su, Salcha, Seward, Soldotna, leader — Mary Vavrik. Classic Relay – East High Pickup – APU Kenai, Talkeetna and Valdez. The Find all tours and more information at Saturday-Monday, February 17-19 — NSAA Sunday, March 4 — Tour of Anchorage Alaska Nordic Skier is published anchoragenordicski.com/tours.htm. Backcountry Tour: Two overnights at Manitoba March 10-18 — NSAA Backcountry Tour: Denali October through April by the Huts – Tele/AT and Touring National Park, fly-in and out of Kantishna Nordic Skiing Association NSAA calendar of events Sunday, February 18 — AMH Anchorage Cup – Saturday, March 10 — Anchorage Junior Nordic of Anchorage, Inc. FEBRUARY Sven Johansson Equipment Return – Bunker Tuesday-Friday, February 21-24 —Ski Jumping Sunday, March 18 — NSAA Backcountry Tour: All rights reserved. © 2018 Saturday-Sunday, February 3-4 — Besh Cup & Nordic Combined Junior Nationals Skookum Glacier Articles, letters and advertisements #5 and #6, Kincaid Park Thursday-Saturday, February 22-24 — ASD Monday, March 19 — Anchorage Junior Nordic are welcome. Please ensure all Sunday, February 4 — Alaska Ski For Women, High School – State Championships – Fairbanks Equipment Return – Bunker names are correct and information is Kincaid Park Saturday, February 24 —Ski 4 Kids, Kincaid Tuesday, March 20 — Anchorage Junior Nordic accurate. Submissions may be edited Wednesday, February 7 — ASD Middle School Park Equipment Return – Bunker for clarity, content and space Race – Kincaid Park Sunday, February 25 — Ski the Beach: Saturday, March 24 — Ski Train limitations. Deadline is the 15th day Friday, February 9 — NSAA Backcountry Tour: Memorial race Erin K. Johnson Saturday-Sunday, March 24-25 — SKAN 24 of the prior month. E-mail Friday Night Fun Ski Wednesday, February 28 — ASD Middle School Race [email protected]. Friday-Saturday, February 9-10 — ASD High Race – Kincaid Park Friday, March 30 — NSAA Backcountry Tour: School – Region IV Championships – Kincaid MARCH Friday Night Fun Ski On the cover – Clockwise from top: Tyler Park Kornfield lets out a victorious yell after Sunday, February 11 — Ski Jumping Friday, March 2 — NSAA Backcountry Tour: APRIL crossing the finish line to win the men’s Competition: All Hills Friday Night Fun Ski Saturday, April 7 — NSAA Backcountry Tour: 30K classic event; Caitlin Patterson swept all four women’s U.S. Nationals titles; Scott Sunday, February 11 — AMH Anchorage Cup – Friday-Monday, March 2-4 — NSAA Eddies AT/Tele-ski, Turnagain Pass Sprint Backcountry Tour: Denali View Chalet two Patterson started the racing with a bang, winning the opening-day’s men’s 15K Sunday, February 11 — NSAA Backcountry overnights For more events and details, visit the NSAA calendar at anchoragenordicski.com/calendar. freestyle event. Tour: Portage Lake and Pass Friday-Saturday, March 2-3 — Biathlon State Photos by Michael Dinneen Photography

the Alaska nordic skier 4 ANCHORAGE February 2018 Alaska Ski for Women arrives Sunday, February 4! Another amazing Alaska Ski for tion is open through midnight Janu- event: Platinum Sponsor ConocoPhil- Sponsors REI and Bristol Bay Native Women kicks off on Sunday, Febru- ary 31 at www.anchoragenordicski. lips; Gold Sponsors KTUU Channel 2; Corporation. See everyone Sunday at ary 4, at Kincaid Park. Skiers have com/events/alaska-ski-for-women/. Silver Sponsors Anchorage Women’s Kincaid Park! the opportunity to participate in one In-person registration and bib pick-up Clinic, Banker Law Group, Denali Learn everything you need to know about Ski for of the following events: The Duathlon will take place from noon-7 p.m. Fri- OBGYN, Great Harvest Bread Co. Women at anchoragenordicski.com/events/ starts at 10:30 a.m.; the skate race day, February 2, at REI. For anyone and Premier Alaska Tours (which alaska-ski-for-women/. also starts at 10:30 a.m. and the clas- who misses these deadlines, race-day provides transportation!); Bronze sic race begins at 11 a.m. registration takes place from 9-10 a.m. All participants are encouraged at Kincaid Park. Please note: those to participate in the costume parade who register on race day can only Alaskan-owned, at 11:45 a.m. Following the costume register for the party wave. parade and contest, around 12:15 p.m., As this race is also a fundraiser, local eatery is the “party wave,” a 4K non-timed participants are encouraged to donate Open at 11am fun ski for all. a minimum of $35 for registration or Prizes will be awarded to the top $50 for registration and a SFW buff. South Anchorage three skiers in each of the timed The Alaska Ski for Women would like 10950 O’Malley Centre Dr events, as well as to the best dressed to thank the following sponsors for team and individual. Online registra- their generous support of the 2017 (907) 561-2337

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the Alaska nordic skier February 2018 ANCHORAGE 5 Skier/Artist Rorabaugh makes 30th Tour a colorful celebration The 2018 Tour of Anchorage arrives Sunday, March 4 BY MATIAS SAARI Tour of Anchorage Race Director Tasked with creating an art piece for the Tour of Anchorage, Becca Rorabaugh considered what is unique about the event that traverses town from the Hillside to the coast. “The fact that you can race through tunnels is amazing,” said Rorabaugh, a longtime elite skier for the Alaska Pacific University Nordic Ski Center. So she decided to paint the silhouette of a racer skate-skiing through a tunnel near her apartment on the Chester Creek Trail. The process came with a signifi- cant challenge: she lacked an image for guidance. “It was a fun exercise in perspective drawing,” said Rorabaugh, who started sketching the piece in West Yellowstone, Mont. She created an outline while racing in SilverStar, British Columbia, and com- pleted the purple watercolor in December while training in Fairbanks, her hometown. “It was a spatial awareness exercise since I didn’t have a photo.” The Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage will use the art for this year’s Tour of Anchor- age race posters, zipper pulls and merchandise. Rorabaugh also donated the original painting for NSAA to auction at a fundraiser. Rorabaugh has designed Besh Cup T-shirts in recent years and done art for Fairbanks’ Town Race Series since she was in fifth grade. In the last two years, however, she has taken her art to another level with acrylic paintings, watercolors and other mediums. Her colorful work is printed on neck warmers, stickers, greeting cards and even backpacks that she sells. “It helps with ski expenses for sure. … I’m always surprised when people like it and buy the things that I make,” said Rorabaugh, who has competed in 10 European countries, won the 10-kilometer classic race at U.S. Nationals in 2014 and once placed 25th at a World Cup sprint in Quebec, Canada. Visit www.beccarorabaugh.com and it’s clear by the caption “Alaskan Olympic Hopeful, Artist, Snow Addict and Architecture Student” that Rorabaugh balances many interests. Though Rorabaugh won a bronze medal at January’s National Championships in Anchor- age, she missed her goal of qualifying for the 2018 Winter Olympics. Instead she’ll stay in North America for races that include Wiscon- sin’s Birkebeiner, the country’s largest. She might even return for the Tour of Anchorage on March 4, an event the 28-year-old hasn’t con- tested since about seventh grade. Each spring, Rorabaugh shifts her priorities by taking courses at Dartmouth College, where she’s a studio art major specializing in architec- ture. “For me, I like to be pretty focused on one thing … school mostly or skiing mostly,” she said while sipping hot chocolate at a midtown Kaladi Brothers in late December. “But it’s healthy to have something else to look forward to, some art projects but not huge commitments.” Melding her two passions is satisfying. “Being able to do (art) now and ski (at the same time) is probably the thing I’m most proud of,” Rorabaugh said. To register and learn more about the 2018 Tour of Anchorage, please visit anchoragenordicski.com/races/tour-of- anchorage.

the Alaska nordic skier 6 February 2018

P.O. Box 770117, Eagle River, Alaska 99577 Eagle River Nordic Ski Club Club hotline — 689-7660 Junior nordic hotline — 689-7661 Eagle River, Alaska cernsc wildapricot. org.

BOARD MEMBERS

AROUND PRESIDENT Jason Dennis CHUGIAK/ [email protected] SECRETARY EAGLE RIVER Meg Stehn meg.stehn@gmail .com

Eagle River skiers, coaches TRAILS and volunteers represent Jim Kazuba kaszuba@mtaonline net. at U .S . Nationals Annette Brion A whole crew of Eagle River skiers partici- babrion@hotmail .com pated in the 2018 L.L.Bean U.S. Cross Country TREASURER Ski National Championships at Kincaid Park Bob Stehn ABOVE: A 12-year Christmas bob.stehn@gmail .com at the start of the year. Junior skiers included skiing tradition continued Steve Wilson Max Beiergrohslein, Brian Wing, Torsten in December between the big.su.tka@gmail .com Carrick, Berry, Brewer, Renner, Konrad Tenner, Michael Earnhart, Singleton families, often VICE PRESIDENT/RACING Michael Connelly, Roan Hall, Heidi Booher, joined by Lauren Fritz, Cindy Mike Beiersgrohslein Hendel and others. They had mbeiergrohslein@msn .com Emma Nelson and Adrianna Proffitt. The large to improvise because of lack Alaska contingent also included UAF skier Sa- of snow and skied on Beach JUNIOR NORDIC rissa Lammers and former UAF student Peter Lake instead of the Beach Will Taygan Lake trail system. ski@taygan .com Brewer, as well as APU coach Lauren Fritz. PHOTO BY STAN CARRICK Steve Wilson Chugiak and Alaska Nordic Racing coaches LEFT: Trail closures due to big .su tka@gmail. .com Cody Priest, Stan and Gretchen Carrick, and low snow conditions before the New Year didn’t slow NORDIC SKIER NEWSLETTER Alex Loan supported local skiers. Bob Stehn down the Eagle River Jr. Rosalyn Singleton Rosalynsingleton2@gmail .com helped with timing, while Mike and Alicia Bei- Nordics group as they still hit trails and had a great time! ergrohslein and Jim and Ros Singleton volun- MASTERS PHOTO BY YORISHA HARTY Katie Rehm teered. Thanks to everyone for helping make Kathleen rehm@gmail. com. the event a big success! Jason Gray Jason@datasuns .com Where are they now: Hannah Rowland (Stevens) So what I am up to after high college, but I had plenty of romance. from McCarthy to Anchorage often triathlon and a half-marathon. They school skiing in Eagle River? Cur- Late into my first semester I met so I could get some roller-ski time. were tough races, but I dug deep and rently I am waiting to get my one of David Rowland at church, and we I had really wanted to focus on not placed first for women in both races. wisdom teeth pulled, after 36 hours of became friends throughout the next overtraining, but it turned out to be It feels so great to be done with the traveling to get from Paris to Anchor- semester. We had an eight-month hard to train without a team. For my nervousness that I had with my col- age! Wait, hold up, should I rewind a engagement. Then not even a week senior year I was determined to get lege races. little bit? after the 2015 JN’s in Truckee, Calif., my fitness back up. I joined the APU So what’s with the flight from Well, I graduated from Eagle I married him. We now are almost to college training group that year, going Paris? Well, after college I wanted to River High School with the class of our third anniversary. to Anchorage every one or two weeks go see Europe before we had kids. So 2013, and I already had my college The skiing part of college was a bit for a week at a time. The training paid we went to Europe this winter for four life planned. Earlier that year I had difficult for me. I hadn’t started sum- off pretty well. I had quite a few good weeks. We even got to see the first day signed onto the UAF cross country mer ski training till my junior year races for my last season, scoring for of the Tour De Ski races in Lenzerhe- running and ski team with a schol- of high school, so I was still pretty the team quite frequently. ide. It’s good to have friends in the ski arship. My intent was to redshirt in unexperienced in my technique and After college I decided to end my world. skiing my first year, but people got amount of training. My freshman year summer stress of moving constantly If you’re ever in McCarthy, come by sick and they asked me to be the sixth went fairly well. I had a light school and not pursue ski competition any and say hi. Just look for heavy equip- women’s skier to make a full travel load, so I could relax a little bit more longer. I did keep running though, and ment and you should find someone team. and I ended the season with a fifth competed in two McCarthy races: a who I am related to or knows me. I was studying Civil Engineering place for a 10K skate at the Vermont and it is common for it to take five JNs in 2014. I had sprained my ankle years to complete, but some can do somewhat that year, so instead of a lot Ski the Beach 2018: A Memorial Race for it in four if they start out with some of summer running, I did a bunch of credits from high school. Turns out I double-poling. Erin K. Johnson graduated in four years in May 2017. After getting married, summer

Life was certainly busy balancing training got a bit tougher, crazy amounts of having to commute hard schoolwork and ski training. But on top of that I was dedicated to going to church every Sunday morning (aside from race days) and being a part of a Bible Study on a weekly basis. It doubled as my enjoyable free time and gave me strength to face each week ahead of me. I stayed out of the party life in

the Alaska nordic skier February 2018 7

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

BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT AROUND Dave Musgrave THE VALLEY VICE PRESIDENT Hans Hill President’s Corner: We are TREASURER skiing on the new trails! Maritt Youngblood This past summer, the club built SECRETARY Caitlin Buxbaum almost 7 kilometers of new trails that BOARD MEMBERS added to the existing 7.5K of trails at Ed Strabel Government Peak Recreation Area. Dave Freer These trails were designed to attract Chris Tomsen skiers outside of the Mat-Su Valley Lucas Parker Gene Backus for competitive events at GPRA and Jeff Kase to provide more challenging trails Mark Strabel for skiers in the Valley. Although we Jerry Hupp have yet to do the final smoothing and Chris Gierymski seeding of the trails, Ullr, the Norse ADMINISTRATOR Tammy Hill god of snow, has been kind to us by providing enough snow to groom the trails since mid-December. Sunday! Have a lot of munching and Looking around Southcentral watching TV planned for the after- Alaska over the past few months, we noon? Work out those calories in see that Ullr has not been so generous advance at the fifth annual Mat-Su with his snow in other venues, which PHOTOS BY STEPHEN NOWERS Ski for Women! This fun, un-timed has brought many skiers from An- Check out the racing action from the recent GPRA Invite High School Ski Meet! event begins at 11 a.m. on Sunday, chorage and Eagle River to the Valley. Hatcher Pass takes too long for most volunteers that made these trails pos- Feb. 4. Costumes are encouraged and The trails at Independence Mine that of us and sprinkles his magic powder sible: Lucas Parker, Ed Strabel, Mark all entry fees go to Alaska Family we groom, usually in mid-October, on the trails at GPRA. The club’s Strabel (who put in over 500 volunteer Services. The famous golden ski pole are the first to be groomed and this main effort switches to GPRA, but we hours), and our club members who is awarded to the skier with the best season that timing was spot on. As the still groom the other venues. showed up throughout the summer. costume. Registration is now open snow works its way down the moun- Due to the scant snow in other With a price tag of over $225,000, at https://matsuskiclub.wildapricot. tains in Hatcher Pass the next trail Southcentral locations, we have seen we had many donors and sponsors, org/event-2776977/Registration (bit. that we groom, usually in November, many skiers on our new trails from including the Mat-Su Borough, the ly/2r8lkdJ). Long-sleeve shirts and is Archangel Road. If you are looking outside the Valley. Anchorage ski- Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation, hooded sweatshirts will be available for skiable trails in the early season, ers found the trails early on, and the Mountain Streams Bed and Break- for purchase in-person and online you will have to arrive early, espe- Olympic trials in Anchorage in early fast, MEA, and many others that you during registration. Stay tuned to cially on weekends, since Anchorage January brought many national and can find on our new website (thank Mat-Su Ski Club’s Ski for Women skiers, clubs, and teams make full international competitive skiers to the you, Chris Gierymski!) at matsuski. Facebook page for more information. use of our trails. We are happy to host new trails. We have had superlative org. our Anchorage friends on our trails. reports from them, with one of them Let’s go ski, Dave Musgrave Calendar They appreciate our grooming efforts Sunday, February 4 — Ski for Women – GPRA saying it is one of the Top 10 Nordic and many buy trails pins and join our 11 a.m. trails in the world. Hyperbole aside, MSSC Ski for Women – Club. Tuesday, February 6 — MSSC Club Board we are grateful for their praise. Sunday, February 4 Meeting – Location TBA 6:30 p.m. Ullr then decides that driving up to Save the date for Super Bowl I would like to thank our incredible Volunteer ski trail grooming in the Lower Mat-Su Valley BY ED STRABEL one of the longest Nordic ski seasons in the world! “We’ve come a long way baby,” to reuse an old Our volunteer groomers have stepped up their phrase from the 1970’s. The Mat-Su Valley has had game to meet the needs of Southcentral Alaska’s a long history of volunteer ski trail groomers. From Nordic skiers. Our goal is to provide at least one Joe Irvine at Palmer High School in the early 1970’s good Nordic skiing venue every day during the ski to the late Howie Powder in the 1980’s and the season. Even with the possibility of weird weather Palmer-Wasilla Trails Association in the 1990’s. patterns, and multiple Nordic ski trail areas, our With the establishment of the Mat-Su Ski Club in groomers can usually meet this goal and keep 2008 we have continued to evolve. Expanding the skiers on the best-groomed trails and keep skiers areas we groom to include Independence Mine, away from deteriorating ski trails that need a rest. Archangel Rd., the Mat Valley Moose Range and Early and late ski season, we groom the Inde- the Government Peak Recreation Area. We have pendence Mine area and most of the ski season also expanded our grooming equipment pool from we groom Archangel Rd., The Mat Valley Moose homemade drags, track setters, and lightweight Range, and The Government Peak Recreation snowmachines to state-of-the-art groomers pulled Area. This season, the volunteer grooming crew by super-wide track snowmachines, tracked ATVs consists of Jeff Kase, Chris Jones, Zack Steer, Mark and our “baby Pisten Bully,” the Argo Centaur. Strabel, Ashley Wise, Ed Strabel, and our newest All that said, we still have at the heart of our groomer Gil Carr. Most of these dedicated individu- grooming efforts the volunteer groomers. Last als put their hours in late at night to produce the season, our volunteer groomers had a season that best possible Nordic trails. Our groomer motto is, stretched from October 20 to May 17. A total of 209 “For Skiers, By Skiers, 24-7.” Volunteer groomers and the loved ones they leave skiing days and over 700 volunteer hours. Probably behind when they make our trails amazing.

the Alaska nordic skier 8 February 2018 Alaska athletes, volunteers, trails and supporters put on world-class performances as U.S. Nationals hosts Alaska represented big time at the 2018 L.L.Bean U.S. Cross Country Skiing National Championships January 3-8 at Kincaid Park. Skiers with Alaska roots swept all eight of the week’s national championships titles. PHOTOS BY MICHAEL DINNEEN PHOTOGRAPHY And they’re off! Kincaid Park offered a spectator-friendly, athlete- challenging venue while Alaska’s weather provided a just-in-time dump of snow, plenty of sunny bluebird skies, a few patches of dramatic ice fog and awesome displays of alpenglow. Many Alaska businesses, as well as the Municipality of Anchorage, gave outstanding partnership and sponsor- ship support to fuel the event. And dozens of Alaska’s amazing coaches, hundreds of tireless volunteers and the super staff of the Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage were welcoming hosts – from trail grooming to the event’s technical aspects, organization to hospitality and helping visitors enjoy the Anchorage experience, every aspect of Nationals was above and beyond. An Alaska-sized thank you to everyone who played a role in that success! Hundreds of spectators attended each of the four days See RACE, Page 9

ABOVE: Fairbanks’ Reese Hanneman celebrated two sprint national titles during the week of racing.

LEFT: The racing was fast and furious.

Alaska’s Hannah Halvorsen lunges at the finish line. Kelsey Phinney tops a hill during a quarterfinal freestyle sprint race.

the Alaska nordic skier February 2018 9

PHOTO BY JIM JAGER ABOVE: Yeah, these volunteers rock!

LEFT: You can’t have a big race without a big finish line. And you can’t have a big finish line without a bunch of great volunteers. Skiers dig into the trails while spectators bask in the alpenglow at Kincaid Park.

PHOTO BY JOSH NIVA RACE Continued from Page 8 of racing while tens of thousands Race Sponsors watched the online livestream of rac- ing. There was local, statewide and national media coverage, as well as loads of online and social media buzz. The biggest buzz was created by Premiere Title Caitlin Patterson, who skied for South Anchorage High School before mov- ing to Vermont for college and eventu- ally settling there. She returned to Kincaid and swept all four women’s U.S. National titles – the 10K freestyle, the freestyle sprint, the 20K classic and the classic sprint. (Patterson won Platinum Level three of the four races, placing second in the 20K mass start classic race to University of Colorado’s Hedda Baangman of Sweden, who was ineli- gible to win a U.S. title. “It’s hard to put into words,” said Patterson, who now skis for Crafts- Gold Level bury Green Project Racing, left Anchorage a six-time National cham- pion. “Amazing. Beyond what I could have imagined.” Reese Hanneman, originally of Fairbanks and now of Anchorage who races with APU, swept both 2018 Nationals sprint events, the most Silver Level dramatic with his men’s classic sprint win as he edged APU teammate Tyler Kornfield by .2 seconds to earn his fourth Nationals sprint title – two freestyle, two classic. Anchorage’s Kornfield had his own day at the top of the podium, winning the men’s 30K classic. Anchorage’s Bronze Level Scott Patterson, younger sibling of Caitlin, took the opening day win in the men’s 15K freestyle. Read full stories of each event, check out photos and videos, and learn more about the Nationals event and its competing athletes at usna- tionals2018.com, facebook.com/ xcusnats2018 and instagram.com/ Friends & Supporters usnats18/. Find full race results at superiortiming.com. Thank you Sponsors!

the Alaska nordic skier 10 February 2018

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

co-ed intermediate skiers to improve their skate techniques and fitness BOARD OF DIRECTORS AROUND THE BAY levels. Five-week course with 10 sessions, running from January 27 Mike Gracz | President Stacey Buckalew | Vice President through February 28, on Wednesdays, noon-2 p.m. and Saturdays, Christine Anderson | Secretary We’re skiing! 10 a.m.-noon. Locations depend on snow conditions. Cost: $50. To Richard Burton | Treasurer Despite the dearth of snow this winter, the higher eleva- participate, phone coordinator Jasmine Maurer at (907) 299-6975. January 27-February 24, Saturdays — Junior Nordic Program – This BOARD MEMBERS tions are still skiable – thanks to the great groomers and Jan Spurkland learn-to-ski program for youth from kindergarten through sixth grade offers Jason Neely the solid base that has been set at most sites. And now five Saturdays of winter fun. The program takes the youth to the different Jasmine Maurer that our winter events are on, the turnout on trails has trail heads. Rental equipment is available. First session: Saturday, January Derek Bynagle 27, at Lookout Mountain Recreation Area, 1-2:30 p.m. Other locations Glenn Seaman been tremendous. Look at the record results for the Ski Annie Ridgely | Administrative Manager TBA. Your Age event (see adjacent story). And for all the other PSIA Coaching Clinics — Wednesdays afternoons. Contact Megan COMMITTEES AND EVENTS ski events, from the Besh Cup races in late January to, Corazza at (907) 299-0687. Baycrest Upper hopefully, the Homer Marathon in March, we’re hoping for Alan Parks record results! FEBRUARY Baycrest Lower, Eveline State Recreation Site, Snowshoe Trails Saturdays, February 3, 10, 17, 24 — Junior Nordic Program – Lookout Dave Brann Learn more about the spring ski events in Homer at the KNSC club website Mountain State Recreation Area, 1-2:30 pm. Other locations TBA. (Kachemaknordicskiclub.org) and on our Facebook page, as well as Lookout Mountain occasional emails and future newsletters. Enjoy! Sunday, February 4 — Ski/Walk/Run for Women – Lookout Mountain Mike Byerly State Recreation Area McNeil Canyon School ONGOING Sunday, February 11 — Wine and Cheese and Wooden Ski Tour – Noon-4 Derek Stonorov October 16-April — Kachemak Women’s Nordic – Kachemak Women’s p.m. at location TBA. Backcountry Film Festival — 7 p.m. at Homer Theatre. Dates and details Trail Signs Nordic is intended for those skiers looking to improve their technique Jennifer Edwards and establish a regular training program. Racing is encouraged but TBA. not required. The group focuses on skating and classical techniques. Snow Machine Maintenance MARCH Equipment Chairperson Practice is held three to six times a week. Participants must be KSNC Bob Glen members. Saturday, March 10 — KNSC Nordic Ski Marathon – Lookout Mountain Kachemak Women’s Nordic Training dates — Mon, Wed., Thurs., Fri. Ski Trails (starting line) Check the website and Facebook at Kachemak Junior Nordic Deb Mosely from noon-1:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-noon. For details, visit: Nordic Ski Club for updates and more information. kachemakwomensnordic.com/. Sea to Ski — TBA, based on snow. For more details, check out the KNSC Kachemak Women’s Nordic Jasmine Maurer Co-Ed Intermediate Skate Technique and Tour Preparation Awareness website or Facebook page closer to March. — A new program, sponsored by Kachemak Women’s Nordic, to train PSIA and Adult Ski Clinics, Private Ski Lessons Megan Corraza Membership, Website Richard Burton School Races Coordinator New technology gives great views of KNSC trails Leonard Miller Backcountry Film Festival For years, to find out the latest con- Dan Del Missier ditions of Homer’s ski trails, you drove Winter Gear & Ski Swap to a trail head and took your chances. Mike Illg (Homer Community Recreation) Current KSNC president Mike Gracz Besh Cup Races even started a “Fritz Creek Skier” Jan Spurkland Facebook page a few years ago where Kachemak Bay Ski for Women & Haven House skiers could write comments about Kris Holdereid/Shelly Laukitis where they had just skied. Wine, Cheese & Wooden Ski Tour Now, with automated trail cameras Kevin Walker/Marilyn Parrett at the Lookout and McNeil trail heads Alaska Nordic Skier and an online “grooming report” sys- Jeannie Woodring tem on which groomers post the latest Kachemak Bay Marathon Ski Deland Anderson grooming results, anyone can get the Homer Epic 100 latest pictures and news of conditions Homer Cycling Club on Homer’s ski trails. Friday Night Lights “I had skied at other Nordic centers Stacey Buckalew and used these services there,” says Sea to Ski Triathlon Gracz. “And I knew of the desire of the Derek Bynagle KNSC membership for better report- ing on trail conditions.” KNSC funded the new technology – to write code so that the hourly photos was useful in integrating the trail surprisingly inexpensive – with mem- are removed after a few days. system information. Groomers can bership dues. Gracz researched the The real-time grooming report add comments about trail conditions happy,” Gracz adds. cameras online and had already used system cost a bit more. But with the as they groom, but all they really need And local skiers are happy, too. Skitrails.info at other Nordic centers. constantly changing weather Homer to do is turn on the tracker mecha- To use these two new technologies, He chose a service that covered North trails have, the up-to-date groom- nism and groom. Skitrails.info does go to kachemaknordicskiclub.org and America in hopes to draw some cross- ing system is worth it. Skitrails.info the rest. click on the “Trail Conditions” button country ski tourism to Homer. provided the instructions, and the “We wanted something that was on the homepage. The two new cameras at Lookout costs ran $900 for the equipment and close to zero maintenance, and we are and McNeil cost $350 each and about around $600 a year for the service. $100 a year for displaying the data. Bruce Hess of Puffin Electric vol- The cameras are powered by electric- unteered his time to wire the new ity and three bars of AT&T or Verizon system, which includes a power cell signals. The cameras show hourly outlet, a rear-facing light, a voltage views from a fixed point at both sites – meter and switches. during the daylight hours. Gracz had previously mapped the Gracz installed the cameras and ski trails in Homer, which made it started got the system on line. Ad- easy to integrate trail data with the Advertise here and your business ditional support included technical Skitrails.info system. Skitrails.info support from Spartan Cameras and uses a widely available wiki-type of can reach skiers across the state. KNSC board member Richard Burton application, OpenStreetMap, which [email protected]

the Alaska nordic skier February 2018 KACHEMAK 11 Big numbers – in years, Ks and skiers – make KNSC Ski Your Age a hit Under clear skies and a smooth meters – 65 – and Annie Ridgely was track, a record number of Homer- one kilometer behind with 64. High area skiers took to the trails for the school ski team members and past Ski Your Age event, annually held on ski team members were out in force, December 26. with two current ski team members, “We had an outstanding Ski Your Jacob Davis and Caleb Rauch, skiing Age event up at the Lookout Mountain 42 kilometers each. ski trails,” said Janna Davis, who “There were a large number of organized the event with her husband families out to enjoy the sunny day,” and two kids. “This may have been Davis added. “Thirteen families our largest attended event yet with 80 participated in the challenge. The participants signed up and definitely a Schmidt family dominated the family few that came out and skied but didn’t challenge by skiing a combined 146 enter a category.” kilometers.” The groomers contributed to a The money donated at the event glorious day by having the trails ready supports the high school ski team (the Skiers of all ages had a good time at the recent Ski Your Age event. by the 9 a.m. starting time. Mariners) as members head into two “Corduroy (track) was available for months of ski racing this spring. in shape over the Christmas break,” sunset) — Annie Ridgley, 64 K; Taro Sasakura, those that got an early start on their “The Homer High Mariners want Davis said. 65 K. skiing,” added Davis. to thank all who came out and enjoyed Ski Your Age or more — Katie Davis, 19 K; Other Skiers who skied someone else’s age in kilometers — Tara Schmidt, 40 K; Angelica Taro Sasakura skied the most kilo- skiing with them as they work to stay Jacob Davis, 42 K; Annie Ridgley, 64 K; Fred Dickerson, 41 K; Caleb Rauch, 42 K; Zoe Haakenson, 4.5 K; Ruth Dickerson, 35 K; Cindy Stonorov, 15 K; Matt Haakenson, 37 K; Fischer Sisson, 41 K; Marylou Burton, 30 K; Richard Corazza Spurkland, 12 K; Katie Schmidt, 31.5 K; Burton, 26 K; Janna Davis, 16 K; Yvonne Emily Schmidt, 33.75 K; Marie Schmidt, 31 K; Leutwyler, 8 K; Anna Dickerson Williams, 17 K; Johannes Bynagle, 10 K; Etta Bynagle, 7 K; Lake Elijah Dickerson Williams, 10 K; Claire Neaton, Alexson, 12 K; Wylder Johnson, 10 K; Sawyer 21 K; Emma Laukitis, 21 K; Hannah Stonorov, Johnson, 5 K; Claira Booz, 10 K; Taro Sasakura, 7 K; Catie Bursch, 13.5 K; Megan Corazza, 65 K; Aspen Daigle, 20 K; Autumn Daigle, 18 K; 12 K; Rich Corazza, 6 K; Sonja Corazza, 6 K; Iris O’Laire, 15 K. Carlin Rauch, 24 K; Tim Schmidt, 10 K; Derek Family Ski Meister totals — Schmidt Family, Bynagle, 11 K; Mia Alexson, 16 K; Quinn Alward, 146 K; Alexson Family, 104 K; Dickerson Family, 16 K; Marie Alexson - 20 K; Pete Alexson, 40 103 K; Morelli Family, 89 K; Davis Family, 77 K; Jen Booz, 10 K; Kaya Morelli, 17 K; Cynthia K; Rauch Family, 66 K; O’Laire Family, 60 K; Morelli, 7 K; Libby Fabich, 8 K; Josh Vantrease, Haakenson Family, 41.5 K; Corazza Family, 36 14 K; Maddie O’Laire, 20 K; Michael O’Laire, K; Poindexter Family, 31 K; Bynagle Family, 28 20 K; Carolyn O’Laire, 5 K; Alison O’Hara, 13 K; K; Gracz/Stenger Family, 26.4 K; Marden Family, Alan Parks, 13 K; Mike Gracz, 11.4 K; Michele 25 K; Andy Super, 17 K; Katie Miller, 27 K; Clyde Stenger, 15 K; Nicky Szarzi, 10 K. Unknown Clemens, 13 K. – Jane Wiebe; Stan Purington; Kim Sweeney; Karen Northrup; Tanner Reid; Frida Renner; Century Club (ski 100 minus your age in Lukas Renner; Heather Renner; Molly Marden; K) — Annie Ridgley, 64 K; Ruth Dickerson, 35 Renn Marden; Katie Marden; Brad Marden; K; Cindy Sisson, 41 K; Marylou Burton, 30 K; Bob Ostrum; Tait Ostrum; Abby Ostrum; Elena Richard Burton, 26 K. Badajos; Jai Badajos; Charlie Trowbridge; Sundowner (ski 50 K; between sunrise and Rebecca Trowbridge.

STATEWIDE Karl Eid Ski Jumps and Kincaid Park to host 2018 Nordic Combined Junior Nationals Nation’s top Nordic ski jumping and combined athletes compete February 21-24 The nation’s best young ski jumpers are coming Friday, February 23, followed by the Team Nordic to Anchorage to compete in the 2018 Ski Jumping Combined 1.4k x 2 relay at 4:30 p.m. and Nordic Combined Junior Nationals, February The event wraps up with the always exciting 21-24. Approximately 70 of the country’s top ski Elimination Jumping Competition on Saturday, jumpers and Nordic combiners will bring years of February 24. This distance-only competition has dedication and training to the 65-meter ski jump jumpers going for broke in a head-to-head bracket tower and to Kincaid Park’s cross-country trails format until there is a winner. The entire schedule as they strive to fulfill their dreams. This group of is online at www.anchoragenordicski.com/jumpjr- athletes will include at least four young Alaskans! nationals/. The event kicks off with official training 11 a.m.- Become part of an event that demonstrates the 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 21. The Individual best of human character, the goal to excel, and the Jumping Competition is noon-2:30 p.m. Thursday, spirit of competition. We can always use volunteers

February 22; the Individual 5K Nordic Combined and spectators! If you’d like to get involved, contact PHOTO BY VIVIENNE MURRAY cross-country ski race will be held at Kincaid Karen Compton at [email protected]. From left, Gus Compton, Hugo Compton and Alex Park at 4:30 p.m. Team Jumping will start at noon Hope to see you at the hills! Murray are three of the four Alaskans already qualified to compete in this season’s Junior Nationals.

the Alaska nordic skier 12 STATEWIDE February 2018 Young skiers just strides away from representing AK on national/world stages BY CCAK skiers! World Junior Championships and top event is open to skiers in the U14, U16 Alaskan skiers and biathletes re- Additionally, 8 of the 12 World Alaskan skiers Thomas O’Harra and and U18 age groups and is a unique cently competed in national races that Junior team skiers call Alaska home. Lydia Blanchet will represent the U.S. event with great international flavor give them opportunities to pre-qualify Hannah Rudd, Hailey Swirbul, Molly in this age group. giving Alaska skiers the opportunities for positions on their respective Team Gellert*, Gus Schumacher*, Hannah This is a lot of action before the to meet skiers from the Arctic regions Alaskas at upcoming Junior Nation- Halvorsen, Hunter Wonders, Canyon second weekend of the ConocoPhillips of Sweden, Canada, Greenland and als competition to be held in Soldier Tobin and Luke Jager* qualified to Besh Cup race series! There are 38 Russia. The Arctic Winter Games are Hollow, Utah, in March. According to attend the World Junior Champion- positions still available on Team Alas- considered the “Olympics of the Arc- U.S. Ski and Snowboard rules, skiers ships in Switzerland. Four of the 12 ka for Junior Nationals. Alaska allows tic” as the competitions also include who finish in the top 20 of the U.S. skiers named to the U18 Nations’ Cup skiers who place 21-30 in the U.S. hockey, downhill skiing, snowshoeing; National Championships World Junior team hail from Alaska. Ti Donaldson, National Championships World Junior as well as indoor sports enjoyed by points list prequalify for their regional Kendall Kramer*, Annika Hanestad points list to “auto-qualify” for a posi- Arctic communities such as basket- teams. Additionally, biathletes who and Zanden McMullen qualified to at- tion on Team Alaska. While those who ball, futsol, volleyball, and even ping earn positions on the U.S. World tend the U18 Nations’ Cup in Finland. auto-qualify take up allocated quota pong! The 2018 Arctic Winter Games Junior Biathlon team automatically (*These athletes qualified for both the spots, this gives them flexibility in will be held in Fort Smith and Hay prequalify for their regional teams. World Junior Championships team regard to competing in the last two River of the Great Slave Region of This season, 15 skiers prequalified and the U18 Nations’ Cup team.) The weekends of Besh Cup races. The Northwest Territories. for Team Alaska, the largest field of U23 World Ski Championships are CCAK skiers also have Arctic Follow Alaska’s skiers and news at prequalifiers since 2010-2011. held in Switzerland along with the Winter Games to look forward to. This crosscountryalaska.org. In early January, the 2018 L.L.Bean U.S. National Cross Country Ski Championships were held in Anchorage with over 300 skiers descend- ing upon Kincaid Park from around the nation. Alaska skiers took advantage of the home trail advantage and claimed the top of the podium in all eight championship races. For Team Alaska, theoretically, it could mean that instead of the base team size of 42, Team Alaska could bring 57 athletes to Utah. The base size of 42 is com- prised of 13 U18/U20 and eight U16 skiers of each gender. Actually bringing 57 skiers, however, is unlikely; as the World Championships for the biathletes (Grace Gilliland & Helen Wilson) coincide with Junior Nationals. Additionally, the prequalified collegiate athletes (UAA skiers Hailey Swirbul, Hannah Rudd and Jenna DiFolco, and UAF skier Anna Darnell) could be skiing in the NCAA Championships in Steamboat Springs, Colo- rado, which coincides with Junior Nationals. Bringing additional skiers to Junior Nationals gives a team more opportunities to garner points toward The Alaska Cup. At national (and international) events, skiers who place within the top 30 of a race are awarded World Cup points based on their results. The Alaska Cup is awarded to the regional team with the most cumulative World Cup points at the end of the series. This award has eluded Team Alas- ka for the past few seasons; nine additional skiers will give Team Alaska an increased chance to bring The Alaska Cup home. Best of luck to all

the Alaska nordic skier February 2018 STATEWIDE 13 Three Alaskans named to the 2018 Youth/Junior Worlds Biathlon Championships For a second year in a row, youth Racing and Anchorage Biathlon Club. lenging temperatures as the upper for the trials, representing Nome, biathletes from Alaska dominated All three athletes are coached by Ma- Midwest plunged into a deep freeze. Fairbanks, Anchorage, Eagle River the Youth/Junior World Champion- rine Dusser, formerly of the French Due to extreme cold only two of the and Chugiak. ship Trials. Because of that success, National Biathlon team, and assistant three trial races were conducted. Find event results at www.teamusa.org/US- Maxime Germaine, 16 of Anchorage, coach Marion Botessi, also of France. More than 50 athletes from across the Biathlon/Results/2017/December/28/US-Youth- Grace Gilliland, 18 of Chugiak, and This year, the trials were held in country competed; 12 Alaskans trav- Junior-World-Team-Trials. Helen Wilson, 16 of Eagle River, all Coleraine, Minnesota, and with chal- eled to Minnesota qualified to attend the Youth/Jr World Championships in Otepaa, Estronia, in February. This is the first trip to the Champi- onships for Germaine. Gilliland and Wilson earned spots on Team USA at last season’s Championships in Osrblie, Slovakia. Germaine and Gilliland race for Alaska Pacific University and Anchor- age Biathlon Club; Germaine skis for West High School in Anchorage and Gilliland skis for South Anchorage High School. Wilson races for Eagle River High School, Alaska Nordic

Find the Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage on twitter at — twitter.com/ nordicskiclub

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nose’ your condition. Avoid re- OFF THE peated treatment without progress. TRAIL Avoid surgery as much as possible. Don’t choose plantar orthoses/arch supports as a first option – have 10 golden your biomechanics and movement rules for injury patterns checked first. Your body WILL adapt! The prevention – 3human body was made to heal if given a chance and it will adapt From junior – as long as the applied load is not athletes to elite greater than the body’s capacity to by progressive functional ballast- adapt. Overuse injuries are caused ing stretching. Static stretching is a level athletes by an overload of the body’s ana- thing of the past. tomical structures (bones, tendons, BY ZUZANA ROGERS Stretching: yes and no! muscles). Every new stimulus must PT, SCD, SCS, COMT 7Pre-workout static stretching be integrated gradually. Advanced Physical Therapy should be done ONLY if your move- Being able to train and race on top Rhythm is the key! To mini- ment biomechanics are altered by of your abilities without injuries 4mize ground reaction force, shortened muscle groups. Static takes a very focused approach. Here energy loss and injuries during stretching has been shown to de- are 10 rules to keep in mind as you running training (especially when crease performance. Use progres- We are what we eat – progress in your ski career or in cross-training during ski sea- sive ballistic stretching. body and mind. Literally! your recreational ski endeavors: son), keep your stride rate over 170 10 Naturally strong. Keep your Quality, variety and balance are the strides/min. feet strong during your ski Surround yourself with the 8 most important words when talking The surface. Flat surfaces 1right people. Proper medical season – walk barefoot as much about an athlete’s diet. You cannot make every stride identical, and coaching supervision for all 5 as you can. Don’t forget to work on outrun (or outski) a bad diet! skiers, whether high performance repeating all biomechanical flaws. your core, hips strength and bal- athletes or recreational skiers, must It’s better to use irregular surfaces ance. Source: TheRunningClinic.com be done by qualified, competent or vary speed for a variety of move- Cross-training. When injured, #ChoosePT #aptofalaska and understanding professionals. ment adaptations and to distribute 9complete rest is rarely the best Look for a medical professional that forces properly on the lower body. treatment. A cross-training activity Do you want to learn understands and/or participates in Warm-up: a well-kept secret. is recommended as soon as possi- your sport. more? Come see us 6Increase your body tempera- ble. Any cardiovascular activity that at Advanced Physical Keep it simple. Be careful not ture by proper warm up (ski, jog, is not painful will decrease recovery Therapy! Call for an appointment at any of our five locations statewide. 2to complicate or ‘over-diag- spin) for 15-20 minutes followed time. ANCHORAGE: (907) 279-4266 | WASILLA: (907) 376-8590 | FAIRBANKS: (907) 374-0992 | SOLDOTNA: (907) 420-0640 | SEWARD: (907) 224-7848

the Alaska nordic skier 14 February 2018

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 of Fairbanks NSCF Member Spotlight: Mike Hajdukovich, JUNIOR NORDIC HOTLINE 457-4437

PRESIDENT (Unofficial) Birch Hill Cross-Country Skiing Ambassador Steven Hansen [email protected]

My name is Mike Hajdukovich and our family has been VICE PRESIDENT members of NSCF for over 10 years. We have been cross- Bruce Jamieson [email protected] country skiing for over 40 years and my first memory of cross-country skiing was when my mom would try to get SECRETARY Helena Reuter us all excited about following her on the trails and all us [email protected] kids absolutely hated it. We downhill skied every week- TREASURER end so XC skiing was way too much work and not enough Anna Sorenson speed. Mom is always right though. My brother got me [email protected] hooked with a Birch Hill 30 degree skate session and my AT-LARGE MEMBERS Eric Beutow wife got me hooked on classic after buying me a fancy pair Kate Carey of classic skis for Christmas. The rest is history. Mike Donaldson Mark Winford Now our family knows that there are two ways to get ex- cited for winter: classic skiing in the cold and skate skiing ADULT LESSONS COORDINATOR [email protected] when it’s warm. I still tell these stories to first-time folks when they come into our store, Trax Outdoor Center in FAIRBANKS JUNIOR NORDICS Sally Endestad Fairbanks and soon Anchorage. My favorite place to ski is [email protected] definitely Birch Hill AK :)! The groom, the variety of trails, 371-9564 the levels of difficulty, the chance of bumping into a friend, FAIRBANKS CROSS COUNTRY Pete Leonard how close it is to our home, and the nighttime lighting that Head Coach, Program Director makes it look like Narnia are all the reasons why that’s [email protected] home for me. I love Fairbanks. That’s where I was born RACE PROGRAM DIRECTOR and raised and it’s where I’ve had lots of great times with John Estle [email protected] lots and lots of friends and family. Our family has deep Mike Hajdukovich works his way through the FNSB Winter roots in this area that go back to Gold Rush days so I just BIATHLON Trails Challenge. Helena Reuter feel real comfortable living in the interior. [email protected] I enjoy many other sports and activities other than XC training! Coaches always stressed to me how important TOURING skiing, as well. Alpine skiing, basketball – which was my it would be to add yoga into my life to enhance flexibility, [email protected] Mike Schmoker | [email protected] main sport for about 35 years – slalom waterskiing, wake strength and my mindset into my game. Well, that really Eric Troyer | [email protected] surfing, paddleboarding, yoga, running and biking are hits home the older you get and you want to still do all NEWSLETTER EDITOR some of the activities that keep me and my family active these activities at the levels you’re used to without getting Kate Carey when we aren’t XC skiing. A cool new factoid about me injured! [email protected] is that I just got certified with 200 hours of yoga teacher #jusski

ASAA State High School Cross-Coun- [email protected]. You can also “like” the Nordic Ski Club of AROUND THE try ski championship races February can also get and share PDF versions Fairbanks on Facebook to keep up INTERIOR 22-24 at Birch Hill. The weekend will at anchoragenordicski.com/newslet- with local events. include events for boys and girls. The ters.htm. Getting the newsletter only competition will start off with free online saves our club money, too! NSCF seeking Junior Contribute to the Trail Fund Nordics coaches Have you noticed that Birch Hill’s technique interval start followed by NSCF Calendar Our youth skiers are in need of your trails are not being groomed as often? classic technique with mass start keeps you updated help! We have lots of excited, bud- Donations are not keeping pace with and conclude with fun and exciting Remember to check the NSCF ding Nordic skiers ready to enjoy this expenses. The club has had to cut mixed technique relay races. Bring Calendar for upcoming club events amazing snow and not enough volun- expenses, which means less groom- your cheering squad and cowbell to like races, social activities and more. ing. If you want more grooming, show your support for our Fairbanks See AROUND THE INTERIOR, Page 15 Visit nscfairbanks.org for more! You please donate, and encourage others athletes! to do so, too. Please visit the club’s Sonot Kkaazoot website (nscfairbanks.org) to donate. registration available Click on Support NSCF > Birth Hill The NSCF is proud to announce Trail Fund; recommended donation that registration for the 31st annual amounts will be listed there. The an- Sonot Kkaazoot is now available. Fair- nual cost of the trail program is about banks’ annual spring skiing marathon $100,000 as our ski season is weeks will take place Saturday March 24, to months longer than most places. and will have 50K, 40K and 20K op- This annual cost includes: labor, fuel, tions. The early registration deadline equipment maintenance and replace- is 5 p.m. February 23. For more infor- ment. Grooming is paid for entirely mation, visit sonotkkaazoot.org. by donations through NSCF and NOT the borough. The Alaska Nordic Skier in your inbox! Fairbanks hosts ASAA State Cross-Country Get your Alaska Nordic Skier Championships Feb . 22-24 online and the links below are just a click away. To get only a PDF version, Alaska’s top high school athletes or both a PDF and printed version, will converge on Fairbanks for the please send an email request to

the Alaska nordic skier February 2018 FAIRBANKS 15

AROUND THE INTERIOR NSCF & Goldstream Sports host Continued from Page 14 teer coaches to go around. The number of Ju- a beautiful night At Birch Hill nior Nordics participants is growing along with the interest in our awesome sport! You do not BY KATE CAREY need experience to participate, just a positive The seemingly constant Fairbanks darkness attitude and love of skiing that you are willing to took a calming, peaceful and beautiful turn at the share. If you are interested, please contact Sally Birch Hill Cross Country trails just after night- Endestad at [email protected]. fall (4 p.m.) on January 4. Taking advantage of a Junior Nordics lessons take place Mondays at generous donation from Goldstream Sports and 6:30 p.m. at UAF West Ridge, Tuesday/Thursday the efforts of NSCF volunteers, over 700 individu- at 6:30 p.m. at Birch Hill and Sunday at 2 p.m. at ally handcrafted ice hurricane/lanterns and votive Birch Hill. There is also a new daytime pilot pro- candles lit up the warm-up loop and stadium invit- gram at 1 p.m. at Birch Hill Ski Center intended ing those both new and those experienced to the for home school children. See the club website incredible Fairbanks trails. at nscfairbanks.org for more information. Helena Reuter, NSCF board member, even cre- ated a YouTube video for volunteers to guide them NSCF 50th Anniversary – through the ice lantern making process so the trail Youth Ski Challenge lights could be turned off. Both sides of the warm- The 2017-2018 ski season marks the 50th up loop and the stadium were lined with glowing year of the Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks. We lanterns, including a pathway winding through the are encouraging kids in grades K-6 to get out PHOTOS BY AMY KULP stadium. A group of skiers make their way down the warm-up on the trails to help us celebrate by skiing 50 Approximately 500 skiers – adults and children loop at Birch Hill as the setting sun and lanterns light kilometers this season! Ski with a friend, parent the trail, while a pair of skiers follow a lantern maze – joined the candlelight parade. Many new skiers around the stadium during the Candlelight Ski. or coach and keep track of your distance – you dropped by after work with friends while others will be surprised how far you ski! Registra- brought their entire families to participate in the to enjoy the evening and said, “I loved the Candle- tion information is available at Junior Nordics, event. The first 80 children received a small gift light Ski. We are big into Nordic skiing, and it was FNSB elementary schools and online – but you and inside the ski center happy families gathered a fun family centered event. Enjoyed that it got us can start recording your Ks now! Awards for all to warm up and share coffee and hot chocolate out at night to Birch Hill. It was so easy to follow finishers and each grade level and a “midway” doled out by happy kitchen helpers and munched the lights around the warm-up loop. My daughter prize once you get to 25K! Those that complete on yummy cookies provided by Subway. The loved it! The candles added such a beautiful atmo- the challenge will be entered into a drawing Goldstream Sports FINISH arch helped make the sphere, it was a joyous occasion to gather with the for fun ski gear to be awarded in March. For stadium festive. community. I will highly recommend it to all my more information contact Kate Carey at katec- Fairbanksan Somer Hahm brought her family friends next year. What a treat!” [email protected]. ONLY 3 miles to Birch Hill SKIERS DISCOUNT Free WiFi Team Waxing Area 24 hour Fitness Center

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the Alaska nordic skier 16 OLYMPICS February 2018 Perfect 10: Team USA roster packed with Alaskans Randall, Bjornsen siblings lead Alaska skiers into 2018 Olympic Winter Games When U.S. Ski & Snowboard re- cently announced its 20-person cross- country ski team to represent the nation in the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018, it also selected a team that would represent Alaska. In one of the most exciting mile- stones in Alaska Nordic skiing’s already storied history, half of the skiers named to the 2018 U.S. Olympic PHOTO BY JOSH NIVA Cross-Country Skiing Team were Siblings, and first-time Olympians, Scott and Caitlin Patterson. Alaskans and Alaska-based athletes. PHOTO BY MICHAEL DINNEEN PHOTOGRAPHY Some learned to ski in Alaska, going From left, Jessica Yeaton, Caitlin Patterson and Rosie Frankowski discuss their 20K classic race 2018 L.L.Bean U.S. National Cross Country Ski Championships at as far back as Jr. Nordic programs Kincaid Park. with the Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage and the Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks. Others took the leap from good to great by training and racing in Alaska. The group is led by four-time Olym- pian and three-time World Champion- ship medalist Kikkan Randall, who has been Alaska’s, and America’s, skiing sweetheart for more than 20 PHOTO BY U.S. SKI & SNOWBOARD years. She’s joined by two-time Olym- PHOTO BY REESE BROWN Sadie and Erik Bjornsen are ready for Kikkan Randall competes in a freestyle their second Winter Olympic Games. pians, and siblings, Sadie and Erik sprint heat at the FIS Cross Country Bjornsen. The rest of the group with World Cup in Davos, Switzerland, on originally from Idaho, but spent their Alaska roots are first-time Olym- December 9, 2017. high school years skiing in Anchor- pians – siblings Reese and Logan age. Both went on to college in Ver- PHOTO BY REESE BROWN Hanneman; siblings Caitlin and Scott Rosie Brennan competes in the distance mont – Caitlin still lives there while Patterson; Tyler Kornfield, Rosie freestyle event at the FIS Cross Country Scott returned to Anchorage. Brennan and Rosie Frankowski. World Cup in Davos, Switzerland on 2014 Olympians Erik Bjornsen and December 10, 2017. Shortly after the announcement, Sadie Bjornsen are originally from longtime Alaska skiing star Holly Washington, but have trained and Brooks, who raced in the 2010 and competed in Anchorage for many 2014 Winter Olympics, summed up years, as has Olympic newcomer the magical moment in a column for Brennan (originally from Park City, the Anchorage Daily News, writing, Utah). “Thanks to the vision of our strong And Yeaton, who will ski for Austra- Nordic skiing leadership and the lia, moved to Anchorage from Perth strength and depth of our community, when she was 12 and has lived there a state with a tiny population will be since. represented in a huge way at the Win- PHOTO BY MICHAEL DINNEEN PHOTOGRAPHY Learn more about Team USA and follow the Logan Hanneman leads a quarterfinal ter Olympics.” freestyle sprint at the 2018 L.L.Bean Alaska-based skiers at usskiandsnowboard. Alaska Governor Bill Walker U.S. National Cross Country Ski org, usskiandsnowboard.org/teams/cross- Championships at Kincaid Park. country, facebook.com/usskiandsnowboard and tweeted, “What a team! Congratula- teamusa.org. tions to all!” while Randall will become the first, or 2018 WINTER OLYMPIC Nine of the 10 skiers train and race among the first, U.S. women to com- GAMES CROSS-COUNTRY for the Anchorage-based APU Nordic pete at five Winter Olympics. It will PHOTO BY REESE BROWN SKIING EVENTS Ski Team. Another APU skier who Sadie Bjornsen competes in the also mark another notable distinction grew up in Alaska, Jessica Yeaton, distance freestyle event at the FIS in a career that has elevated her to (all times below are Alaska Standard Time) Cross Country World Cup in Davos, will ski for Australia in the Olympics. Alaska’s – and arguably America’s – Friday, February 9 — Women’s Skiathlon, 11:15 Switzerland on December 10, 2017. p.m. “I am extremely proud of our team greatest Nordic skier of all time. Saturday, February 10 — Men’s Skiathlon, – we committed to a big goal and said in a press release. “The U.S. Ski “Five Olympics, wow! It’s such an 10:15 p.m. worked really hard to get here,” said Team is headed to PyeongChang incredible honor to be joining another Tuesday, February 13 — Men’s and Women’s Erik Flora, APU program head coach, with one of the most talented and U.S. Olympic Team,” Randall said Classic Sprint, qualification at 12:30 a.m., heats in a press release. “We are thankful decorated Olympic teams of all time. in a press release. “I am especially at 3 a.m. Wednesday, February 14 — Women’s 10K for the support of our Alaskan com- Never in our history have we fielded excited about this team going into Freestyle, 10:30 p.m. munity and will be proud to represent a team with so many podium-proven 2018 as the strongest cross-country Thursday, February 15 — Men’s 15K Freestyle, our country at the Olympic Games.” World Cup and World Championship contingent I’ve ever been a part of. 10 p.m. The U.S. has only one cross- athletes. We also have incredible We have the potential for some great Saturday, February 17 — Men’s 4x10k Relay, country skiing medal in its Winter momentum in this Olympic season individual performances from mul- 10:15 p.m. Olympics history – Bill Koch’s silver with 10 World Cup podiums secured tiple members of the team and I know Saturday, February 17 — Women’s 4x5k Relay, 2 a.m. in 1976. This group, with its recent by early January.” we’re all really looking forward to be- Wednesday, February 21 — Men’s and run individual and team success on The U.S. roster also includes stars ing contenders in the relay events.” Women’s Team Sprint, qualification at midnight, the World Cup circuit, is primed to like Sophie Caldwell, Jessie Diggins, Randall was born in Utah, but finals at 2 a.m. change that. Anne Hart, Kaitlynn Miller, Ida Sar- spent the majority of her life and Friday, February 23 — Women’s 30K Classic, “These USA Olympians have gent and Liz Stephen on the women’s career in Anchorage, which she still 10:15 p.m. prepared extremely well for Py- team; and Patrick Caldwell, Simi calls home. The Hanneman brothers Saturday, February 24 — Men’s 50K Classic, 8:30 p.m. eongChang and are looking to rewrite Hamilton, Noah Hoffman and Andy grew up in Fairbanks; Kornfield and U.S. cross-country skiing history,” Newell on the men’s side. Frankowski grew up in Anchorage. Learn more at olympic.org/pyeongchang-2018 and nbcolympics.com. Chris Grover, Team USA head coach, In PyeongChang, the 35-year-old Caitlin and Scott Patterson are

the Alaska nordic skier