A p r i l /M a y 2 016 , Vo l .17, N o . 7 Anchorage, Ea gle River, Fa irbanks, Girdwood, Homer, Juneau, Kenai, Mat-Su, Sa lcha, Sewd ar , Soldotna, Ta lkeetna adn Va ldez

Alaska’s young Nordic stars shine bright Page 15

Anna Darnell skied her way three national titles – two individual, one team.

Hunter Wonders Canyon Tobin worked hard dominated the U18 for his fifth-place finish in field with a handful the skate distance race. of titles.

PHOTOS BY JIM JAGER

Anchorage...... 2 ANCHORAGE: STATEWIDE: STATEWIDE: Eagle River...... 9 , spirit Touring and traveling Alaskan bags American Fairbanks...... 11 fuels successful season Alaska by Birkebeiner title Girdwood...... 9 Kachemak ...... 8 Mat-Su ...... 10 2 6, 13 16 Statewide ...... 12 2 April/May 2016

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 Association Of Anchorage, Inc. anchoragenordicski.com

BOARD MEMBERS Successful season in a wacky winter PRESIDENT Jeff Scott VICE PRESIDENT Message from the NSAA President / Jeff Scott Sara Miller SECRETARY Elizabeth Arnold Challenging conditions is an snowmaking. challenges ahead? These are some of TREASURER understatement for another wacky Dick Mize and Fred Stutzer were the initiatives that I see as critical to Karl Garber MEMBERS winter. It’s not the middle of March two of the key influencers that helped NSAA’s success going into the next Kari Skinner and it is snowing like crazy on the move the snowmaking project to season: Mike Miller Josh Niva Hillside (though very little is falling at completion. We are grateful for their Snowmaking and operations – We Joey Caterinichio Kincaid). I guess we should be thank- foresight and perseverance to cre- are reviewing our options on how to Dustin Shannon ful for it no matter when or where it ate and finish this project. Another expand the snowmaking system and OFFICE STAFF comes down! The best skiing of the dedicated volunteer, Tim Brabets, has get maintenance facilities to properly Erin Beam, Business Manager Tamra Kornfield, Program Manager season in March! been a tremendous asset to the NSAA repair the equipment and snowmak- Amber Adams, Office Manager Despite all of the challenges of Operations crew in running the sys- ing fleet. The challenge is to get fund- OPERATIONS STAFF this winter, NSAA created another tem. There are many other volunteers ing for engineering and construction Ben Powell, Director successful ski season in Anchorage like Jack Porter, Mike Miller (also a in a more difficult financial scenario Craig Norman Bill Brion against all odds. We achieved our mis- board member), the Nordic Ski Patrol, for the state. Tom Ross sion of promoting Nordic skiing as a and more who have contributed to Volunteers: A growing concern is Peter Zug Annette Brion healthy activity for all. We held almost this successful season. recruiting and developing younger Matthew Pauli every race and event this season on This is a short list of just some of volunteers. Our Baby Boomer gen- Ricky Prince a course of manmade snow, ground- this season’s successes: eration, which makes up the bulk of COMMITTEE CHAIRS up ice and an occasional dusting of • We hosted the USA Youth and Junior NSAA’s most consistent and engaged World Championships in December ADULT SKI LESSONS nature’s best. We had a safe venue for volunteers, will need to be replaced Raye Ann Neustel • The Junior Nordic program remains popular, outdoor winter recreation when most someday. though enrollment was down slightly ALASKA SKI FOR WOMEN of the city’s trails were treacherous, • Anchorage School District races were held with Fundraising: Now is the time to Fiona Peichel icy disasters. (Footnote: I know from good participation and great courses get serious about NSAA’s fund devel- personal experience as I had a hard • Ski for Women was a beautiful day with good opment plan and focus on our donor ANCHORAGE CUP RACING Raye Ann Neustel fall on the ice on my fat bike.) attendance base. We need to strengthen our rela- Meg and Bob Stehn I heard from many skiers how • The AMH race series had five races tionships with our current donors and BACKCOUNTRY TOURS amazed they were by the good ski • Ski 4 Kids was another great day on snow keep expanding our donor base. for hundreds of children from across the Patti Phillips, Mary Vavrik, Karlene Leeper, Ken DePalma conditions. I am very proud of our community. I heard stories of many kids Core mission: We need stay staff, volunteers and supporters for experiencing skiing for the first time and having focused on what activities and pro- BIATHLON making this season a success. fun – that is serving our mission! grams support our core mission and Co-chairs: Leslie Boughton and Mike Riesler The snowmaking system at Kin- • Tour of Anchorage transformed into a three- not waste resources on those that Eagle Eyes Coach: Tom Grenier event festival with ski, ski-cross and fat bike caid Park has now saved our Nordic racing don’t. HIGH SCHOOL RACING John Christopherson ski season for the third year. The • NSAA Ski Train and backcountry touring Thanks for supporting NSAA dur- NSAA Operations team worked hard remained popular and unique ing this wacky and successful season. HUTS all winter to make snow whenever the • NSAA board engagement reached new levels If you haven’t contributed yet, you still Call NSAA office for reservations temperatures and humidity were fa- as we had excellent work on financial review, have time! Have a great offseason and program support, volunteering and board JUMPING vorable. I don’t think anyone involved governance I am looking forward to a better ski Karen Compton with the project expected the Nordic season in the future! Vivienne Murray So, what do we do now given the Mike Jokela, Coach community to be this dependent on JUNIOR NORDIC Eric Egeland, Chair

AROUND THE BOWL LANDS COMMITTEE Gordon Wetzel

MIDDLE SCHOOL RACING NSAA Season in Review Dave Blanchet Anchorage Tour Festival an instant hit RACE CHAIRMAN Tim Stone The Anchorage Tour Festival was a delightfully fun and unique event! With the Tour of Anchorage cancelled due to SCHOLARSHIPS Dan Rosenberg lack of snow, NSAA rallied and utilized the amazing trails made by its Operations team and volunteers using snow- SKI 4 KIDS making infrastructure at Kincaid Park to host the first Alice Knapp combined ski, ski-cross, and fat bike festival. SKI TRAIN Sean Bolender See AROUND THE BOWL, Page 3 TRAILS Mike Miller

TOUR OF ANCHORAGE Raye Ann Neustel

NSAA OFFICE HOURS 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday

BOARD MEETINGS Fourth Thursday of the month, 6:15 P.M. at BP Energy Center or NSAA office. Open to all.

PHOTOS BY JAN HAZEN

the Alkas a nordic skier April/May 2016 ANCHORAGE 3

AROUND THE BOWL Icy wings can’t ground the Alaska Continued from Page 2 NSAA’s Jumping program nordic skier In addition to a competitive and fun racing atmosphere, Despite tough conditions this winter, the NSAA Ski the sun was out bright for racers, spectators and volun- Jumping/ program celebrated a success- EDITOR teers. A beer garden, portable hot tub and sauna were also ful season. Sixty kids and a handful of adult jumpers prac- Josh Niva present to add to the party vibe. ticed on the 10- and 20-meter jumps, which the program [email protected] Thank you to volunteers and this year’s top level spon- managed to keep open even with low snowfall and warm sors: ConocoPhillips, Alaska Airlines, Bear Tooth Theatre temperatures. LAYOUT Pub, Great Harvest Bread Co., Premier Alaska Tours, Team AK sent five athletes to competitions on the East Kevin Powell Orthopedic Physicians Alaska and The Alaska Club. Coast – one in Lake Placid, New York, the other at Junior [email protected] Find results at more at www.anchoragenordicski.com/tour_of_anchorage. Nationals in Salisbury, Connecticut. Alaska had two po- html. dium finishes: Hugo Compton took third place in the U-18 AD REPRESENTATIVE individual Nordic Combined event; and Nathan Shuttle- Christina Cober The kids are alright – Jr . Nordic jams worth and Hugo Compton also nabbed third place in the [email protected] even in weird weather U-18 Nordic Combined Team Sprint. Alexander Murray The 2015-2016 ski season has proven the hardiness of and Gus Compton narrowly missed the podium, taking LOCAL EDITORS NSAA Jr. Nordic skiers and coaches! Even during some fourth place in U-16 Nordic Combined Team Sprint. trying weather spells, more practices were held than the June kicks off the very first summer season ANCHORAGE previous season, resulting in happier kids and happier Josh Niva in Alaska, with practices beginning on the 20- and 40-me- parents. [email protected] ter hills. Meanwhile, work continues to finish the 65-meter NSAA’s Jr. Nordic program relies heavily on the creativ- hill, with an expected completion date of late summer. EAGLE RIVER ity and resilience of its coaches, as well as the support of Stay up to date on NSAA Jumping/Nordic Combined news at www. Ros Singleton volunteer parents. Whether it was cruising the trails with anchoragenordicski.com/jumping_nordic.html. [email protected] ice grippers or playing giant games of Capture the Flag and Toilet Tag on skis, our Jr. Nordic skiers continued to FAIRBANKS Eric Troyer stay active and stay outdoors. [email protected] Jr. Nordic continues to use its primary teaching meth- od: fun. Even with spills, icy trails or an occasional lack of HOMER gummy bears, kids left the trails with smiling faces, while Marylou Burton all looked back on the season as a success. JUNEAU Next season, skiers will be up to the same shenanigans Mark Scholten and parents are encouraged to sign up for both sessions. [email protected] Even with variable conditions, skiers build on a foundation of skills throughout the season and it’s obvious which ski- MAT-SU ers have been outside and on their skis. Coaches are also Ed Strabel encouraged to join us again as coaches and volunteers. All [email protected] agree that working with kids keeps their evenings lively! SALCHA Keep up on NSAA Jr. Nordic news and important dates at www. Jim Ostlind anchoragenordicski.com/junior_nordic.html. [email protected]

SEWARD Julie Robinson [email protected] PHOTO BY KAREN COMPTON Team Alaska is all smiles at Junior Nationals in Salisbury, CT. SOLDOTNA L to R: Gus Compton, Hugo Compton, Alexander Murray, Penny McClain Nathan Shuttleworth and coach Zak Hammill. 262-6257

TALKEETNA Aiming for success – NSAA Biathlon Chris Mannix group grows, individuals elevate 733-2427 The winter season is a wrap and it was great for NSAA The Alaska Nordic Skier Biathlon! Eagle Eyes junior members competed in the is printed by Alaska Dispatch News Arctic Winter Games in Greenland and the national cham- Commercial Printing pionships. Club events, although abbreviated by the low snow season, included club races and time trials Decem- The Alaska Nordic Skier is a publication representing the nordic ber through February. The Eagle Eyes Masters Program ski clubs of Anchorage, Eagle was also very active this year, with many new members. River, Fairbanks, Homer, Juneau, Range upkeep and improvements included new gun Mat-Su, Salcha, Seward, Soldotna, racks, a WIFI connection for the timers’ computer and Kenai, Talkeetna and Valdez. The upgrading to the Biathlon-in-a-Box timing software, in Alaska Nordic Skier is published addition to the routine long hours spent painting, cleaning October through April by the PHOTOS BY TAMRA KORNFIELD Nordic Skiing Association and maintaining the equipment. of Anchorage, Inc. Many thanks to all who participated and helped out in the biathlon community this season. All rights reserved. © 2015 Stay updated on NSAA Biathlon at www.anchoragenordicski.com/biathlon. Articles, letters and advertisements html. are welcome. Please ensure all names are correct and information is Ski Train keeps rolling down that track accurate. Submissions may be edited As always, the 2016 NSAA Ski Train was a hit. This year for clarity, content and space conditions were warm and sunny for the 700-plus train limitations. Deadline is the 15th day of the prior month. E-mail goers who traveled to Curry. Brand new participants and [email protected]. sourdough train-setters alike were treated to live music from the Alaska Blaskapelle, costume and food themes, On the cover: Photos from the Junior REI snowshoe and backcountry demos, and fresh Kaladi National Championships in Cable, Wisconsin. By JIM JAGER Bros. Coffee. See more from this year’s Ski Train and get information on next year’s ride at www.anchoragenordicski.com/ski_train.html.

the Alkas a nordic skier 4 ANCHORAGE April/May 2016 Ski 4 Kids: A day of celebrating healthy lifestyles and outdoors fun We did it! The 2016 Ski 4 Kids event was held on Saturday, March 5, at Kincaid Park. More than 300 enthu- siastic kids participated and in spite of our snowless winter, the trails at Kincaid were beautifully groomed. Thank goodness for our snowmaking capabilities and the prowess of the NSAA groomers! Ski 4 Kids is hosted by the Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage and the Municipality of Anchorage’s Parks & Recreation Department, who offer an opportunity to expose kids to outdoor activities by providing a fun-filled day. But this event impact goes even further. There were many highlights this year. Holly Brooks, two-time Olympi- an and Healthy Futures ambassador, led the group in warm-up activities, handed out Healthy Futures medals and autographed many bibs. Greg Matyas from Speedway Cycles hosted a fat bike station this year that was very popular. REI changed out their snowshoe station for a mountain climb challenge, giving participants PHOTOS BY LAUREN HOLZINGER a birds-eye view above the stadium. We had costumed zoo animals skiing around while kids tried our lemon drop biathlon, sit skis and obstacle course stations. Inside the chalet, APUNSC skiers hosted a SKIKU laser biathlon and the Karl Eid Ski Jump coaches introduced skiers to ski jumping. To mix it up, we had a Frisbee station utilizing the Parks & Recreation Frisbee course and Arctic Orienteering again hosted an orien- teering treasure hunt. Over 100 kids participated in the timed race and the rest skied the course and the Story- book Trail as a group and as they fin- ished enjoyed yummy Great Harvest cookies. Everywhere you looked, kids were out having a blast! Each year the money raised, programs. We expect to distribute Auto Group, Anchorage Pediatric The Nordic Ski Patrol was there through corporate sponsorships and approximately $10,000 in grants again Group and the Elsberg Family Foun- in force to keep everyone safe and individual donations, has provided this year. A big thanks to Banker Law dation Fund. we were fortunate to have over 50 ski equipment grants to schools and Group, ConocoPhillips and Orthope- To everyone in our community volunteers from local high school and youth groups. This makes a huge dif- dic Physician Associates for being our that supports NSAA via membership, college ski teams, NSAA Jr. Nordic, ference to schools hoping to have ski- major sponsors this year, as well as track pins, sponsorships and volun- and other groups keep everything ing as part of their PE and afterschool to LaTouche Pediatrics, Continental teering of their time, thank you! running smoothly.

the Alkas a nordic skier April/May 2016 ANCHORAGE 5

Looking for inspiration before entering the 2016 NSAA Photo Contest? Check out these two standout images from the 2015 contest – Susan Orlansky’s iconic shot of Denali (right) and Leah Vanden Busch’s Portage Glacier photo (above). Picture this: Your snapshot Keep skiing, snapping and editing, folks – the will be featured in the annual NSAA calendar and deadline for the 2016 NSAA Photo Contest is com- in an issue of the Alaska Nordic Skier newsletter. ing soon! The deadline for the annual competition Send digital photo files and an entry form to winning the is May 31, in fact. The contest open to all Alaska [email protected] with “PHOTO Nordic ski club members and entrants may submit CONTEST” in subject line. File format should be three images per category. JPG and size should be between 0.05 MB and 5MB. Categories include Racing; Touring/Backcoun- Please visit www.anchoragrnordicski.com for NSAA Photo try; Jumping; Kids on Skis; Grooming/Groomed more information and to find an entry form. Con- Trails; Biathlon; Fun Ski Events; and Recreational/ tact NSAA’s Amber Adams at aadams@anchor- Casual Skiing. Prizes will be awarded to first-, sec- agenordicski.com or (907) 276-7609 with questions, ond- and third-place selections in each category, as comments or concerns. Contest well as a grand prize overall winner. Winners also Description in subject line. PHOTO CONTESTPHOTO File Name File Name: Address: 2016Photo NSAA Contest Application Phone & Email:Phone Category Official Rules: Racing Touring/Backcountry Jumping Kids on Skis Grooming/Groomed Trails Biathlon EventsSki Fun Casual Recreational/ Skiing 201631, May Deadline Send to: [email protected] Send to: with File formatshould be and JPG size should be between MB 0.05 and 5MB. allopen to NordicContest ski Alaska club members. Entrants may submit images3 percategory. newsletter, website, submitted in photos the NSAA All may be showcased NSAA on promotional materials. NSAA other calendar,any and for inpage, Facebook the NSAA the NSAA on websiteand publishedResults be announced the NSAA to on in Nordic the Nov. Skier.issueAlaska of Winning entries will receive prizes and will calendar. be featured in the annual NSAA Prizes and awarded Third Second, First, to Place winners as wellin each category, as a Grand Prize overall winner. Basic enhancement isphotos allowed of including cropping, minorenhancement, color and brightness. contrast or Obvious manipulation photo isallowed not including morphing, polarization, compositemultiple or images. You will retain all submit, photograph including you rightsany to ownership ifapplicable, than those other rightslicensed will insentence. We the next time any photo credit it makeisto your every used. effort a nonexclusive, (i) worldwide, NSAA grant to hereby you Contest, Photo submittingNSAA our By to photo your irrevocable,license distribute, royalty-free reproduce, publicly to display and publicly performphotographs the residence of in and country promotions state, name, city, and (ii) right use your the to submityou NSAA, to and publications. other comments. concerns or questions, [email protected] for Adams Amber Contact (907-276-7609) 1 2 3 4 6 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

the Alkas a nordic skier ANCHORAGE 6 April/May 2016 Creative climbs, spectacular sun and snow, and terrific tours The NSAA Backcountry Touring program was challenged this season – there was always nail-biting and concern over low snow conditions – but it ultimately turned out well! This season’s tours included: a trip to Turnagain Pass, which brought out seven hardy skiers and several ski patrollers who persevered through an hour and a half of solid rain; a visit to Hatcher Pass/Independence Mine, where we skied to the tarn above Gold Cord Mine and enjoyed a bluebird day of fantastic snow; a perfect Full Moon Ski in January for 12 participants and 5 ski patrollers; a 10-mile ski on Gold Mint Trail; a February teleski at Center Ridge in Turnagain Pass, where five tourers and seven ski patrollers found crust, powder, hard wind and tough-it-out PHOTOS BY PATTI PHILLIPS Denali – the perfect backdrop. fun; and a spring visit to South Fork Eagle River, where the conditions the windblown icy Teklanika River were wondrous under sunny skies. but there was better snow on the rest A group of 19 enthusiastic skiers of the route as we made our way over and patrollers enjoyed the ski out to several passes and skied on frozen the Denali View Chalet in late Feb- rivers. We had lots of laughs swapping ruary where we were treated to hot stories at night in the ranger cabins spiced wine, great groomed ski trails and huts. The scenery and mountain and a toasty sauna. The weather co- were magnificent. operated and we skied and rejoiced in The second tour through Denali full view of the great one, Denali, for Park started where the first group most of the lighted hours. The usual ended in Kantishna. After spending a hearty meals were prepared, served night in a cabin above Wonder Lake, and tidied by enthusiastic skier volun- we were off to the heated tents. After teers. As always, Denali View Chalet a journey across McKinley Bar and owner, Eric Schmidt and dog Woody, Turtle Hill, we camped. First we as- hosted a great weekend. cended McGonagall Pass, the historic We completed our second year gateway to Denali. Next, we skied to organizing two ski trips into Denali Oastler Pass with stunning views of National Park. The first trip began glaciers and mountains. How can you The NSAA Touring group hit the jackpot on the Gold Mint Trail. near the Park Headquarters at Moun- beat Denali in morning and evening tain Vista and ended in Kantishna, alpenglow? Camping in the tents with we ran this trip up to McGonagall siasm and participation! Stay tuned where we flew out to Healy. We were the woodstoves was fine; folks were and Oastler Passes, so we have some this summer for next season’s trips supported by two dog sled teams and able to go to bed warm and wake up great ideas for next year. and register early if you want to take mushers who carried our gear and warm. Snow conditions were great for Thanks very much to all of tour- the tour of a lifetime through Denali food. The snow was low over the first skiing and some folks hiked on bare ing skiers and the NSAA Ski Patrol Park! www.anchoragenordicski.com/ third and we used microspikes to hike tundra. This also was the first year for their continued support, enthu- backcountry_tours.html

conflicts. This generally requires meetings, phone we have the money and the equipment has been calls, e-mails and eventually the submission of a secured and transported. It’s time to move some Moving on … written “trail work proposal.” Once we get the OK, dirt! There’s just something about that first cut … from the challenges of grooming we still have to consider the weather, which is a or bucketful of dirt. The same guys that groom in ice to the excitement of trail big factor in this scheme as soft surface trails are the winter fix the trails in the summer. They know improvements always best worked when dry. This particular year, where the problems are and take great pleasure in BY NSAA OPERATIONS TEAM with the minimal snowpack, might afford us and repairing trail sections that have been a grooming Yow … What a non-winter, warm and dry, just earlier start by maybe 2-3 weeks. irritant for years. It’s good for everyone because a as predicted. How does the NSAA Operations crew Now, it’s time to talk about the cost. We estimate trail that grooms well, skis well. respond to this kind of season again? Let us count expenses and determine what’s available and We’re looking forward to moving on and this the ways! We start by wringing out as much skiing sometimes, it’s difficult to connect those dots. Ev- summer looks like it’s shaping up nicely. If every- as we can from the ice. We cry in our beer, we talk eryone in the construction industry knows what it’s thing proceeds as planned (it never does, but that’s a lot about that record snowfall we had a few years like trying to line up equipment in the summertime alright because we can be flexible) we’ll start by ago, and then we move forward. in Alaska. So, it’s important to reserve the dozers spending a few weeks out in Chugiak on the Beach Forward, in this case, is planning trail work for and excavators that we need as soon as possible, Lake Trails and then move to Kincaid Park to reno- the summer and we begin by prioritizing the list. otherwise there just might not be anything avail- vate multiple sections of Margaux’s and the Mize. Believe it or not, we have a long-term, 10-year plan able when we need it. We generally have the privi- You’ve heard it a hundred times now, but it bears that gives us guidance as to which trails are sched- lege of trying out new Caterpillar machines, which repeating … smooth, well-shaped trails allow ski- uled for renovation and/or serious maintenance. are really nice to operate. Creature comforts and ing in low snow. Should history continue to repeat However, something always seems to come up technology have come a long way in the earth-mov- itself, each year we’ll be more prepared. that’s not on the plan, forcing us to be a bit flexible. er arena, and none of the crew is terribly nostalgic We fully expect a big snow season next winter, Next, we have to schedule and coordinate with about the ‘70s vintage equipment they started on in though. Happy trails! Anchorage Parks and Recreation or other gov- their misspent youth. ernment entities to ensure permission and avoid OK, so the trails are dry, we have permission,

the Alkas a nordic skier April/May 2016 ANCHORAGE 7 2015-2016 NSAA Volunteers: Thank you! The Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage Stehn, Meg Stehn, Paul Stockburger, Tim Stone, Alex Swiderski, (NSAA) thanks all of the individuals and business- Kathy Swiderski, Bruce Talbot, Beth Terry, Karen Thompson, Walter Tusten, Linda Urich, Jennifer Wagner, Josh Walker, Pam es whose volunteer time and financial or in-kind Wallace, Kate Wedemeyer, Linne Weinberger, West High Ski Team, support makes everything we do possible. We do Anne Wilkas, Dave Wolfe, Mark Worcester and many additional our best every season to thank each and every one parent volunteers and coaches. of you, but it is not always possible to name every Tour of Anchorage: Committee members: Paul Stone, Sara Miller, Kari Skinner, and Sarah Radonich. Volunteers: Lin person. If we have inadvertently left your name off Hinderman, Peter Zug, Lauri Bassett, Christina Grande, Tim of these lists, please accept our apology and let us Stone, Meg and Bob Stehn, Tim Brabets, Diane Moxness, Anne know. Your contributions to NSAA are greatly ap- Stone, Korin Homestead, Alice Knapp, Celia Rozen, Matt Pauli, preciated! Bill and Annette Brion, Craig Norman, Ricky Prince, Iain Miller, NSAA Board of Directors: Jeff Scott, Sara Miller, Mike Miller, Raye Ann Neustel, Dave Blanchet, Scott Belyea, Tim Samuelson, Elizabeth Arnold, Kari Skinner, Josh Niva, Karl Graber, Joey Ben Elbow, Deb Essex, Chip Treinen, Fred Hveding, J.R. Patee, Caterinichio and Dustin Shannon. Jeanne Molitor, Nancy L. Caviet, Debra Caldera, Joyce Goodell, Yukiko Hayano, Beth Schulz, June Takagi, Elizabeth Knapp, Buzz NSAA Office: Lena Bolender Scher, Max Walker, Larry Rundquist, Terranova Tasker, Emily Adopt a Road & Adopt a Garden: Jeff Scott, Tim and Anne Hajjar, Emily Lucy, Emily Henderson, Diane Crawford, Janet Stone, and many others. Curran, Ann Binnian, Ed and Robin Kornfield, Shelly Laws, Bill Annual Meeting and Ski Swap: NSAA board members, Bo York, and Cindy Mans, Don Johnson, Gail Hoefler, Roger Elconin, Sarah Bonnie York, Tom York, June Takagi, Pam Wallace, Diane Ramey, Robicheaux, Brian Wing, Liz Turner, Jade Beam, Layla Beam, Bob and Liz Butera, Lin Hinderman, Peter Zug, Karen Compton, Kellen Beam, Dimond High School, Boy Scout Troop 214, South Vivian Murray, Raye Ann Neustel, Patti Phillips, Mary Vavrik, High School, Chugiak High School, East High School, Eagle River Karlene Leeper, Ken DePalma, Anton Clark, Nathaniel Betz, Chris PHOTO BY JAN HAZEN High School, Service High School, West High School, Girdwood Zafen, Elena Hinds, Ben Loeffler, Elizabeth Knapp, Bruce Talbot, Nordic Ski Club, Cross Country Alaska, the Nordic Ski Patrol, and Marti Pausback, Alec Cervenka, Tom Hoosier, Alejandra Legate, Miles Michael, Roberta Wonders and many more individuals and many others who spent time planning. Leah Legate, Jamie Haines, Lex Treinen, Sam Sterling, Louke families. Jumping Program: Vivienne Murray, Karen Compton, Mike Ellenbroek, Alden Worachek, Celia Rozen, Libby Kugel, Marcia Anchorage Jr. Nordic: Committee members: Eric Egeland, Jokela, Trevor Taylor, Tom Smith, Lindsay Smith, JR Pattee, Jeanne Bandy, Julie Truskowski, Dave Stamp, Emily Lucy, Jim Wolfe, Carol Danielle Lecy, Amy Schumacher, Shannon Gramse. Volunteer Pattee, Steve Compton, John Murray, Julie Shuttleworth, Steve Anne Wolfe, Sally Burkholder, Jim Burkholder, Anne Stone, Deb coaches: Katie Hickey, Geoff Wright, Cathy Wright, Brian Kirchner, Shuttleworth, Jill Brubaker, Michael Brubaker, Chris Rygh, Steve Green, Martha Service, Bleeker Family, Layla Beam, Kellen Beam, Addy Wright, Max Rinehart, James Schultz, Samuel York, Sam Thomas, Alex Slivka, Bruce Seppi, Jim Mendenhall, Elizabeth Robin Kornfield, Tyler Kornfield, Scott Patterson, Lies Packer, Cole Gebert, Gretta Pickett, Emory Banker, Noah Ravens, Elizabeth Shafer, Bethany Berry, Patrick Folds, David Griffin, Dana Griffin, Talbot, Connie Service, Ben Michaelson, Sara Miller, Kari Skinner, Mans, Henry Banker, Avery Mozen, MJ Roberts, Mary Sewell, Jeremy Cooper, Carl Oswald, Michael Rehberg and Kenneth Sean Bolender, Tim Stone, Zak Hammill, Alex Murray, Elizabeth Maria Paez, Charlee Demientieff, Rianne Campbell, Anton Clark, Hatch. Arnold, Jeff Scott, and many more. and all the parents who helped inside and outside. Lands Committee: Gordon Wetzel, Mike Miller, Randy Bergt, Alaska Ski for Women: Committee members: Fiona Peichel, Ski 4 Kids: Committee members: Alice Knapp, Amy Dalton, Marc Phillips, Jim Burkholder, Tim Stone, Tim Brabets and Dave Mary Vollendorf, Celia Rozen, Cindy Norquest Jensen, Paulette Mike Morganson, Matias Saari, Bradley Cooke, Victoria Hutton, Blanchet. Compton, Meg Stehn, and Tamra Kornfield. Volunteers: AWAIC Margaret Timmerman and Tamra Kornfield. Volunteers: Tim Stone, Ski Train: Sean Bolender, Elena Bolender, SJ Klein, Dawn staff, YWCA staff, Running Free, Martha Service, Kristin Folmar, Jim Renkert, Tim Brabets, Elizabeth Knapp, Iain Miller, Meg Stehn, Timothy, Loy Donaldson, Mark Stoneburrer, David Dempsey, Mike Katherine Rawlins, Ellyn Brown, Kelly Van Hoek, Greg DuBois, Bob Stehn, Holly Brooks, Ira Edwards, Natasha Mattoon, Zak Morganson, Jussi RyeHinen, Kirsten Olson, Nick Lynch, Steven Neil Lamothe, Jim Winegarner, Tom Peichel, Rose Colbern, Stacy Hammill, Greg Matyas, Andre Lovett, Jack Novak, Arthur Harmon, Shore, Esther Shoe, Tim Hilts, Greg Solomon, April Jaillet, Jeff Carpenter, Jan Hazen, Jackie Purcell, , Chrys Jasmine Langmann, Mandy Casurella, Haifei Tanner, Collin Manley, Andy Sorenson, John Kagerer, Austin Roach, Jennifer Castle, J&J announcers, JR Patee, Jeanne Molitor, Bob Stehn, Macheel, Jenni Diep, Samuel Gebert, Inmahy Inthaly, Chris Zafren, Bachman, Aaron Hensley, Erika Ammann, Anmei Goldsmith, Meg Stehn, Diane Moxness, Tim Brabets, Tim Stone, Marti Diane Crawford, Diane Moxness, Ben Mildon, North Crawford, Aidren Vied, Colton Welch, James Webb, Tom Meacham, Craig Pausback, South High Ski team, West High Ski Team, Patrick Frank Cahill, Sharity Sommer, Fischer Gangemi, Skyler Kina, Allan Blalee, Henry J. Harman, Hilary Fisher, Daniel Powess, S Kurtz, McGowan, Chet Fehrmann, Ira Edwards, Eric Schwalber, Jay Spangler, Marcus Dowling, Martins Onsurlis, Miranda Sheeny, John Capo, Sara Phip, Mikhael Philp, Lewis Rogers, Greg Dudek, Holton, Matt Claman, Alice Knapp, and many others who helped Conor McDonald, Hanna Slotte, Joshua Bauer, Duncan Wright, Tony Campbell, Brandan Berg, Erin Berg, Diana Redwood, Abigail with registration, timing and so much more. Addy Wright, Michael Perkins, Shelby Kelliher, Jimmy Campbell, Newby-Kew, Steve Koller, Mackenzie Slater, Matt Leither, Emily The AMH Anchorage Cup: Raye Ann Neustel, Tim Stone, Meg Emily Campbell, Lauen Holzinger, Kristen Doolittle, Ally Carney, Taylor, Russel Dudley, Renee LaJuett, Neal Haglund, Karen and Bob Stehn, Anne Stone, Eric Dale and the Nordic Ski Patrol, Hannah Davough, Matthew Renkert, Vicki Novak, John Novak, Larsen, Nathan Perry, Melissa Kleehammer, Clayton Harrison, Lauri Bassett, Zach Bassett, Scott Belyea, Carolyn Borjon, Sally Lee Baxter, Ann Penniston, Rachel Steer, Nicholas Pulice, Zach Jessie Merriam, Steve Schell, Carla Banez, Korl Goertz, Nicole Burkholder, Debra Caldera, Annie Connelly, Joan Darnell, Mary Liller. Volunteer groups: NSAA Green Grunts, Nordic Ski Patrol, Lawrence, Ryan Flygare, Eryn Boone, Jason Lucas, Sophie Howell, Kaye Denkewalter, Paul Denkewalter, Dimond HS Skiers, Ben AK Biathlon, Karl Eid Ski Jumps, Alaska Speedskating Club, REI, Kasla Howell and the Nordic Ski Patrol. Elbow, Jim Falconer, Judy Green, Georgia Gustafson, Yukiko Anchorage Parks & Recreation, Rossignol, Arctic Orienteering Backcountry Tours: Patti Phillips, Mary Vavrik, Karlene Leeper, Hayano, Trish Herminghaus, Lin Hinderman, Nancy Hiney, Rick Club, Challenge Alaska, Speedway Cycles, South Ski Team, West Ken DePalma, Bob Sutherland and the Nordic Ski Patrol. Holland, Chuck Homestead, Korin Homestead, Jeff Jablonski, Ski Team, Dimond Ski Team, Service Ski Team, Grace Ski Team, Lynn Jablonski, Luke Jaeger, Norm Johnson, Sandy Johnson, Photo Contest, Calendar, Maps, Graphic Design, Website: Jan APUNSC, Skiku, NSAA Jr. Nordic coaches and many others. Hazen, Justin Ritter, Willie Dalton and Peter Luchsinger. Calisa Kastning, Alice Knapp, Bill Lamoreaux, Emily Lamoreaux, ASD High School Racing: John Christopherson, Tim Stone, Shelly Laws, Colleen Libbey, Dan Libbey, Steve Livingstone, Scholarships: Dan Rosenberg, Dwayne Adams, Celia Rozen, and Tim Brabets, Meg and Bob Stehn, Holly Morris, Alice Knapp, Sue Looney. Kinsey Loan, Brian Looney, Ove Madsen, Mike Matteson, Patrick Jan Hazen, Elizabeth Knapp, Steve Beardsley, Dave Blanchet, McGownd, Iain Miller, Mike Miller, Sara Miller, Jeanne Molitor, Pete Mjos, Ed Brewer, Amy Schumacher, George Haugen, Jay SKAN24 race: Chet Fehrman. Diane Moxness, Helen O’Harra, JR Patee, Michael Powell, Butler, Wally Smith, Travis Rector, Tom Hawkins, Tom Brooks, Katherine Rawlins, Anna Rix, Celia Rozen, Alice Samuelson, Tim Tim Samuelson, Steve Morris, Pam Mamrol, Iain Miller, Molly Samuelson, Buzz Scher, Amy Schumacher, Gus Schumacher, Mylius, Steve Hamiliton, Steve Agee, Sally and Jim Burkholder, Brian Semta, Sam Sterling, Paul Stone, Eric Strabel, June Tagaki, Ros Singleton, Niles Woods, Rob Dolan, Peter Johnson, Pita Julie Truskowski, Pam Wallace, Dylan Watts, Marilyn Watts, Mark Benz, Rich and Teresa Hull, Liz Butera, Mike Miller, Matt Pauli, Worcester, Peter Zugg, plus those who helped take down the Ken Hunt Hunt, Sandra Christopherson, Gordon Wetzel, Jim course and clean up the chalet after the races and anyone else Singleton, Anne Brooks, Bill Carpenter, Bob Glen, Colin Hawkins, we missed - thank you! Dale Evern, David Hulen, Diane Moxness, Dick and Liska Snyder, Besh Cup: Tim Stone, Tim Brabets, Meg Stehn, Bob Stehn, Ed and Robin Kornfield, Ed Brewer, Fred Stutzer, Steve McKeever, Roberta Wonders, Marcia Bandy, Pam Wallace, Liz Butera, Alice Gerald Bell, Robert Cole, Tina Tomsen, Patrick McGownd, Linda Knapp, Jane , Dave Morris, Lies Packer, Leah Besh, Nancy Carpenter, Buzz Scher, Ove Madsen, Lin Hinderman, Bruce Talbot, Pease, Wendy Gellert, Colleen Bickford, Will Mans, Amy Johns, David Hagen, Sharon Smith, Tom Hunt, Michael Miller, Mark Ana Jager, Brian Hoefler, Gail Hoefler, Brenna Egeland, Peter Worcester, Celia Rozen, June Takagi, Jan and Rick Holland, and a Johnson, Gil Carr, Bruce Talbot, Peter Johnson, Ken Schulz, June long list of other dedicated volunteers and devoted coaches. We Takagi, Yuta Takagi, Dave Blanchet, Diane Moxness, Elizabeth appreciate all of you so much, and thank you! Arnold, Jay Bickford, Jaime Bronga, Tim Samuelson, ASD Middle School Racing: Diane Moxness, Steve Bay, Steve Jim Singleton, Ros Singleton, Marti Pausback, Elsa Aegerter, Beardsley, Scott Belyea, Jason Bent, Larry Benz, Melanie Jess Grunblatt, Julie Truskowski, Daina Frederick, Jay Bergman, Tracy Blaine, Dave Blanchet, Laurel Brady, Ed Brewer, Bickford, Chris Zafren, Heidi Schulz, Gerry Xavier, Glenn Miranda Buckmaster, Jim Burkholder, Sally Burkholder, Ben Gellert, Elsa Aegerter, Jess Grunblatt, and many others. Burrough, Joey Caterinichio, Andrea Chang, Doug Cobb, Joan Biathlon events and programs: Committee chairs: Leslie Darnell, Heather Dean, Shannon Donley, Lisa Earnhart, Kathleen Boughton, Mike Rieser, Jack Porter, Marcia Bandy, Deana Watson, Fast, Patrick Folds, Becky Garnett, Henry Gibb, Jennifer Gordon, Douglas Cobb, Michael Milhollin, Pete Pritchard. Volunteers: Branden Groth, Greg Haggard, Martin Hansen, Laura Harris, Marti Pausback, Joan Kluwe, Kyle Easterly, Mike Burns, Chad Chris Hellman, Lin Hinderman, Gail Hoefler, Galen Johnson, Carpenter, Megan Cummings, David Cunningham, Catherine Peter Johnson, Tricia Johnson, Kate Kaufman, Catherine Kilby, Gilliland, Tom Grenier, Tricia Grenier, Zoey Grenier, Zach Hall, Alice Knapp, Barb Krafft, Steve Livingston, Frances Mann, Katherine Kilby, Joan Kluwe, Miles Michael, Kelly Parsons, Marti Donna Mears, Nora Miller, Jean Molitar, David Murphree, Sherri Pausback, Wendy Romberg, Bill Romberg, Steve Shamburek, Murphree, Dave Norton, JR Patee, Wesley Piscoya, Kate Potton, Sarah Wilson, Steve Wood, Louise Wood, Natasha Von Imhof, Michael Rehberg, Tim Riedell, Bill Romberg, John Ruehle, Venetia Deana Watson, Rick Watson, Josh Watson, Amy McLeod, Scott Ruehle, Camille Rzeszut, Tim Samuelson, Paul Sangle, Elizabeth PHOTO BY TAMRA KORNFIELD Belyea, Steve Shamburek, Scott Belyea, Gerry Hupp, Steve Wood, Shafer, Brian Shuma, Carla Slatonbaker, Mark Slaughter, Bob

the Alkas a nordic skier 8 April/May 2016

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

BOARD OF DIRECTORS AROUND THE BAY WHEREAS, KNSC groomers spend hundreds, if not thou- Jan Spurkland sands, of hours grooming our trails, and President Nicky Szarzi Reflections on a very good season WHEREAS, they are paid exactly zero dollars per hour for Vice-President BY MARYLOU BURTON all this hard work, and Richard Burton One hour, forty-seven minutes. That’s how long it took WHEREAS, without their efforts skiing would be a whole lot Treasurer less fun, and me to shuffle around the 13.7K tour division of the 2015 Mike Gracz Kachemak Nordic Ski marathon. That’s over a half-hour WHEREAS, it’s all about the trails … Secretary Carlin Rauch more than the next slowest skater and about two seconds THEREFORE, WE, the Nordic skiers of Homer, hereby proclaim our groomers to be persons of exemplary Andrew Peter short of the fastest classic skier. Pretty sad. character and thank them for our beautiful ski trails. Homer groomers rock! Stacey Buckelew I blame it on the sun. Even with an early 9:30 a.m. start, Glenn Seaman 2015/2016 Groomers (with apologies to anyone we may have missed!) the sun was blasting by the time I reached Milli’s Loop Derek Bynagle and stripped down, but too late. I was already into heat Pete Alexson Charlie Johnson Maddie O’Laire stroke. Deland Anderson Paul Knight Administrative Assistant Robert Archibald John Miles Oh – and the hot shot 20K and 42K racers. I blame Dave Brann Ryan Pilcher them, too. No matter that they started 40 minutes later, Mike Byerly Stan Purinton COMMITTEES/EVENTS Susan & Gary Clardy Derek Stonorov Lookout Mountain Ski Trails they caught up with me about 10K in, on the steep and icy John Fitzpatrick David Stutzer Mike Byerly downhill towards Twitter Creek, and I felt compelled to Bill Gee Kevin Walker Lower Baycrest Ski Trails; Snowshoe Trails; Brian Harrison Roy Wilson slide into a snowplow stop and let them whiz by. Complete- Friday Night Lights; Grooming Equipment Chris Jacobson Bill Worsfold Dave Brann ly threw off my momentum. Same deal on the climb back uphill, though I admit that Upper Baycrest Ski Trails; Marathon Trail The Better Sweater; The Natural World; The Grog Shop; Committee most of the time they caught me already stopped to get my and Puffin Electric. Alan Parks heartrate back where it belonged. But by then the snow Thanks, as always, to our amazing groomers. Due to McNeil/Eveline Ski Trails was getting a little mushy, so the relatively easy last 4K another unusually warm winter, Lower Baycrest was Ginger Johnson (Chair) Derek Stonorov (McNeil Grooming) was slower than expected. awash and/or reduced to ice for much of this winter. Even Dave Brann (Eveline Grooming) And then there’s the lack of skiing the last couple of Sunset was marginal much of the time. But Lookout and Kachemak Nordic Ski Development; Ski years. Double knee replacements two years ago killed that McNeil/Eveline have had good snow, and thanks to the Your Age; Besh Cup Races; Homer Epic 100 year and no snow last year was a double insult. Jan Spurkland groomers – who have groomed almost daily since Christ- Oh, and did I mention my age? 68. No wonder I’m so mas – the skiing has been not only consistent but amaz- Junior Nordic slow. Carlin Rauch ingly good. The extensions of Milli’s Loop and Wolf Ridge Nevertheless, it was the perfect top off (so far) to a very later in the season were the icing on the cake. Homer Women’s Nordic Stacey Buckelew good season, and it is only fitting to take this opportunity And finally, thanks to Mother Nature. While Lower to give credit where credit is due: Baycrest and most of Southcentral Alaska were afloat, a Webmaster Richard Burton Thanks to our event volunteers, both the leaders and degree or two difference between 1,000-feet elevation and their many assistants. It is amazing what our small-town 1,200-feet elevation made a huge difference. And the luck Alaska Nordic Skier Newsletter Marylou Burton club and community pulls off, including middle and high of two big snows – three feet around Christmas and again school races, the Besh Cup, Ski Your Age, Friday Night in late February – gave us enough base to survive the oc- Snow Machine Maintenance Bill Hague Lights and the Kachemak Nordic Ski Marathon. It is casional deluge. no small task to organize these events (just ask Deland Trail Signs At the marathon post-race party (held at Ageya Wilder- Jennifer Edwards Anderson, who put in marathon hours in his role as ness Lodge; a great venue), one of the Anchorage racers marathon race coordinator), and equally essential are the Winter Gear & Ski Swap mentioned that, “I have been to a lot of places to ski this Mike Illg registration crews, timers, bib controllers, refreshment year, but this is the best skiing I had.” Well, I haven’t been Kachemak Ski for Women & Haven House providers and party organizers. anyplace else this winter, but I couldn’t agree more about Kris Holdereid Homer. It’s been a very good year and crust skiing is just Wine & Cheese/Wooden Ski Tour beginning. Woohoo! Kevin & Jeanne Walker

Now I just have to start working on my speed. Kachemak Nordic Ski Marathon Deland Anderson There ain’t not foolin’ these women! BY STACEY BUCKELEW Sea to Ski Triathlon Kevin & Jeannie Walker Since its inception nearly 10 years ago, Homer Women’s Nordic (HWN) has grown to share the love of skiing with Winter Backcountry Film Festival Dan Del Missier over 100 female athletes. Undeterred by wacky weather, child births, crippling injuries, employment changes and leadership attrition, up to 80 women have participated first blanket of skiable snow ar- each season. Despite Mother Nature’s pocket full of rived with the new year. Following puzzles, this year was certainly no exception. suit with a decade old tradition, the PHOTO BY TARO SASAKURA Homer women logged countless hours of weekly ski- Michael Mumm cools off after coming off Milli’s Loop at the HWN program focused on technique 2016 KNSC Marathon. specific dry-land training beginning in October until the paired with endurance and speed to culminate in a long-distance race, Thanks to the event participants, both from Homer and the Tour of Anchorage. On behalf of up the road. When you throw a party, you hope that people HWN, we would like to thank NSAA will show up – and they did. The Besh Cup always pulls in for navigating the unseasonable chal- a crowd, and this year was no exception. The Marathon lenges to provide yet another safe, also had a good turnout, as did the more local events like high-quality ski event. You have yet to Ski Your Age and Friday Night Lights. After last year’s cease motivating an entire commu- dismal winter, people were ready to play. nity of Homer female skiers, mothers Thanks to our sponsors big and small, whether they and professionals to push personal contribute money, event prizes or in-kind contributions. boundaries and reach new levels of It’s a long list, but this year’s major sponsors are: The Law fun, friendship and fitness. Whatever Offices of Charles G. Evans; Marine Services of Alaska, mystery next winter might hold, we Inc.; Seaman’s Ecotour Adventures; Bear Creek Winery & won’t be fooled. We’ll be out there to Lodging; Ulmer’s Drug and Hardware; Fritz Creek Gen- do it again! eral Store; Girl Friday Enterprises; Homer Saw and Cycle; Homer Women’s Nordic, tucked for the downhill.

the Alkas a nordic skier April/May 2016 9 P.O. Box 337 Girdwood Nordic Ski Club Girdwood, AK 99587 skigirdwood or. g Girdwood, Alaska

BOARD OF BRIAN BURNETT JUSTIN THOMAS DIRECTORS Vice President CHUCK DORIUS Treasurer PETER ZUG DEB ESSEX BRIANA SULLIVAN ARI STIASSNY JIM BRAHAM President Secretary A season of can-do attitudes and finding winter wherever we could BY DEB ESSEX time, and split babysitting duties while their part- GNSC President ner skies a few laps on Tincan Peak. It was a fantastic winter. No, I’m obviously not More and more skiers are now asking us, “Did talking about snow at sea-level. I’m referring to our you groom in the Pass?” Hopeful, yes. If this is our Girdwood Nordic Ski Club board of directors and future, we are ready to continue coordination with our ever-present members. Our club’s response to the USFS Glacier Ranger District and expand our the scant amount of frozen precipitation was a far mission from the Girdwood Valley to Turnagain greater in measure than the level marked on our Pass. We would rather be grooming in Girdwood, “snow meter” stick at Girdwood’s trailhead. but there is no downside to skiing in Turnagain. As usual, Girdwood saw early snowfall … back Meanwhile back at the ranch, the Nordic Loop when we were all hopeful the winter forecasting access trail in now gone. The Arlberg Road exten- was incorrect. Once a few inches of snow compact- sion project has begun, and the only access to the ed on the Nordic loop, we began planning a time Nordic Loop is via the Winner Creek Trail. This and location for our annual grooming clinic. That road project will continue through the summer, clinic never happened. The warm weather pre- so please respect the trail closure signs. The end vented snow accumulation in the open meadows, so result will be a new parking area near the Nordic the clinic was postponed until further snowfall. The trailhead and the Winner Creek trail. usual suspects from our board – Peter Zug, Jim And finally, don’t miss the 2016 AK Skimeister Braham and Chuck Dorius – kept our trails clear event at 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, April 2, at the Alyes- from all downed trees and repaired all washout ka Resort. This event is an Alpine, Nordic, Fatbike areas after each storm. I am constantly amazed race that benefits Challenge Alaska and what these gentlemen accomplish on snow and in the Alyeska Ski Club junior team. Check out their the pouring rain. website (www.akskimeister.com) or Facebook page And then, like all other skiers, we followed the for upcoming details. This is the fourth year of this snow. We put a great idea into action, creating a fun race and a portion will be on the Nordic trail groomed trail loop in Turnagain Pass. With as- bers Briana Sullivan, Ari Stiassny, Brian Burnett loop. I love this race! sistance from Graham Predeger, the Chugach and Justin Thomas, we shoveled enough snow on A sincere thank you to all of our members, volun- National Forest Avalanche Information Center the Tincan Creek bridge to have a loop on either teers and the fantastic board members that make Recreational Ops/Avalanche specialist, and Ryan side. Each grooming effort saw more and more this club a reality. Looking forward, with whatever Lewthwaite we outlined a trail 3K loop from the recreational skiers, bikers and walkers out enjoying Mother Nature brings, I’m happy to be part of such Center Ridge parking area. They designed a great spring in Alaska. Many of the skiers were begin- a “can-do” community. During this summer, we will figure-eight loop safe from avalanche danger while ners, and appreciated the smooth trails surface continue to look at future trail locations and final- utilizing part of the National Historic Iditarod Trail. to practice technique while taking in the beauty ize a bridge project. We are also looking for a snow During good weather, we have groomed this trail of Turnagain Pass. They also learned about crust machine trailer as snow insurance for next year. four times this spring. With help from board mem- skiing, brought BBQ grills, tried a pulk for the first Enjoy your summer!

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 w. ildapricot o. rg

trails from the new parking lot on Beach Lake road by the BOARD MEMBERS AROUND EAGLE RIVER railroad tracks to the current existing trails. This will be PRESIDENT a chance to get some exercise and use those chainsaws. Jason Dennis Focusing on the positives [email protected] of a challenging season Work is scheduled to start sometime in June. Please con- tact me if you are interested in volunteering to be a part of With the season coming to a close on the ERJN pro- VICE PRESIDENT this. Steve Wilson gram, I would like to thank the hearty families that stuck [email protected] Have a great summer. through a lackluster ski season. One emphasis we had – Jason Dennis, CERNSC President SECRETARY been focusing on as a group the last few years was in- Allison Erickson creased parent participation in the program. On a bright End of season thanks to go around … [email protected] note, even though our turnout was low we did have nearly Thanks to Bill Bryon and NSAA groomers for fabulous TREASURER 100 percent turnout by the parents. Thank uou for making grooming during a difficult winter and for taking advan- Bob Stehn [email protected] this a priority. tage of the snow and grooming on March 20. The fact that we were able to ski for two months this Thanks to Will Taygen and Junior Nordic volunteers for RACING year is a testament to the hard work done by Bill Brion, Mike Beiergrohslein keeping Jr. Nordic going with little snow. [email protected] our hardworking trail groomer. The work he did to keep Thanks to Kathleen Rehm for coordinating Eagle River part of the trail system open this year was much appreci- Masters. JUNIOR NORDIC Will Taygan ated. And thanks to all of you skiers and club supporters! [email protected] The end of year annual CERNSC board meeting will be Look for upcoming events on our website, cernsc. TRAILS held at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 1, at my house (17447 Kantishna wildapricot.org: Jim Kaszuba Dr., Eagle River, 99577). All are welcome to attend. We will [email protected] • The CERNSC Annual Meeting Annette Brion have a BBQ and wrap up club business for the season. • The Mike Hansen Memorial Run [email protected] This summer we will be looking for some help from Scott Bailey • Summer trail work [email protected] the club membership to help with building two connector

the Alkas a nordic skier 10 April/May 2016 1150 S. Colony Way, Suite 3 Palmer, Alaska 99645 Mat-Su Ski Club (907) 745-SKIS WASILLA, ALASKA www.matsuski.org

Black; Daryl Farrens David Freer; with such a great club. BOARD OF DIRECTORS AROUND David L Barnes DO PC; Dori McDan- For those who may have missed PRESIDENT THE VALLEY nold; Elizabeth & Ed Ripley; Gabe our flyers and emails and are inter- Hans Hill Black; Glynn & Ed Strabel; Guinevere ested in supporting the cause, please VICE PRESIDENT Light the Susitna fundraiser Hill; Harmon Family; Hobbit Envi- visit the website to make a contribu- Recently the Mat-Su Borough Susan Skvorc ronmental Consulting Corp.; Jakab tion. We will continue running the Assembly approved the Government Family; Joe & Sandy Moore; John fundraiser in to summer. SECRETARY Peak Recreation Area trail light- Mike Norton Breiby; Johnson Family; Karen Hopp; So here’s to next season’s lit trails, ing project, fully funding the entire Kim Elliott; Livingston Slone; Lorene you all helped make it happen. Thank TREASURER project that will provide lighting for & Larry Lynn; Lucas Parker; Luff you again! Maritt Youngblood the entire trail system. Prior to as- Orthodontics; Lydia Yocum; Make’N – By Hans Hill, MSSC President BOARD MEMBERS sembly approval, the MSSC pledged Ends Meet; Matanuska Valley Fed- Gene Backus $25,000 towards the inclusion of the eral Credit Union; Mat-Su Junior Our great groomers Daryl Farrens Susitna Loop in the project scope to How do you make snowflakes that Natalie King Nordics; Michael Norton; Mikael Por- show the Borough our commitment to landed in December into skiable trails Dave Musgrave cello; Monte & Jerilyn Burtch; MYAC; the GPRA trails. Due to the schedul- in March? Lots and lots of grooming Michael Norton Natalie, Chris & Alex Cadieux; Nicole ing and short time window, the club hours. Between Government Peak Lucas Parker & Chris Whittington-Evans; Norton- began an after-the-fact fundraising and Archangel Valley, our groom- Tom Smayda Cruz Family Fund; Pagel children; Edward Strabel campaign. ing team has spent nearly 500 hours Randee Johnson; Sheri and Dave Mark Strabel To say that I have been over- pulling drags and the like to make the Musgrave; The Barry Family; The Chris Tomsen whelmed by the response to the Valley trails the hotspot for Nordic Danz Family; The Henderson Family; Ashley Wise fundraiser is an understatement. We skiing in Southcentral. Our group of The Jerman Family; The Lake Fam- knew that the community supports groomers includes: Gene Backus; ily; The LaRousse Family; The Mer- our sport and it has been proven by its Jeff Kase; Darren Black; Chris Jones; ritt Family; The Moffat Family; The financial support. So a huge thank you Mark Strabel; Ed Strabel; Mark Sti- Paulick Family; The Powder Family; plans to keep improving our trails. to our donors: Abby & Lila Pettit; AK gar; Zack Steer; and Ashley Wise. The Skvorc Family; The Stamoolis Those plans include trail mainte- Sheas; Alaska Safe Trails; Amaya and From the start of this season, over Family; The Suarez-Cabal Family; nance and trail expansion, and as Katalina Vizzerra; Anesthesia Care 2,000 miles of snow has been pounded The Wraith Family; The Wreyford usual we will be seeking volunteers to Associates; Anjanette & Zack Steer; into submission for our enjoyment and Family; Tom and Lisa Smayda; Tracy assist in these projects. Plans are still Ashley Wise; Backcountry Bike & Ski; the volunteers above are the individu- Houser; Trenton Harter; Tricia and in the works, but we will be sending Bilafer Family; Bob & Carol Thomp- als we have to thank. On behalf of the John Cox; Virginia White; Walling emails and updating the website with son; Branden & Sydney Thielke; Brent club’s board of directors and all of the Family; Wasilla Lights Farm; Winne- times and locations for volunteering Taylor, MD; Brian, Wendy, Evan club’s members, thank you for the staffer Family; and many anonymous opportunities. If you need additional and Lewis Taylor; Capstone; Chad great season. donors. motivation to help out, what bet- and Jenny Nugent Family; Chris & Thank you all for your generous ter way to stay in shape than some Kathleen Jones; Christal Houghtel- Offseason projects manual labor. Look forward to seeing support. It is people like you who While it is sad to say our season ling Photography; Cold River Con- everyone out there! make me feel proud to be involved is coming to an end, the MSSC has struction Company; Darren & Nancy Volunteers make this our best season for Junior Nordics

BY DAVE MUSGRAVE gler, Mike Wilson, Joe Moore, Bailey LaRousse, An- Barry, Nancy Black, Maritt Youngblood, Peggy It took quite a lot of work to wrangle the 350 kids nika Hanestad, Carolyn Barry, Christian Hanestad, Kristich, Tammy Sipos, Paula Werner, Rick Bene- that participated in MSSC Junior Nordics this year. Kathleen Jones, Christie Marvin, Mikael Porcello, dict and Teresa Clemmer. And a special thanks Besides the numbers, we also had a couple other Ted Sipos, Mike Shea, Jillian Morrissey, Brian Win- goes to Rebecca Buchanan, who orders the T- firsts this year. nestaffer, Wade Erickson, Tom Smayda, Anjanete shirts, arranges for coaches’ gifts, takes all the end- This was our first year of a mid-day session for Steer, Rhett Buchanan, Steven Merrit, Jordyn of-season photos and performs other miracles too kids that are home-schooled. Not only was it her and Bella Block, Robyn Hall, Mike Norton, Megan numerous to mention. first year of coaching, but Carolyn Barry did a great Danz, Lucas Parker, Greg Ravencraft, Ed Strabel, This is our sixth year of Mat-Su Junior Nordics job as head coach of this group. We had our first Brent Taylor, Sydney Thielke, Dan Jenkins and and we have come a long way from a dozen kids ski- year of a competition group that trained together Maritt Youngblood. The adult sweeps and chalet ing in the school yard at Shaw Elementary. Person- during the regular JN sessions and also raced in monitors have been great and have kept our kids ally, Junior Nordics has become the best part of my the Besh Cup series across Alaska. Thanks goes safe and all accounted for, most of the time. Mark week as I see the kids out enjoying themselves and out to coach Sydney Thielke, who started the com- Stigar is the head coach on Tuesday and Thurs- learning to have fun on skis outdoors in the winter. petition group during the summer and continued days. Thanks to Carolyn Barry and him for the ex- The progression in skiing skills that the kids make coaching through the JN season. All reports are tra effort it takes in preparation for their sessions. each season is truly inspiring. that they had a great time competing and meeting And we are extremely fortunate to have a great I want to express how much I am touched by the other kids from other communities. steering committee that put together the sched- passion that our community of parents, coaches, This would not be possible without the numerous ule, came up with new ideas and implemented and kids bring to Junior Nordics. volunteers especially our coaches: Aubrey Span- the whole thing as if by magic. Thanks to Carolyn Junior Nordics, Junior Nordics … Let’s go ski!

the Alkas a nordic skier April/May 2016 11

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 Fairbanks skiers squeezed the juice out of the driest winter on record of Fairbanks BY ERIC TROYER which hold the skis and poles, had and classic trails at the relatively new JUNIOR NORDIC HOTLINE Despite having the driest winter on broken. Austin used thicker dowels Tanana Lakes Recreation Area in 457-4437 WEBSITE WEBMASTER record, Fairbanks cross-country ski- for the new racks, which have been south Fairbanks. The flat trails are a Chris Carlson [email protected] ers had a lot to celebrate this season. doing great all winter. Many thanks welcome addition to Fairbanks cross- Early snow and cold (enough): Fair- to Austin and the other scouts who country skiing. PRESIDENT banks had the driest official winter helped him. New signs: The White Bear Trail at on record. From December 1 through Nordic Ski Patrol starts: A new Birch Hill got a new series of direc- BRUCE JAMIESON the end of February, only 2.5 inches Fairbanks Nordic Ski Patrol started tional trail signs thanks to a generous [email protected] of snow fell. Fortunately, 50 inches or staffing about a dozen races at Birch grant from the Arctic Winter Games SECRETARY so fell before December 1. And while Hill thanks to the efforts of Nancy Legacy Fund to the NSCF. The signs, Liz Pawelko it wasn’t a cold winter, it was cold Hanneman and several people who at every intersection, include inter- [email protected] enough to keep the snow from melt- helped her make the patrol a real- section names, directional arrows, TREASURER Mike Donaldson ing. Thanks to the groomers who kept ity. Anyone interested in helping out distances on the trail or back to the [email protected] the old, abrasive snow in good shape should contact Nancy at akplacer@ stadium and difficulty ratings. The AT-LARGE MEMBERS for skiing. alaska.net. grant is also paying for a variety of [email protected] Back-to-back September storms: West Valley skiers help Univer- other work at Birch Hill. Pat Reinhard Steven Hansen About 15 inches of that snow came sity Park club: Members of the West Wider Outhouse Loop: The Dave Bloom down wet and heavy in early snow- Valley High School Cross-Country Ski Outhouse Loop was easier to ski and Robert Hannon Helena Reuter storms. Hundreds, if not thousands, Team started helping with the Uni- groom this year thanks to a generous Eric Troyer of trees had to be cleared from area versity Park Elementary School Ski grant from REI to the NSCF. The loop ADULT LESSONS COORDINATOR ski trails. Powerlines and trail lights Club. The club, which meets two days hadn’t seen major work in nearly 20 Kathy Bue [email protected] | 371-9543 had to be fixed. Many thanks to the a week, has more than 120 members. years. The work included a variety groomers, public employees and The previous season, Eric Engman, of improvements such as widening FAIRBANKS JUNIOR NORDICS Sally Endestad volunteers who helped open the trails club head honcho, had many skiers and brushing. The grant also paid for [email protected] | 371-9564 and repair the damage. Unfortu- on a waitlist, which he hated. This refurbishing trail equipment, which FAIRBANKS CROSS COUNTRY nately, that snow almost completely season he put out a call for parents to helps the NSCF keep the trails in top Pete Leonard melted. help and talked to West Valley coach grooming shape all winter. Head Coach, Program Director [email protected] Junior Nordics at UAF: NSCF’s Greg Whisenhant about having some Skarland Trail changes cause Junior Nordics were finally offered on of the high school skiers help, as well. controversy: A volunteer effort to RACE PROGRAM DIRECTOR John Estle the University of Alaska Fairbanks Because of the high schoolers and make the Skarland Ski Trail easier [email protected] ski trails, thanks to NSCF JN Coordi- new parent helpers, no kids were put to groom for classical-style skiing MEMBERSHIP nator Sally Endestad. Many parents on a waiting list this year! caused a controversy. The volunteers [email protected] on that side of town had long wanted Kikkan visits: Cross-country ski- replaced sections of the trail with a BIATHLON this option. The UAF site is lower and ing superstar and awesome Alaskan bench-cut trail using a trail dozer. The Helena Reuter | [email protected] generally colder than Birch Hill, and Kikkan Randall visited Fairbanks in bench-cut trail makes the trail easier TOURING the support buildings are not as big January to help NSCF Competition to ski and groom, but it also changes Mike Schmoker | msfbcski@gmail Cam Leonard | [email protected] or convenient, but the season at UAF Director John Estle come up with a the nature of the trail in ways that was a success despite the challenges. new sprint course. The new course some people do not like. Some of the NEWSLETTER EDITOR Eric Troyer | [email protected] Sally plans to continue Junior Nordics will make it harder for skiers in clas- work has been completed, but the vol- at UAF next season. sic races to double-pole the entire unteers are still hoping for approval Junior Nordics, grooming, NSCF- New Birch Hill ski racks: Skiers course without grip wax, a practice from the borough’s Trails Advisory FXC, biathlon, adult lessons and tour- at Birch Hill were greeted with new getting more common. While in Fair- Commission before continuing their ing — with the help of many generous ski racks this season thanks to Austin banks, Kikkan also spent time inspir- work. The NSCF Board of Directors sponsors, donors, volunteers and staff. Stewart, an Eagle Scout who led the ing about 150 younger skiers. passed a resolution in support of the Thanks to everyone who helped make work done by several scouts. The Tanana Lakes Recreation Area bench-cut trail. this a fun and successful season. NSCF and Fairbanks borough paid Trails: The Fairbanks North Star Those are the highlights of this for the supplies. The old racks were Borough Parks and Recreation past season. The NSCF also continued Eric Troyer is the Fairbanks editor for in rough shape. Many of the dowels, Department started grooming skate its great programs — competition, the Alaska Nordic Skier. AROUND THE INTERIOR NSCF YouTube channel Beyond Birch – Looking to summer How to … stay in shape for skiing The Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks now has its Birch Hill is not only a great place for cross- during the summer own YouTube channel. Make sure to watch some country skiing, it’s also a great place for summer Here are some things you can work on over the Tuesday Night Junior Nordic skiers tackle the ski- activities. But please remember to wait until the summer to keep fit for cross-country skiing: cross jumps and the Terrain Garden: www.you- trails firm up before using them. • Lightweight Cardio Bunny Gets Serious About Strength tube.com/watch?v=69J72WiC87Y Another great place for both summer and winter Training, Shares “Expert” Advice: tinyurl.com/hcs2d5w • Add Agility Drills To Every Roller Ski For Better Performance: is the Chena River State Recreation Area. Make www.xcskiacademy.com/blog/roller-ski-agility NSCF calendar upcoming events it a goal to hike all the trails in the area this sum- Several club and ski-related activities are com- • If you want to combine ski training with shopping: mer. That will help you stay in shape for skiing next unofficialnetworks.com/2016/03/why-not-have-a-skiing-race- ing in the next few weeks. All are held at Birch Hill winter. inside-ikea Recreation Area unless otherwise specified. Check A good trail to do fairly early in the season is out the NSCF online calendar for more details and the Chena Dome Trail. It’s about 30 miles long and Help NSCF by going shopping You can earn donations from Fred Meyer to the updates (www.nscfairbanks.org > Calendar): doesn’t have easy access to water much of the sum- Sunday, April 3: Ski for Women Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks just by shopping at mer. But in late spring/early summer, snow patches Wednesday, April 6: Wednesday Night Race (assuming enough Fred Meyer with your rewards card. Fred Meyer and/or melt pools offer enough water for the trek. snow) will donate $2.5 million to nonprofits Alaska, Idaho, Wednesday, April 13: Wednesday Night Race (assuming enough Get a handout of the trail here: dnr.alaska.gov/ Oregon and Washington annually through this pro- snow) parks/units/chena/chenadmtg.pdf. Saturday, April 16: Spring Gala (dancing, silent auction) gram. Find out how to help at tinyurl.com/npmcles.

the Alkas a nordic skier 12 FAIRBANKS/STATEWIDE April/May 2016 Finding balance in everyday life BY ERIC TROYER epiphany. Everyday balance drills could be done How do you balance it all? while doing lots of other things, such as: You want to get better at cross-country skiing. • Brushing teeth (use the mirror to check body position) You take classes, maybe read some articles or • Washing hands blogs. Instructors have lots of suggested drills • Waiting for the computer to start or the microwave to finish and exercises. But you have a life outside of ski- • Showering (be careful with that one!) ing. A busy one. And when you get time you just Then I realized I could do them while running want to ski! So, how do you find time for all the errands. So, now I do them while: drills and exercises? • Pumping gas Well, I’ve found one small way to help. I call • Standing in line (bank, grocery store, etc.) them everyday balance drills. They occurred to • Waiting for my coffee order to be filled me while I was doing off-ski balance exercises I’ve also sometimes started squatting just a during a technique class. Everyday balance bit to improve balance and leg strength. Yes, drills can easily be incorporated into many some of these places are very public, so I - mundane tasks. And since balance is essential ate what I do with the situation. For example, to both classic and skate styles of skiing, these while waiting in line with other people, I barely exercises can improve your all-around skiing. lift one foot clear of the floor. If I start to lose my One of the best places to incorporate every- balance, I just touch down that foot. Easy-peasy. day balance drills is while getting dressed or Incorporating these everyday balance drills undressed. Don’t sit on a bed or chair. Stand up into my life has really helped my skiing, as well to put on or take off those clothes. And don’t lean as other recreational activities. And I haven’t up against anything. (Well, maybe start that way had to carve new time out in my life. In fact, if you think you’ll fall over.) By standing while they’ve made some annoying aspects of life dressing or undressing, you’ll have to balance more interesting. Now when I come up to a long on one leg at a time. And don’t forget shoes. You line at the grocery store or coffee shop, instead get bonus points for shoes if they have laces and of getting really annoyed I think, “Hey, I can do you tie or untie them while standing on one foot. some balance exercises!” Want an extra challenge? Stand on one leg then pick up or put down your shoes and socks Eric Troyer is Fairbanks editor of the Alaska Nor- one at a time from the floor. dic Skier. He admits that sometimes he’s just too blasted tired to stand up while getting dressed, but PHOTO BY CORRINE LEISTIKOW After incorporating standing and dressing/ then he shames himself the next time. The author demonstrates finding balance while putting on a undressing into my daily routine, I had another sock. NSCF-FXC helps build strong skiers all year long: Season starts in May The year-round program for NSCF- While NSCF-FXC is an outlet for focuses on shoring up technical skills, from making the varsity at their high FXC starts in late May, but the early a greater competitive experience, while introducing basic training con- school to success on the world stage. registration deadline is May 1. FXC the program also uses skiing to help cepts and the social aspect of being For more information, see the (Fairbanks Cross Country) is the young people grow in a healthy social part of a team. program’s page on the NSCF web- junior race-training program for the environment and learn what can be Prep Team: A team geared toward site (www.nscfairbanks.org). Go to Nordic Ski of Fairbanks. The goal of accomplished with long-term dedica- middle school students (ages 11-15) Programs > NSCF-FXC. For fami- the NSCF-FXC is to provide a full- tion and focus. NSCF-FXC aims to with the goal of refining technique lies having difficulties with paying service training program for young provide a training environment that is and building fitness in preparation the program’s tuition, a scholarship cross-country skiers. The program of- focused but also fun, challenging but for a smooth transition to high school, program is available. The deadline for fers a progression of developmentally energizing. regional and national levels of junior scholarship applications is usually in appropriate training and competition The program is split into three racing. mid-April. opportunities in which skiers are levels: Comp Team: A full-service junior Learn more at the NSCF-FXC webpage or continually challenged to grow and Jr. Devo Team: An introductory ski program for high school and post- contact program director Pete Leonard at fxc@ develop as athletes and young people. race team for skiers ages 9-14 that graduate athletes whose goals range nscfairbanks.org.

STATEWIDE Don’t ruin your skis in the off-season BY RILEY TROYER To prepare skis for summer the bases should be Swix CH7 or similar. After the wax is applied, run Do you want to ruin your skis and poles? cleaned well. First, scrape off any kick wax and ap- the iron down the ski a couple more times to ensure Surely you don’t, but some people do just that ply a wax remover to the entire base, for classic and the wax is properly heated into the base. by not caring for their equipment correctly in the skate skis. Wipe off the wax remover with a paper off-season. A set of skis and poles can easily last towel and brush out the skis with a metal brush to Protect your skis and poles several decades if properly stored. But those same remove any leftover dirt and wax remover residue. Finally, strap your skis together with ski ties or skis and poles, if neglected, might last just a couple tape and place them in a ski bag, if available. For years. Don’t shell out $1,000 on new equipment only Apply storage wax storing poles I like to buy a cheap plastic tube, may- to find it damaged beyond repair the next year. Next, apply a liberal amount of glide wax to the be six or so inches in diameter from the hardware Skis and poles are highly susceptible to damage entire ski base. This will protect the bases from or plumbing supply store. I then place my poles during the off-season. Skis can get shoved into the dust and scratches. Wax choice is important. The inside to protect them from any sort of blunt force. shed or stuffed into a corner of the garage and for- amount of fluoro in the wax doesn’t matter, though I Following these steps will allow your equipment gotten about for months. During this time dust can tend to go with unfluorinated because it is cheaper. to stay safe during the summer so that it is ready to build up on surfaces, bases can get scratched and However, the hardness of the wax does make a dif- pull out and take to the trails once the snow starts poles can be broken. Take these simple steps at the ference. If the wax is too hard it can become brittle to fall again. end of the season to eliminate problems. on the ski base and flake off. If it is too soft, sharp objects will easily scrape into it. A good midrange Riley Troyer is a student at University of Alaska Fairbanks, an employee at Goldstream Sports and a Clean your bases wax is the way to go, something like Toko NF Red, Fairbanks-area ski and bike racer.

the Alkas a nordic skier April/MAy 2016 STATEWIDE 13 Another classic Oosik!

More than 600 skiers from around Alaska found snow and fun at the annual 2016 Oosik Classic in Tal- keetna. Check out more photos and event results at www.denalinordicskiclub. org/oosik.

PHOTO BY KJETIL SPONE

Tour Alaska by doing a village-to-village ski BY NED ROZELL worth much more. So, you’d like to ski between Alaska • Expect all sorts of encounters villages using your racing or tour- on the trail. Many snowmachiners ing skis and boots and poles. Great will stop and expect you to do the idea. There are miles of good trail same even though you’ve got miles to make. Relax and listen for a bit. out there. In some places, like from They are a great source of info like Fairbanks, you can ski from home to the distance to the next village or Nome. how much overflow ice is on the I have taken advantage of these trail. Sometimes people will buzz by snowmachine-packed trails. Over at high speeds. Another reason to the years, often with my friend Andy always move off the trail, every time. Sometimes you will be offered food or Sterns, I have skied from Nenana to liquor. The latter can be tricky to turn Nome, Tanana to Allakaket and Kot- down, but a no thanks and a smile zebue to Kobuk. Last spring, six of us usually works. PHOTO BY NED ROZELL skied from Shishmaref to Nome. Andy Sterns skis into Kobuk. • Most times, people just want to On most of those trips, we’ve worn range when we skated the Serum Run Skiing is an inefficient mode of travel know what you’re doing. Chatting it the same gear you step into at Birch trail. out there. A fun way to move, yes, up means people in Elim will know Hill or Kincaid Park. Though racing you’re on your way even though you’re • Before you go, contact people but don’t expect other people to see still in Shaktoolik. That is a great bindings seem flimsy, they are quite in villages and arrange for places to things your way. comfort. And despite what happened tough. I have carried extra bindings, stay. Many communities do not have • Bring lots of cash, at least one to Jeff King in the 2016 Iditarod, have crashed a lot, and have never hotels or bed and breakfasts. School check, and use the village stores most encounters will be ones you gym floors are sometimes available, when they are open. You will need needed the extra bindings. And a remember because people were nice so try contacting the local school. them when you run out of white gas. good-fitting pair of boots won’t give and were happy you found their home Don’t expect to find lodging when you And overpay locals when they do you blisters and are adequate for interesting. get there. Do some homework and let you a favor. A Shishmaref resident walking. someone know you are coming. Don’t who saved us hours by pointing us Ned Rozell is a science writer for the These trips get you out in new get to a village at 2 a.m. shattered to the right trail and then offered us University of Alaska Fairbanks Geo- country, let you take advantage of the from your effort and pound on random his cabin that night got $100. His physical Institute. paths spider-webbed across Alaska, doors. That is poor form. Imagine knowledge and that shelter were and allow you to see how other people someone knocking on your house and demanding shelter. live. Below are some tips for village-to- • Always remember you are a guest in these communities. Be humble village skiing. Start planning now, for and gracious and thankful. While you next year! might think your ski trip is an epic • Use a comfortable pack into accomplishment, the locals do not. which you can’t fit too much. NordicSkier2.5x3.75 • It’s fun to time your trip to overlap with a dog race. A marked trail is a good thing, and lots of snowmachine travel leaves a nice soft texture. Dogs eGIRDWOOD, Bake ALASKA Shop pulling sleds leave an even more skiable trail, and the brown streaks give you something to dodge. If you do ski a race course like the Iditarod or the Kobuk 440, remember that you are an obstacle. Always get off the track to let mushers pass. And snowmachiners. And anyone else. • If you have supplies that you won’t be able buy at a village store Where are or you don’t want to roll the dice of theBuns Hot, and the store being open when you arrive, the Soup mail yourself a package to the local is post office. You are still restricted to Bottomless. hours when the post office is open, Advertise here and your Thurs-Mon 7am–7pm | Olympic Mt. Loop but mailing bags of goodies kept business can reach www.thebakeshop.com | 783-2831 Andy’s and my pack in the 30-pound skiers across the state.

the AlASKA nordic skier 14 STATEWIDE April/May 2016 North Korea to Mongolia: Alaskan explores China on skis BY HOLLY BROOKS marathons around the world – believe Over the past six years, I’ve been me, this venue was memorable. away almost more than I’ve been Our final race venue necessitated home. Chasing the World Cup and my a 17-hour bus ride from Changchun Olympic dream often necessitated to Xiwuqi in the Chinese province living out of a duffle bag. Yet, despite of Inner Mongolia, just south of the my extensive travel schedule, I had country of Mongolia. Most of the land never been to Asia. This ski season, I we traveled through was arid and flat, decided it was time for that to change. but I was pleasantly surprised to see When you think of Asia, you most at least three solid hours of wind tur- likely do not think of it being a Nordic bines generating some of the energy skiing hotbed. But pull out a map and for the 1.3 billion Chinese. locate the next two Olympic venues Xiwuqi hosted the tour’s final two and you would notice something races including a sprint race where I funny. The 2018 and 2022 games are literally wore my warmup pants over a relative stone’s throw away from my race suit because it was 15 below one another when considering world and windy. While the ski races were a geography. Just two years from now, COURTESY OF HOLLY BROOKS blast, the real highlight was the camel winter sport athletes will converge in zone, and 10 percent dilapidated. The The highlight of the second venue, races. I felt as if I’d stepped into a Pyeongchang, South Korea, and four five-minute walk from the hotel to the Changchun, was most definitely the National Geographic photoshoot with years later in Beijing, China. Yes, you race venue featured piles of garbage, Chinese Vassaloppet, a long-distance locals dressed head-to-toe in bright read that right: Beijing, also home to old tires and pyramids of black coal classic ski marathon inspired by the colors. The camels were covered in the 2008 Summer . ripe for burning in the conveniently original event in . While the thick coats of fur and looked very The combination of upcoming Olym- located power plant. Its fumes wafted Swedish version trumps in participa- regal, yet were very wild. We watched pic interest, China’s prominence in over to the gravel-pit-turned-skate- tion, the Chinese prevails in grandeur relay races that included passing a international news and my appetite sprint course. At the race venue, Chi- and jaw-dropping awe. Magnificent spear from one teammate to the next. for adventure sent me to the 2016 nese soldiers handed out Red Bull, snow sculptures, some as tall as We even saw a man get bucked off a Tour de Ski China. drones flew five feet overhead during five-story buildings, lined the race camel as if it were a rodeo. Of course I The Tour de Ski China consisted of the races, and people enjoyed horse- stadium. It was difficult to maintain had to try too … five races in three venues and com- drawn sled rides. The other notable composure and focus when double- At the completion of the races petitors from nine different countries: fact about Yanji is that it’s 20 kilo- poling past fire-breathing monkeys, the excitement didn’t end. We hung China, , , Sweden, meters from the border with North lines of elephants and a dove with around Beijing to see the Great Wall , , Canada, the USA and Korea. We missed the supposed the wingspan of half of a football of China and the Forbidden City. We Venezuela. The first stop was a city hydrogen bomb testing by a mere 72 field! The sculptures were carved to had crystal-clear weather for both oc- called Yanji, which was oddly remi- hours. All of the schools in Yanji were perfection. When asked for a design, casions after Beijing’s horrendous air niscent of Sochi, Russia. The hotel evacuated due to “seismic activity” one of the workers pulled a crumpled quality made international news over and surrounding area was 80 percent we later read in the English version of napkin from his back pocket. I’ve Christmas. Time after time we were new, 10 percent active construction the China Daily newspaper. been to Olympic stadiums and raced told how incredibly lucky we were. Klister, gelato and an Alaskan in the BY TRAVIS RECTOR an otherwise brown valley. Along every crest, turn and downhill of the This year’s Marcialonga will be remembered course, fans greeted us with cheers of “Bravi! as one of the slowest because of the difficult snow Bravi!” But every so often I swore I could hear conditions. But if you’re doing the race to ski strangers cheering my name. Maybe I was get- fast, you’re missing the point. The course is to be ting delusional from fatigue? My name, if mispro- savored, as it winds along a picturesque country- nounced, does sound similar to the Italian cheer. side from one charming town to the next. Skiing Then I heard a woman screaming “Travis! Travis! through villages, with crowds cheering and church America! America!” Out of 8,000 racers, I was one bells ringing, are among the experiences that of only 12 Americans in the race. It turns out I was make the race memorable. In addition to the usual a bit of a novelty. oranges and energy drink, the aid stations had Translating as “the long march,” the Mar- plates heaping with chocolates, cookies and other cialonga is a 70-kilometer classic-only ski race held treats. And if you wanted a shot of espresso to get in , a mountainous province in northern you going, some of the aid stations had that, too. In Italy. Like many people, my fascination with the the background of it all is the jaw-dropping expanse Marcialonga came from watching the Ski Classics of the Dolomites. race series. While all of these races feature beauti- The highlight of the race is the Cascata climb, PHOTOS COURTESY OF TRAVIS RECTOR ful scenery, the Marcialonga stood out. The thought where the crowds and adrenaline power you up to of skiing through quaint villages and countryside in Cup stadium in Val di Fiemme. the finish line. I won’t pretend I was happy or com- the Dolomites held particular charm. Plus, I’ll take The Marcialonga starts in the small town of fortable the entire race, but by the end I knew I had any excuse to go to Italy for gelato. Moena. The first 18km consist of a gradual (1 per- done something special. The first challenge was simply gaining entry to cent average grade) climb up the Val di Fassa val- As global warming makes winter snow less reli- the race. Online registration opens in October but ley. The course then descends back down to Moena able, ski races will be more prone to being short- fills up within minutes because by that time very and continues to Predazzo, which is the finish point ened or canceled. This year demonstrated that the few entries remain. Race organizers give most of for the 45km “light” race. The course then contin- Marcialonga’s organizers were able to hold a race, the bibs to tour groups and those companies were ues down the Val di . The meat of the even in adverse conditions, thanks to their prodi- not willing to assist those from outside the country. course, roughly 50 km, is mostly gradual downhill gious snowmaking abilities. So if you want to do the But Norway’s Maxpulse (maxpulse.no) agreed to and perfect for double poling. The last 2.5 km of the race, be sure to plan early to get a start number, help us out. Maxpulse took care of the logistics re- race is the legendary Cascata climb to the finish be sure to say “grazie mille” to the volunteers, and lated to the race, including registration, lodging and line in the town of Cavalese. For the second year in don’t forget to bring an American flag. travel from Verona. Before the race, Maxpulse also a row, a lack of snow presented a formidable chal- Travis Rector is a master skier, Junior Nor- organized two ski trips in the area: one to Passo lenge to race organizers. Think the snowmaking at dics coach and astrophysicist in Anchorage. He is di Lavazé, a Nordic trail system with spectacular Kincaid Park is impressive? The race was held on a getting dizzy from skiing the snowmaking loop at views of the Dolomites, and another to the World 70km white strip of manmade snow that ran along Kincaid Park.

the Alkas a nordic skier April/May 2016 STATEWIDE 15 Alaska’s finest young skiers shine bright on national, international trails Slush Cup vs Blizzard Cup could be the labels for to space limitations, listing the top results of all each of Team Alaska’s competitions in early March. races is not possible. Full results can be found for While the skiers at the Junior Nationals Champion- Junior Nationals at http://raceresults.sportstats.us/ ships in Cable, Wisconsin, adapted to the weather events.xhtml (search “2016 USSA Junior National by skiing in tank tops with their bottoms as knick- Championships”) and for Arctic Winter Games at ers, the skiers at the Arctic Winter Games in Nuuk, http://awg2016.gems.pro/Result/Sport_List.aspx Greenland, donned their full uniforms plus goggles (click on the “cross country ski” icon). Congratula- and were spotted making snow caves. On the day tions to all competitors who represented Alaska in Alaska skiers departed Greenland, there was a both Wisconsin and Greenland! 75-degree temperature difference with the Alaska skiers in Wisconsin, who were skiing a team hill Ski season is over, but training and planning never ends climb to the top of Mount Telemark. PHOTO BY ADAM VERRIER Each event had its challenges. Organizers of the Team Alaska skiers hit the hills hard at the 2016 Skiers of Cross Country Alaska should watch for Arctic Winter Games in Nuuk, Greenland. From left information regarding the USSA U16 camp held Junior Nationals found ways for their show to go on, is Zach Bassett, Tristan , Will Balcao and Roan though it was marked by record high temperatures. Hall. in Lower 48 and the Regional Elite Group (REG) They adapted race formats to preserve quickly camp held in Alaska. Club coaches will be notified Alaska Cup, which combines points earned each melting snow; they organized parent volunteers in April for skier invitations to the U16 camp. Ar- day based on results. They placed third behind New to shovel snow from around the venue to the race rangements will be made for the REG camp held in England and Midwest divisions. In the club stand- trails; they closed the trails to training; and they Alaska and skiers will be notified in early May for ings, APU Nordic Ski Center and Alaska Winter started the sprint race day at 7:30 a.m. to beat the invitations to that camp. Stars placed third and fourth, respectively. heat. Meanwhile up north, the organizers in Nuuk The annual CCAK Spring Summit is from 9:30 In Nuuk, the Alaska flag was the backdrop for had to postpone races to wait for the wind to die a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, April 24, at the ConocoPhillips many a podium ceremony. Fairbanks U14 skier down for flights to land and reset courses so skiers building in Anchorage. Those interested in attend- Kaya Ratzlaff was at the top of the podium for wouldn’t venture out too far and get lost in blowing ing can contact CCAK to be put on the attendee list. each of her races, including the relay with team- snow. One race was actually in blizzard-like condi- At the summit, the board of directors, competition mates Quincy Donley and Kendall Kramer. In the tions described as “stop you in your place head- committee, club coaches, officials and host club 3.75K mass start freestyle race, U16 skiers Emma winds.” representatives from around the state review the Jerome, Aubrey LeClair and Zoe Hancock swept Several Alaskans were crowned National Cham- past season and look toward the upcoming season. the podium. In the U18 freestyle sprint races Abby pions in Wisconsin. Classic distance: Gus Schum- Additionally, the CCAK board of directors has one Amick was the fastest sprinter of the girls and acher (U16) and Hunter Wonders (U18). Freestyle open seat. If you are interested in stepping up to Zach Bassett, Will Balcao and Roan Hall swept the distance: Luke Jager (U16), Hunter Wonders (U18 participate on this level, please contact CCAK. podium for the boys. In addition to the U14 girls, and overall winner of U18/U20 race), Anna Darnell On behalf of the CCAK board, thanks to all who Alaskans topped the podium in other relay races as (U18 and overall winner of U18/U20 race). King of helped with another successful season for the ski- well: Max Beiergrohslein, Dale Baurick and Kelly the Mountain Hill Climb: Hunter Wonders (U18 ers of the ConocoPhillips Besh Cup race series. In Martin (U14); Emma Jerome, Zoe Hancock and Au- and overall winner), Travis Cooper (U20) and Anna looking toward 2016-17, over the summer the CCAK brey LeClair (U16); and Zach Bassett, Will Balcao Darnell (U18). Four Alaska teams took top honors competition committee will put together the race and Roan Hall (U18). Most important, Team Alaska at the hill climb, as well. Luke Jager, Ti Donaldson schedule and publish dates in the fall. The commit- once again took home the Hodgson Trophy. At each and Gus Schumacher (U16); Anna Darnell, Maggie tee builds the schedule based on the high school Arctic Winter Games, the AWG International Com- York and Jenna DiFolco (U18); Hunter Wonders, race schedule and the senior national champion- mittee presents this award to the contingent whose Canyon Tobin and Tracen Knopp (U18); and Travis ship races held in early January 2017. See you next athletes best exemplify the ideals of fair play and Cooper, Max Donaldson and Luke Cvancara (U20). fall! team spirit. While Alaskans had strong showings each day at Learn more about CCAK at www.crosscountryalaska.org. Many skiers at both events did so well, that due Junior Nationals, they were not able to reclaim the A wonderful winter at the happy huts … and a chance to build more The hut has been booming lately, unprecedented country to hikers, ski- with myriad S-turns squiggling down ers, pack-rafters and adventurers. Manitoba’s white face. Drawn by Huts will host a fundraising party bargain weekday rates, deep powder on April 14 at the TapRoot in Spenard. and the wood-fired sauna, a record A Flannel Affair will feature prizes, number of visitors have been spend- a silent auction, a slideshow on the ing the night and cooking dinner for White Mountain hut system, and three themselves at the Manitoba Cabin. rocking hours by local band Sassa- “The cabin and yurts have been fras. The $10 cover and proceeds go to booked all winter,” said Joan Travos- Alaska Huts. tino, board president of the Alaska For more info, visit www.alaskahuts.org/ Mountain & Wilderness Huts Associa- news/2016/3/6/alaska-huts-presents-a-flannel- tion. “The great snow south of An- affair. chorage brought many people back to Manitoba Mountain.” More than 700 nights were reserved PHOTO BY TOM CALLAHAN Proposed Trail Glacier Hut site in the fall of 2015. in the two communal huts and pri- vate sleeping room from November hut in the middle of a winter season wilderness stewardship. Rates go as through January — a 56 percent before,” said Amy Dalton, outreach low as $15 for a single person during increase over the same period last coordinator. “We are blown away by weekdays. Learn more at www.Alas- season. This winter surge meant the growth in use.” kahuts.org. volunteers had to twice deliver more The Manitoba facility — located off The group hopes to build three new propane and spend a day excavat- Mile 49 of the Seward Highway on a facilities along the Placer River-Trail ing two cords of backup wood from historic Gold Rush site — is operated River corridor in partnership with the PHOTO BY WILLIE DALTON snowbound storage beneath one of the by the nonprofit Alaska Mountain Alaska Railroad Whistle Stop program Manitoba Cabin has had unprecedented use this winter and has required more yurts. & Wilderness Huts Association as a and Chugach National Forest. This upkeep than previous seasons. “We’ve never had to resupply the destination for outdoor education and new hut-to-hut system could open up

the Alkas a nordic skier 16 STATEWIDE April/MAy 2016

Street. Skiing across the slushy, soft lake, I had deja vu to training on Eagle Alaska’s Norris Glacier with APU. Skiing there for the past three summers has taught me how to push effectively through nearly brings his best bottomless slush conditions. I felt com- fortable with the technique needed to ski efficiently leading into the last to the Birkie kilometer of the race. BY DAVE NORRIS I took the lead a few 100 meters This story was first published in before we came off the lake increas- the February 25 edition of the SkiPost ing the pace, and when I hit the bridge online newsletter . I was going all out having raced for I recently competed in the largest, over two hours to get to this point. As most esteemed race in North America I exited the bridge, I started believing – the American Birkebeiner in Wis- more and more in myself that I could consin. After 52K of exciting, tactical take home the win. racing, I took the win, fueled by the Sprinting down Street was the support of the crowd and the fans on loudest cheering I have ever heard; the Main Street cheering so loud I couldn’t screaming from the fans could serious- even hear myself breathe. It was an ly be compared to the noise produced at a rock concert. I had no perception event that beyond exceeded my expec- PHOTO BY PAUL WALSH tations, with over 10,000 racers and an of where my competitors were around even larger number of spectators. I variable conditions I would face on the to save my legs for the surges that I me because of all the noise, something am humbled by all the encouragement course. expected to happen towards the last I have never experienced before. and support I have since received: the From the gun, the pace went out quarter of the race, I tried to ski with a This was a huge win and I couldn’t Birkie community and culture is what steady for the first 10K before settling strong core and an elastic kick to keep be more excited about my accomplish- made this win so much more memo- in, with a lead pack of just about 15 or my legs from getting stiff. ment. What really made it special was rable than the rest. 20 guys forming. As the pace settled When the pace picked up, I was the entire Birkie experience and all With headlamps on and only a few in, I narrowed my focus on staying ready for the push. With about 7K left the amazing people who congratulated hours of sleep under their belts, the out of trouble, trying to avoid any pole in the race, the lead pack blew apart, me and have supported me so far in Rossignol techs headed out hours breaks and attempting to ski efficiently leaving me alone with six other Eu- my ski career. Big thanks to APU before the race start to help me choose through the rolling terrain. Since join- ropeans. As we skied onto the lake as Nordic Ski Center, Rossignol Skis and between my S2 and S3 white base ing APU two years ago, I have been a group, I knew the race would come Boots, Exel Poles, and Bliz Eyewear skis. It was decided that my S2s would working a lot on my skate technique down to a sprint finish unless some- and the many other individuals in the be the best overall ski through the with my coach, Erik Flora. In order one picked up the pace before Main ski community. Thank you for the gift of snow!

A special season-ending thank you to the Kincaid Project Group for helping create the snow that kept Nordic skiing and racing alive at Kincaid Park this season! NSAA’s members and leaders, as well as skiers of all ages from across Alaska and beyond, are grateful for your extraordinary e orts to support the Nordic skiing community!

PHOTO BY BARRY JOHNSON

the AlASKA nordic skier