A p r i l /M a y 2 017, Vo l .18 , N o . 7 Anchorage, Eagle River, Fairbanks, Girdwood, Homer, Juneau, Kenai, Mat-Su, Salcha, Seward, Soldotna, Talkeetna and Valdez

PHOTOS BY MAX KAUFMAN

Anchorage...... 2 ANCHORAGE STATEWIDE KACHEMAK Eagle River...... 10 Thank you to NSAA staff, Nation’s finest, fastest Return of winter means Fairbanks...... 13 volunteers, supporters skiers glide into Alaska return of Marathon Girdwood...... 12 Kachemak ...... 9 Mat-Su ...... 11 2 8 9 Statewide ...... 7 CHECK OUT TWO BONUS PAGES OF THE ALASKA NORDIC SKIER FEATURING VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHTS, SUMMER SKI CARE AND MORE AT ANCHORAGENORDICSKI.COM/NEWSLETTER/ 2 April/May 2017

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

BOARD MEMBERS Thank YOU! for an unforgettable season PRESIDENT Joey Caterinichio You make NSAA great! For 52 over the past season, participation is hosting national events in 2018 and VICE PRESIDENT Sara Miller years, this ol’ ski club has provided up, membership has increased and 2019 for juniors and masters. SECRETARY extraordinary opportunities, and this connecting with local businesses and Want to be a part of it? We have Josh Niva TREASURER season was no exception, and it was organizations has improved. volunteer opportunities, big and Karl Garber all fueled by supporters like you. By NSAA’s work doesn’t end when small! You can make lifelong friends, MEMBERS Elizabeth Arnold volunteering, donating, coaching and the snow disappears. Fundraising hang outside, build your resume and Mike Miller Dustin Shannon promoting NSAA to your friends and continues. Summer also brings increase your work experience, and Molly Brown coworkers, you’ve kept Anchorage critical equipment maintenance have fun while doing it. Connect with Alex Grumman a skiing community through Nordic and trail work to combat erosion, our office at (907) 276-7609 to get OFFICE STAFF events, programs, opportunities rutting and growth. The NSAA plugged into this skiing community Erin Beam, Business Manager and trails. Every hour donated, staff is currently drilling down in today and help fuel us into the next Tamra Kornfield, Program Manager Amber Adams, Office Manager every dollar contributed is essential each program and event to tweak amazing season. to NSAA sustainability. Reflecting and improve. Additionally, NSAA is OPERATIONS STAFF Ben Powell, Director Craig Norman Bill Brion NSAA Operations: Happy trails to a bountiful Peter Zug Annette Brion Matthew Pauli season of snow and fun Ricky Prince COMMITTEE CHAIRS What a great season with lots of memorable moments this really is a year-round endeavor, completely made and some very busy NSAA groomers, which was a good possible by your membership which is essential for the ALASKA SKI FOR WOMEN Jenny De Grappa thing! Snowmaking got us started early and the system sustainability of our association. So, if you know people worked well. About mid-January there was enough snow who enjoy using the trails any time of year, please ANCHORAGE CUP RACING Raye Ann Neustel to transition from snow machines to snow cats. The racing encourage them to become an NSAA member or to Meg and Bob Stehn season was a success with only a few cancellations due to donate. BACKCOUNTRY TOURS temperatures, and there were no sustained cold snaps or NSAA’s Operations staff would like to thank the Patti Phillips, Mary Vavrik, Karlene Leeper, warm-ups. What a welcomed change after three winters of membership and the several volunteers who give of their Ken DePalma disappointing skiing conditions! time to help with making snow, coordinating, setting BIATHLON Fortunately, the NSAA Operations team didn’t have up and officiating races, cutting brush, grooming and Co-chairs — Catherine Kilby any major equipment issues; however very soon we will countless other tasks. We would like to thank Anchorage and Marti Pausback be turning our efforts toward maintaining our fleet. Parks and Recreation and Eagle River Parks and HIGH SCHOOL RACING Pisten Bullys are not like automobiles and require lots of Recreation for their partnership and cooperation. Finally, John Christopherson service. Break-up is the perfect time to start addressing none of this would have happened without our fabulous HUTS many of these “housekeeping” duties. Once the ground NSAA office staff and Board of Directors – you people are Call NSAA office for reservations thaws and dries out, we’ll start to whittle away at the trail great and we appreciate you! JUMPING maintenance as listed in our long-term plan. We’ll see you on the trails. Have a fun and safe summer! Karen Compton Between maintaining the equipment and the trails Vivienne Murray Mike Jokela, Coach

JUNIOR NORDIC Eric Egeland, Chair

2016-2017 NSAA Volunteers: Thank you! LANDS COMMITTEE Moxness, Mary Vollendorf and Tamra Kornfield; Jim and Ros Singleton, Alice Knapp, Anne Brooks, Gordon Wetzel The Nordic Skiing Association Volunteers — Brian Ross (Event MC and host), Bob Glen, Bob and Meg Stehn, Colin Hawkins, Dale of Anchorage thanks all of the Celebrity costume judges Beth Helgeson, Mark Evern, David Hulen, Diane Moxness, Dick and Liska MIDDLE SCHOOL RACING Murphy, Natalie Lowman, Astrid Stark and Ariel Snyder, Ed and Robin Kornfield, Ed Brewer, Fred Dave Blanchet individuals and businesses whose Tweto; Greg DuBois (parking lead), Paulette Compton Stutzer, Steve McKeever, Gerald Bell, Tina Tomsen, volunteer time and financial or in- (chalet lead), Bob Stehn and Tim Brabets (timing), Patrick McGownd, Buzz Scher, Ove Madsen, Jan RACE CHAIRMAN Jan Hazen (event photos), Patrick McGownd (kick Hazen, Lin Hinderman, Bruce Talbot, Sharon Smith, Tim Stone kind support makes everything we wax crew), Michael Henrich (massage crew), Marti Tim Stone, Tom Hunt, Michael Miller, Mark Worcester, do possible. We do our best every Pausback (winner’s crowns), Becky More (AWAIC), Celia Rozen, June Takagi, Holly Morris, Elizabeth Darlena Fritzler (YWCA), Loyd Bradley, Daniel Knapp, Steve Beardsley, Pete Mjos, Ed Brewer, SCHOLARSHIPS season to thank each and every one Gonzales, Neeta Wilson, Kevin Tran, Gretchen Amy Schumacher, Tom Hawkins, Tom Brooks, Tim Dan Rosenberg of you, but it is not always possible Nelson, Steve Bentley, Tim Alderson, Ruth Bratz, Samuelson, Steve Morris, Pam Mamrol, Iain Miller, Karla Huntington, Katjana Stutzer, Molly Mikan, Molly Mylius, Steve Agee, Sally and Jim Burkholder, SKI 4 KIDS to name every person. If we have Nate Bushek, Mary Havents, Katherine Rawlins, Niles Woods, Rob Dolan, Peter Johnson, Pita Benz, Iain Miller inadvertently left your name off of Pam Jones, Jessica Limbird, Sarah Pullen, Charlea Rich and Teresa Hull, Liz Butera, Mike Miller, Ken Allen, Kristen Lewis, Marilyn Bost, Samantha Cherot, Hunt Hunt, Jim Singleton, Bill Carpenter, Bob Glen, SKI TRAIN these lists, please accept our apology Lisa Rieger, Ros and Jon Singleton, Elaine Nelson, Colin Hawkins, Dale Evern, David Hulen, Robert Cole, Sean Bolender Toby Wong, Patrick Holmes, John Weddleton, Linda Carpenter, David Hagen, Jan and Rick Holland, and let us know. Your contributions to Randy Hessong, Ruth Carter, Polly Hessing, Elvis and a long list of other dedicated volunteers and NSAA are greatly appreciated! Macpherson, Mike Miller, Iain Miller, Tim, Stone, Paul devoted coaches. TRAILS Stone, Ben Elbow, Scott Belier, Steve Beardsley, Mike Miller NSAA Board of Directors — Joey Caterinichio, Sara Dick Snyder, Rosie Frankowski, Marisa Escher, Fiona ASD Middle School Racing — Diane Moxness, Miller, Mike Miller, Elizabeth Arnold, Josh Niva, Karl Peichel, Anson Moxness and the West High ski team, Kevin Agar, Sheila Aikey, Steve Aikey, Nathan TOUR OF ANCHORAGE Alexander, Mary Allen, Emory Banker, Mike Garber, Dustin Shannon, Alex Grumman and Molly the timing crew, Anchorage Nordic Ski Patrol and Paul Stone Brown. many, many more. Beiergrohslein, Jason Bent, Michelle Bittner, Tracy Blaine, Trix Boslough, Ed Brewer, Annette Brion, Bill Annual Meeting and Ski Swap — NSAA Board AMH Anchorage Cup — Raye Ann Neustel, Meg Brion, Jack Carlson, Susan Casey, Joey Caterinchio, NSAA OFFICE HOURS Members, Marcia Bandy, Alec Cervenka, Alejandra and Bob Stehn, Tim and Anne Stone, Anchorage Doug Cobb, Cindy Crow, Faran Crow, Matt Crow, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday Legate, Aubrey LeClair, Bob Butera, Branden Nordic Ski Patrol, Joyce Barnett, Lauri Bassett, Scott Joan Darnell, Jason Dennis, Shannon Donley, Carrie Fontana, Buzz Scher, Buzz Scher, Celia Rozen, Celia Belyea, Ryan Bickford, Dave Blanchett, Tom Brooks, Durey, Will Earnhart, Anya Ermak-Bower, Sarah BOARD MEETINGS Rozen, Chris Backstrum, Chris Backstrum, Dave Jan Buron, Liz Butera, Bob Butera, Deb Caldera, Euridge, Garrett Everidge, Emily Fairbanks, Kathleen Fourth Thursday of the month, Stamp, Diane Ramey, Elena Hinds, Elizabeth Arnold, Diane Crawford, Eric Dale, Kristy DeYong, Ben Fast, Chuck Gilbert, Sally Gilbert, Carol Green, 6 — 15 P.M. at BP Energy Center Emily Lucy, Julie Truskowski, June Takagi, June Takagi, Elbow, Charles Gilbert, Judy Green, Martin Hansen, Tanya Greenway, Kelly Haley, Eva Hancock, Martin or NSAA office. Open to all. Karen Compton, Karl Garber, Karl Samber, Kristen Yukiko Hayano, Trish Herminghaus, Lin Hinderman, Hansen, Laura Harris, Dan Hartman, Heather Helzer, Fick, Laurel Renkert, Leah Besh, Leah Legate, Lex Nancy Hiney, Sandy Johnson, Bill Lamoreaux, Emily Jay Hermanson, Diane Hiasny, Lin Hinderman, Gail Treinen, Libby Kugel, Liz Butera, Lorraine Borys, Lamoreaux, Ove Madsen, Iain Miller, Mike Miller, Hoeffler, Kirstin Hoppe, Peter Johnson, Shawn Jolin, Marcia Bandy, Marti Pausback, Mitchel Jurasek, Jeanne Molitor, Diane Moxness, JR Patee, Michael Alice Knapp, Galina Lintelman, Ramon Luna, Denise Molly Mylius, Nathaniel Knapp, Patrick Carnahan, Powell, Katherine Rawlins, Bill Rice, Clare Ross, Celia Lutton, Jessica Maves, Edna Maxwell, Jennifer Rachel Samuelson, Sam Sterling, Seth Andersen, Rozen, Amy Schumacher, Paul Stone, Rich Suddock, McKay, David McPheters, Laura McWhite, Iain Miller, South High, Taylor Keegan, Tom Hoosier and Tully June Tagaki, Julie Truskowski, Rose VanHemert, Mark Jeanne Molier, Steve Morris, JR Patee, Rick Petter, Labelle-Hamer. Worcester, Bo York and many more. John Powers, Bill Romberg, Hannah Romberg, Alaska Ski for Women — Committee Member ASD High School Racing — John Christopherson, Volunteers — Jenny Di Grappa, Meg Stehn, Diane Matt Pauli, Sandra Christopherson, Gordon Wetzel, See VOLUNTEERS, Page 3

the Alaska nordic skier April/May 2017 ANCHORAGE 3

Harrison, Jessie Merriam, Steve Schell, Carla Banez, the Alaska VOLUNTEERS Korl Goertz, Nicole Lawrence, Ryan Flygare, Eryn Continued from Page 2 Boone, Jason Lucas, Sophie Howell, Kasla Howell, nordic skier Megan Langford, Dean Carman, Derek Kleehammer, Venetia Ruehle, John Ruele, Sarah Rygh, Tim Jodi Barnett, Chris Jung and the Anchorage Nordic Samuelson, Mary Kay Sorich, Bob Stehn, Meg Stehn, Ski Patrol. Paul Stockburger, Tim Stone, Elizabeth Stuart, Phil EDITOR Taft, Bruce Talbot, Germaine Thompson, Lex Treinen, Tour of Anchorage — Paul Stone, Addie McEwen, Josh Niva Shanti Trevelyan, Walter Tusten, Mark Worcester and Adrian Bender, Alden Worachek, Alec Walter, Chris Zafron. Alice Samuelson, Alicen Bishop, Alison McCarrey, [email protected] Alison Smith, Anchorage Nordic Ski Patrol, Andrea Backcountry Tours — Patti Phillips (NSAA contact), Cordano, Ann Cherrier, Anne Newman, Anne Stone, Ken DePalma (scouting), Kellin Lang-Gillming (tele Art Copoulos, Aubrey Sabin, Bart Stone, Becky LAYOUT and AT skis), Karlene Leeper (Denali View Chalet), Kurtz, Ben Arians, Beth Schulz, Bev Lewanski, Bob Kevin Powell Bob Sutherland (Denali National Park dog sled French, Bob Stehn, Brittany Hippe, Bruce Talbot, supported ski trips), Mary Vavrik (Ski Patrol contact), Buzz Scher, Carolyn Borjon, Celia Foley, Celia Rozen, [email protected] Anchorage Nordic Ski Patrol, Zach Liller and Matthew Christa Wallace, Cindy Drinkwater, Dave Apperson, Lunetta. Deborah Greene, Debra Caldera, Diana Evans, Besh Cup — Matt Pauli, Alice Knapp, Alice Diana Redwood, Diane Crawford, Dorothy Childers, AD REPRESENTATIVE Michaelson, Amy Johns, Brian Hoefler, Bruce Talbot, Felipe Restrepo, Gabby Serventi, Greg McDuffie, Andre Lovett Celia Rozen, Chris Zafren, Claire Holland, Dave Heidi and Ken Schulz, Henry Arend, Iain Miller, Ian Blanchet, Diane Moxness, Ed Kornfield, Ed Strabel, Moore , Jan Hazen, Jared Cordova , Jared Walter, [email protected] Elizabeth Arnold, Elsa Aegerter, Frank Mitchell, Jeanne Funatake, Jen Jolliff, Jessie Banas, Jim [email protected] Gail Hoefler, Gerry Xavier, Glenn Gellert, Gunnar Renkert, John Glidden, John Simeone, John Walden, Knapp, Holly Brooks, Jeff Kase, Jess Grunblatt, Joyce Goodell, Judy Dearborn, Ken Schulz, Kevin Jim Burkholder, Jim Singleton, Joan Darnell, Joe Banks, Korin Homestead, Kristen Lewis, Kristofer Darnell, Julie Truskowski, June Takagi, Katie Ronsse Gills, Larry Rundquist, Laura Baez, Lex Treinen, Lin LOCAL EDITORS Libby, Leah and Nieces, Lies Packer, Liz Butera, PHOTO BY TWISTED BRANCH PHOTOGRAPHY Hinderman, Lorena Edenfield, Luke Rosier, Lupe Mark Worcester, Marti Pausback, Pam Wallace, Marroquin, Lydia Wirkus, Macey Hoffman, Madison ANCHORAGE Tristan Wiese, and all the parents who helped both Chan, Marc Phillips, Marina Medina, Mark Strabel, Paul Stone, Peter Johnson, Renata Brennan, Robin inside and outside. Josh Niva Kornfield, Ros Singleton, Sally Burkholder, Steve Martha Service, Martin Hansen, Maryann Ramos, Carrell and many others. Photo Contest, Calendar, Maps, Graphic Design, Matt Pauli, Meg Stehn, Megan Kemp, Mike Jens, [email protected] Website — Jan Hazen, Justin Ritter, Willie Dalton, Mike Miller, Mimi Hogan, Murray Athans, Nancy Biathlon events and programs — Committee Peter Luchsinger and Jovell Rennie. Stone, Nathaniel Betz, Nicholas Pulice, Paul EAGLE RIVER — Catherine Kilby, Marti Pausback, Pete Pritchard, Twardock, Paula Taylor, Randall Plant, Rob Olson, Marcia Bandy, Tom Grenier, Douglas Cobb, Michael Scholarship Committee — Dan Rosenberg (Chair), Ron Zandman-Zeman, Rosie Frankowski, Sandor, Ros Singleton Milhollin; Volunteers — Jack Porter, Deana Watson, Dwayne Adams and Celia Rozen. Sandy Johnson, Sara Miller, Sarah Freistone, Sarah [email protected] Joan Kluwe, Kyle Easterly, Mike Burns, Chad SKAN24 Race — Committee — Chet Fehrman, Radonich, Sarah Wright, Scott Belyer, Skyler Kenna, Carpenter, Megan Cummings, David Cunningham, Tanner Randall, Tara Schmidt, Terry Kelly, Tess Catherine Gilliland, Tricia Grenier, Zoey Grenier, Zach Marti Pausback, Bob and Meg Stehn; Volunteers FAIRBANKS — Tracy Anna Bauder, Ryan Bickford, Sam Casen, Báez-Terry, Tim Brabets, Tim Stone, Travis Rector, Hall, Katherine Kilby, Joan Kluwe, Miles Michael, Valeria Báez, Yukiko Hayano, Boy Scout Troop 214, Eric Troyer Kelly Parsons, Wendy Romberg, Bill Romberg, Morgan Coniglio, Jake Gondek, Emily Henderson, Kai Meyers, Diane Moxness, Megan Piersma, Celia Dimond Ski Team, East Ski Team, Service Seminar, [email protected] Steve Shamburek, Sarah Wilson, Steve Wood, South Ski Team, Bartlett Ski Team — Leola Atkinson, Louise Wood, Natasha Von Imhof, Rick Watson, Rozen, Rangell Soriano, Tristan Wise, Cathy Wright, Geoff Wright and Jamie Yager. Tom Grenier, Zoey Grenier, Mary Janus, Luke Lilly, Josh Watson, Amy McLeod, Scott Belyea, Steve Cameron Pogue, Ryan Pogue, Declan Reid, Joe Reid, HOMER Shamburek, Scott Belyea, Gerry Hupp, Steve Wood, Ski 4 Kids — Iain Miller, Alice Knapp, Matias Saari and Sarah Tucker; Chugiak Ski Team — Benjamin Marylou Burton Miles Michael, Roberta Wonders and many more (Healthy Futures), Mike Morganson (REI), Brad Booher, Olivia Mueller, Gwen Mueller, Jack Ginter, individuals and families. Cooke, Margaret Timmerman, Victoria Hutton, Carly Dennis, Garret Nevells, Brian Wing, Miles JUNEAU Jumping Program — Committee — Karen Compton, (Muni Parks & Rec), Anchorage Nordic Ski Patrol, Dennis Alycia Beiergroslein and Penny Booher; Eagle Vivienne Murray, Mike Jokela; Coaches — Zak Arthur Harmon (Arctic Orienteering Club), Greg River High School — Frances Mann, Renee Morhain, Mark Scholten Hammill, Natasha Mattoon, Trevor Taylor; Judges — Matyas (Speedway Cycles), Ira Edwards (Sit and Perry Lundgren; West Ski Team — Bill Mans, Al [email protected] Mike Jokela, Trevor Taylor, Tom Smith; Snowmaking — Skis), Jim Renkert, JR Patee and Natasha Matoon Mitchell, Jim Jager, Michael Martin, Richard Gordon- (Ski jumping), Jr. Nordic Coaches, June Takagi, Rein, Henry Banker, Avery Bryant, Paige Brown, Talya Tom Smith, Hilltop Ski Area; Facility — Mike Jokela, MAT-SU JR Pattee; Volunteers — Barbara Amy, Scott Amy, Lin Hinderman, Michael Miller, Mike Miller, Scott Barnes, Daniel Kling, Allie Jepson, Molly Becia, Laura Jane Banaszak, Bethany Berry, Jill Brubaker, Michael Belyea, Tim Stone, Boy Scout Troop 214 — Cooper, Alacantra, Giorgia Lozza, Paulina Larenas-Bajwa, Ed Strabel Chiacchia, William Kretzschmar, Tom Kretzschmar, Nicholas Bajwa, Sofia Bajwa, Irene Tresser, Max Brubaker, Jessica Cochran, Steve Compton, Dana [email protected] Cooper, Jeremy Cooper, Sally Dworsky, Dick Dworsky, and Alex Isatello; Service High Ski Team — Zach Brown, and Frank Mitchell. Maureen Fiscus, Patrick Folds, Dana Griffin, David Bassett, Peter Hoffman, Maya Brubaker, Jocelyn Chanonto, Henry Arend, Ray Metzger, Addy Wright, Solstice Tour of Trees — Frank Mitchell, Stefanie SALCHA Griffin, Clark Gudmundson, Danielle Gudmundson, Tatalias, Scott Broadwell, Alison Lausten, Mary Ken Hatch, Scott Hauser, Carol Howarth, Donna and Jess Malouf; East High Ski Team — Ashlyn Jim Ostlind Johnson, Anthony Cole, Sarah Freeman, and Andrew Vavrik, Jen Stansel, Amy Becia, Cal Larson, Eric Mears, Jim Mendenhall, Kevin Menkens, Jessee Cannon, South High ROTC and Honor Society, Rita Menkens, Jeanne Molitor, Howard Mozen, John McNab; East High Food Prep Class- Ms. Rebecca [email protected] Jesse; UAA Ski Team — Miranda Sheeny, Conor Miller, Heather Miller, Sue and Sue’s daughter, Ann Murray, Heather Onders, Carl Oswald, Jessica Slaghbaugh, Travis, Bristol and Carter Tobin, Kari, Ian, Oswald, Lynn Palmquist, Mike Panter, Mike Rehberg, McDonald, Curtis Mckillop, Sadie Fox, Martins SEWARD Onskulis, Marcus Dueling and Michaela Keller-Miller. Peja and Tate Skinner, Paul, Amelia, and Reese Kari, Chris Rygh, Amber Saugier, Luke Saugier, Elizabeth Lauren Becia, Brian Kirchner/Nana Nordic/Skiku, Julie Robinson Schafer, Megan Scharfenstine, Xavier Schlee, Bruce Ski Train — Sean Bolender, Elena Bolender, SJ Eric with Nordic Ski Patrol. [email protected] Seppi, Alex Slivka, Chris Sorich, Benjy Uffenbeck, Klein, Travis Taylor, Dawn Timothy, Loy Donaldson, Brent Veltkamp, Jill Woehlkens and Regina Woods. Mark Stoneburrer, David Dempsey, Mike Morganson, Fun times, big impact . Junior Nordic — Committee — Eric Egeland, Amy Jussi RyeHinen, Kirsten Olson, Nick Lynch, Steven Volunteer with NSAA! SOLDOTNA Shore, Esther Shoe, Tim Hilts, Greg Solomon, April Schumacher, Shannon Gramse, Allison Showers- From a few hours on an event day to a season- Penny McClain Chlup, Jennifer Owens, Jennifer Starck, and Travis Jaillet, Jeff Manley, Andy Sorenson, John Kagerer, Austin Roach, Jennifer Bachman, Aaron Hensley, long leadership commitment and dozens of roles 262-6257 Rector; Volunteer coaches — Alice Knapp, Anton in-between, NSAA has volunteer opportunities Clark, Ava Evans, Carlie Tessler, Cathy Wright, Dana Erika Ammann, Anmei Goldsmith, Aidren Vied, Colton Welch, James Webb, Tom Meacham, Craig Blalee, for the public to step up and make our Nordic ski TALKEETNA Goodman, Daniel Scarbrough, Eli Brudie, Emory community, events and programs stronger. If you Banker, Ethan Hoosiert, Gretchen Mitchell, Kyle Henry J. Harman, Hilary Fisher, Daniel Powess, S Chris Mannix Kurtz, John Capo, Sara Phip, Mikhael Philp, Lewis have a time, talent and passion, NSAA can guide you Barnhart, Lili Barnel, Louise Lane, Lucas Schlemme, to positions where you can make an impact. Mary Sewell, Matthew Klotz, Max Rinehart, Michelle Rogers, Greg Dudek, Tony Campbell, Brandan Berg, 733-2427 Fabry, Mitchel Jurasek, Noah Ravens, Patrick Erin Berg, Diana Redwood, Abigail Newby-Kew, Steve Help make our community a great place to live, work Koller, Mackenzie Slater, Matt Leither, Emily Taylor, Swalling, Patti Phillips, Peter Brewer, Rachelle and ski! Look for NSAA volunteer details at www. The Alaska Nordic Skier is a Kanady, Sally Balchin, Stan Olsen, Stuart Rinehart, Russel Dudley, Renee LaJuett, Neal Haglund, Karen anchoragenordicski.com or call the NSAA office at Larsen, Nathan Perry, Melissa Kleehammer, Clayton (907) 276-7609. publication representing the nordic ski clubs of Anchorage, Eagle River, Fairbanks, Homer, Juneau, Amber Adams: Service with a smile Mat-Su, Salcha, Seward, Soldotna, Kenai, Talkeetna and Valdez. The Who’s the name and face behind the phone at NSAA? Alaska Nordic Skier is published Chances are you’ve talked to her at least once or twice. October through April by the Nordic Skiing Association Have you paid attention to how genuinely well she of Anchorage, Inc. remembers names? Have you also noticed that no matter what, she doesn’t get frazzled or frustrated? There’s no All rights reserved. © 2016 issue she can’t handle and you leave the conversation Articles, letters and advertisements feeling good. Super human? Quite possibly. are welcome. Please ensure all Her name is Amber Adams – she is always thinking of names are correct and information is accurate. Submissions may be edited others and is literally the heart of our organization. She for clarity, content and space sincerely values every single of person in her daily life. limitations. Deadline is the 15th day There’s no one more patient and genuinely kinder than of the prior month. E-mail Amber. She is our detailed oriented Office Manager and [email protected]. customer service extraordinaire. Amber has been with NSAA since fall 2013, continually striving for perfection Amber Adams, front, and Erin Beam certainly understand On the cover – Photographer Max Kaufman the importance of a healthy work-life balance! Amber works captured the action and fun of the U.S. mostly behind the scenes of all things Nordic related in hard, plays hard, and is getting a big pat on the back from Spring Nationals and Supertour Finals, Anchorage. She’s the brains behind the registrations, her team and the Nordic community for her work. which brought America’s and Alaska’s best skiers to Fairbanks. website, merchandise, membership, surveys and much, Read about the event on Page 8. much more. She’s the left arm and the right arm. you remember her. That is just her selfless nature. Next If you haven’t met Amber in person, guaranteed you’ve time you see or talk to Amber, tell her thanks for working emailed or talked to you. She’ll remember you way before so hard for NSAA!

the Alaska nordic skier 4 ANCHORAGE April/May 2017 NSAA 2017 programs and events recap

Jumping: Soaring to new every spring. The money raised each heights, firsts year through corporate sponsorships The NSAA Ski Jumping/Nordic and individual donations provides Combined program just wrapped up a ski equipment grants to schools winter season of firsts! and youth groups. The addition of This was the first time we made ski equipment allows the schools snow at the jumps, thanks to a snow to incorporate Nordic skiing into gun purchased by NSAA. The all- PE programs and afterschool volunteer crew managed to snow all activities. Many of the grants have three landing hills with no winch cat been distributed to schools with to smooth it all down. It is truly an motivated skiers but who lack the art! ability to obtain equipment. This year The first time we jumped in the we plan to distribute nearly $10,000 winter using our steel tracks. Not in grants to area schools in order snowing the in runs meant no worries to further develop the availability about warm weather melting ice of ski equipment in the community. tracks. Keeping the tracks clear for Our major corporate donor this practices … we have a better plan for year was ConocoPhillips, and there next winter! was financial support from Banker The first time Alaska had a girl Law Group, LaTouche Pediatrics, PHOTO BY NATASHA MATTOON qualify for Junior Nationals. Rowan These NSAA jumping athletes are planted firmly on the ground. Bottom row, Continental Auto Group, Anchorage Folds represented Alaska at JNs from left: Ronen Woods, Owen Mozen, Alexandra Mendenhall, Savonna Rygh and Pediatric Group, the Elsberg Family at Norge Ski Club in Fox River Hatcher Menkens. Middle row, from left: Brooke Congdon and Skyler Amy. Top: Foundation Fund, and the Waldrop/ Dylan Amy. Grove, Illinois, in February. Rowan Kornmesser family. The goal of marked another first: the first time with resounding excitement for many participants to a diverse variety spreading Nordic skiing to new an Alaskan girl medaled at Junior families. of winter pastimes. Over 100 kids groups within our community would Nationals! Rowan won a bronze Thanks to a grant from skied in the 3K timed race while not be possible without the generous medal for team jumping on a mixed ConocoPhillips, NSAA Jr. Nordic dozens of other skiers toured the support from our sponsors! team of girls from three different coaches and other volunteer coaches Storybook Trail. Two-time Olympian – By Iain Miller, volunteer divisions. Congratulations, Rowan! from the community brought skiing to and Healthy Futures ambassador The first time Alaskans competed three local elementary schools. Many Holly Brooks led the group in warm- Backcountry Tours: in Western Regionals. Five boys of our schools do not have skis or are up activities before the start of the Adventuring off the trails The return of a reliable snowpack and three girls competed with four without coaches, yet Anchorage has race and cheered on dozens of kids made for a fun backcountry touring podium finishes! Savonna Rygh was some of the best urban ski trails in as they raced around the course. season – the bonus, spectacular third in the U12 girls, Dylan Amy was the nation. Other stations included the Lemon weather on each tour! We added third in the U10 boys, and Alexandra Would you like to be a coach next Drop Biathlon course, sit skis several new tours and had good Mendenhall was first and Brooke year? You don’t even need to know and an extensive obstacle course. attendance, hosting around 10-20 Congdon was second in the Open how ski! Begin with Polar Cubs at REI provided a snowshoe station, skiers per trip, with a whopping 33 division. Congratulations! the youngest level and learn while Speedway Cycles hosted a fat bike participants at the season finale Now we wait for the snow to melt, teaching the next generation. station and Arctic Orienteering Skookum Glacier tour in April! The then get ready for summer jumping, hosted an orienteering treasure hunt If interested, visit anchoragenordicski.com/ Friday Night Fun Ski in December beginning on June 5. Thanks junior-nordic-coaching/. event. Inside the chalet, the Karl was a pleasant social ski on the lit everyone for a great season! – By Tamra Kornfield, NSAA Eid Ski Jump coaches and athletes trails in Kincaid Park, followed by introduced skiers to ski jumping. The Learn more at anchoragenordicski.com/ski- Ski 4 Kids: Celebrating pizza and beer at Uncle Joe’s. Look jumping/. Nordic Ski Patrol kept a careful watch healthy lifestyles and for more of the Friday Night Fun Skis – By Karen Compton, volunteer over the day’s activities and we were motivating outdoor fun on the calendar next season! fortunate to have over 50 volunteers Jr . Nordic: Beginning The 2017 Ski 4 Kids, hosted Sheep Mountain Lodge and from local high school and college ski a lifetime of skiing, by NSAA, the Municipality of Denali View Chalet were hosts to teams, NSAA Jr. Nordic and other healthy fun Anchorage’s Parks & Recreation our two overnight journeys this groups to keep everything running NSAA Jr. Nordic had a great Department and Healthy Futures year. Groomed trails, impressive smoothly. season with consistent snowpack, was held on March 4 at Kincaid Park. views, camaraderie and hearty food The impact of Ski 4 Kids extends enthusiastic coaches and inspired More than 350 enthusiastic kids See RECAP, Page 5 far beyond a fun day of activities young skiers. A new time for younger participated in this year’s event. skiers, ages 6-9, was tried at 4:30-5:30 This year’s event incorporated p.m. (the usual Jr. Nordic practice traditional skiing fun with other time is 6:30-7:30 p.m.). This was met outdoor winter activities to expose

PHOTO BY Y JAN HAZEN SKI 4 KIDS

the Alaska nordic skier April/May 2017 ANCHORAGE 5

RECAP pop music and playing games, games spots on Team USA and competed Continued from Page 4 and more games. Our time in Curry at the World Youth/Junior Biathlon were some of the highlights. The was a lot like being at a park. We spent Championships in Osrblie, Slovakia. Matanuska and Skookum Glacier hours watching them go off jumps and They then moved on to race at adventures offered stunning views en making attempts at different chal- Junior Nationals at Lake Placid, NY, route to and from our breathtakingly lenges. The experience included snow followed by U.S. Biathlon Nationals in larger-than-life glacier destinations! up the back discomfort, gut laughing Jericho, VT, where all three earned Of course, all tours were accompa- and plenty of teasing. The afternoon medals. Wilson and Kilby then went nied by dedicated Nordic Ski Patrol was rounded out with a hot cup of to Solleftea, Sweden, for some more volunteers who kept us safe while complimentary coffee in Curry and a biathlon training before returning we were exploring Alaska’s winter try with a fat bike. Who said nothing is home. free these days? Only in Curry. PHOTO BY CATHERINE KILBY This season’s new Alaska Gold backcountry. We appreciate their NSAA Biathlon participation. Even before the train started head- Rush series featured six races around Tune in next fall to get a preview of ing back home, a few caught quick “We wanted to build a sense of Alaska, including four in Anchorage. next season’s slate of backcountry ski power naps with energy levels zapped community and encourage everyone Next season, this growing series will tours! from four hours of fresh air and to gather after races. I definitely see help decide the Arctic Winter Games – By Mary A. Vavrik, volunteer sunshine. More games, more teas- it returning next year,” said NSAA biathlon teams. ing, more laughter. Other kids on the biathlon co-chair Marti Pausback. From range maintenance to safety Ski Train: family car, including a few toddlers, Eagle Eyes Biathlon, NSAA’s devel- to logistics to snowmaking to rifle Through kids’ eyes caught our attention with playful opment program, had another busy maintenance and more, we are so Who doesn’t like the train? After squeals over a balloon and an empty and enjoyable season. Coached by grateful for our wonderful volunteers experiencing Ski Train for five years cup. It was at that moment that I real- Tom Grenier and Zoey Grenier, mas- and welcome anyone who wants to in a row and having an amazing time ized the Ski Train experience is really ters and youth as young as 10 trained have fun with us next season. with our friend group, I put my “mom for all ages. and raced in the program. They also Biathlon will host a summer full hat” on and took my teenage son this Learn more at anchoragenordicski.com/events/ held a spring break training camp of training, roller skiing and running year. We boarded the family-friendly ski-train/. which was full of enthusiastic young sessions. King of the Range, a car and didn’t look back. The early – By Erin Beam, NSAA biathletes. Anchorage Biathlon Club shooting competition, has started up hour fogged our vision but not for long began training this winter, coached again already and “King Jeremy” was as we made our way with the hun- Biathlon: Building crowned last week. More events are community, competition by Duncan Kohen, a Colorado na- dreds toting coolers to our designated tive who interned with USBA before being planned and ideas are always Anchorage area biathletes took car at the train depot. As promised, moving to Anchorage. Former Skiku welcome. it was a day we will never forget, log- advantage of a proper winter of Biathlon coach Zach Hall and Sara For more information, visit anchoragenordicski. snow this year to train and race at ging memories of quality time with Studebaker-Hall moved to Utah this com/biathlon/. Kincaid Park’s world-class biathlon friends, deep snow adventure in re- winter and will be missed. – By Catherine Kilby, volunteer range. The nine-race Biathlon Racing mote Alaska and “only on Ski Train” Three Anchorage-area youth Series included the State Champion- experiences. biathletes – Alex Kilby, Grace ships in early March with athletes Our cooler looked a bit different Gilliland and Helen Wilson – earned than previous years, including a few from around the state gathered for more kid-friendly snacks and our two days of racing before many also backpack brimmed with essentials like participated in the Tour of Anchor- Uno, a deck of cards and an updated age. Dozens of athletes of all ages playlist. We spent the day with family participated in the racing series. This friends we don’t see as regularly as we season, races included a post-race like catching up quickly, then launch- soup/potluck gathering which was es- ing into new inside jokes, listening to pecially popular after the cold races.

PHOTO BY ERIN BEAM Family fun was No. 1 on NSAA’s 2017 Ski Train.

the Alaska nordic skier ANCHORAGE 6 April/May 2017 Tour of Anchorage 2017: The return of an Alaska tradition After two years of bad weather and short in tradition, this year’s Tour had subtle changes courses, the Tour of Anchorage rebounded this from previous years: the course, the food, apres ski season with incredible energy, community spirit atmosphere! We appreciate the specific feedback and nearly 950 racers, despite the below zero to tweak the day including better signage in the temperatures at the start and the grueling finish chalet for those finishers looking for ways to up the hill to the Kincaid Park chalet. get hydrated and nourished. Also, a few offered For organizers, it felt a little like planning a feed station suggestions including different food wedding without the bride and groom. Did we choices, peeled bananas and locations. Most loved forget anything? Will we have enough food? How the finish line festivities inside and outside the will the weather turn out? Will we successfully chalet, which included music, announcers, and 49th accommodate our guests? The Tour, like any big State Brewing food and beverage options. “Please event, requires coordination of so many moving arrange for warmer temperatures” was a common parts and executing them almost flawlessly. This theme. could not be done without so many: our loyal and With great input from so many, we are already tireless Green Grunts, gear truck drivers, Boy thinking about next year’s Tour of Anchorage. Scout troops, ski teams and academic groups that If you loved it too and have input to make it even staffed the feed stations, the bib pickup volunteers, better, consider being part of the Tour of Anchorage three race start teams, finish line timers, caterers, team! Email [email protected] sponsors and supporters. for more information. Help us plan the wedding, I Postrace survey results indicate thumbs up mean, 2018 Tour of Anchorage! across the board – 90 percent of participants For full race results, event photos and more, visit PHOTO BY JAN HAZEN rated this year’s Tour as good or great. Still rich anchoragenordicski.com/races/tour-of-anchorage/. The racing was fast, the smiles were big and the skiers were excited to hit the full Tour of Anchorage course this season. More snow, more events, more pictures! Enter your season’s best in the NSAA Photo Contest! It’s primetime for crust skiing “PHOTO CONTEST” in subject line. information and the entry form. photos, which is a reminder that the File format should be JPG and size Contact NSAA’s Amber Adams at 2017 NSAA Photo Contest deadline should be between .05 MB and 5 MB. [email protected] is coming on May 31. The contest is Please visit anchoragenordicski. or (907) 276-7609 with questions, open to all Alaska Nordic ski club com/nsaa-photo-contest/ for more comments or concerns. members and entrants may submit three images per category. The categories are: Racing; 2017 NSAA Photo Contest Application Touring/Backcountry; Jumping; Name: Address: Kids on Skis; Grooming/Groomed Phone & Email: Trails; Biathlon; Fun Ski Events; Category File Name Description and Recreational/Casual Skiing. Prizes will be awarded to first-, Racing second- and third-place selections

in each category, as well as a grand Touring/Backcountry prize overall winner. Winners also will be featured in the annual NSAA Jumping calendar and in an issue of the Alaska Nordic Skier newsletter. Mark McDermott’s dreamy shot of Spencer Loop (below) and Jack Send digital photo files and Kids on Skis Consenstein’s unique shot of high an entry form to aadams@ school racers (above) were among the anchoragenordicski.com with Grooming/Groomed top shots in the 2016 NSAA Photo Trails Contest.

Biathlon

Fun Ski Events

Recreational/ Casual Skiing

Official Rules: Deadline May 31, 2017 Send to: [email protected] with PHOTO CONTEST in subject line. File format should be JPG and size should be between 0.05 MB and 5MB. Contest open to all Alaska Nordic ski club members. Entrants may submit 3 images per category. All photos submitted may be showcased on NSAA website, in the NSAA newsletter, on the NSAA Facebook page, in the NSAA calendar, and for any other NSAA promotional materials. Results to be announced on the NSAA website and published in the Nov. issue of Alaska Nordic Skier. Winning entries will receive prizes and will be featured in the annual NSAA calendar. Prizes awarded to First, Second, and Third Place winners in each category, as well as a Grand Prize overall winner. Basic enhancement of photos is allowed including cropping, minor color enhancement, and contrast or brightness. Obvious photo manipulation is not allowed including morphing, polarization, composite or multiple images. You will retain all rights to any photograph you submit, including ownership if applicable, other than those rights licensed in the next sentence. We will make every effort to credit your photo any time it is used. By submitting your photo to our NSAA Photo Contest, you hereby grant to NSAA (i) a nonexclusive, worldwide, irrevocable, royalty-free license to reproduce, distribute, publicly display and publicly perform the photographs you submit to NSAA, and (ii) the right to use your name, city, state, and country of residence in promotions and other publications. Contact Amber Adams [email protected] (907-276-7609) for questions, concerns or comments.

the Alaska nordic skier April/May 2017 STATEWIDE 7 Alaskans, APU skiers take on the world’s best BY CHELSEA HOLMES and soul; Jess and Rosie throwing down, Sadie When six APU skiers arrived in Lahti, Finland, earning bronze in the team sprint and Erik 18th for the 2017 World Championships they were in a classic race in which the country pulsed with welcomed by a city steeped in ski tradition and excitement and pride as a hometown hero won history. The atmosphere of the city, which held the by a landslide. By the end of the week when I was event for a record seventh time, was illustrated anxiously and impatiently hoping for a start spot, I by the boisterous opening ceremonies, heartfelt found that I wanted nothing more for myself than speech by the Finnish president and masses of to put my own iron to the fire: To simply have the fans. opportunity to contribute to my team’s successes. Standing in the ski depot in the Lahti Sport There is truth in the euphemism, success breeds Stadium on opening day was a rather awe-inspiring success. It is also true that the success of APU experience on its own, to know that I was one of a on the world stage is truly a representation of our small field of the world’s best skiers. That feeling programming as a whole; from devos to masters. was fleeting for me, overwhelmed by the nervous We believe in our ability to constantly reach new energy and anticipation of my own goals. heights and we couldn’t be more proud of how our PHOTO BY TOM KELLY When Kikkan Randall raced to a bronze medal members performed and embodied our mission at The U.S. World Championships relay team: Jessie in the sprint in the first championship event, I home and abroad. Thank you to our members and Diggins, Sadie Bjornsen, Liz Stephen and Kikkan Randall. Bjornsen and Randall were two of the six felt immense excitement and pride. As Lahti 2017 staff, supporters, family, friends and sponsors: you athletes representing APU as well as the U.S. at the continued I watched as my teammates raced heart are our community and our foundation! 2017 World Championships in Lahti, Finland.

Alaska Guardsmen bring home gold from National Guard biathlon championships From the left, Spc. Tadhg Nakada, Pvt. Everett Darrow, 2nd Lt. Eric Gorman, 1st Sgt. Travis Kulp, Maj. David Cunningham, Pfc. Travis Cooper, and Staff. Sgt. Jack Androski proudly display Alaska flags during the 2017 Chief of the National Guard Bureau Biathlon Championships at Camp Ethan Allen Training Site, Jericho, Vt. PHOTO BY DEVON SUITS Young Alaskans – and one in particular – shine bright at national competitions BY LAURI BASSETT podium. The U20 team with Mowry, Knopp and can be seen in following a program that includes Skiers in both Team Alaska groups had Wonders claimed silver; and the U16 team with mostly training on her own and balancing her successful showings at their national competitions; Eli Hermanson, Zanden McMullen and George academic and athletic work – it is not a rare sight the Junior Nationals Championships held in Lake Cvancara claimed bronze. Service High School & to see her madly finishing a problem set up to the Placid and the U14 skiers at the Western Regional West High School each brought home the Roger moment she needs to change for training. When Championships held in Sun Valley, Idaho. Weston Award as the top high school boys’ and she does have the opportunity to train with a group, This was the first year Alaska skiers attended girls’ teams, respectively. Way to represent! she is always punctual and attentive. But perhaps – the Sun Valley event; which was a long weekend A special award at Junior Nationals includes as noted by her other coaches – it is her ‘spirit’ and of sun, ski racing and barbecue. Hopefully the Dave Quinn Award which is presented to the ‘spunk,’ or her ‘infinite repository of enthusiasm for the taste of spring traveling gave these skiers outstanding cross country skier at the Junior the sport’ which have set her on this path. motivation to represent Team Alaska at a future Olympics by the USSA Cross Country Sport This summer was Aly’s first time training year- Junior Nationals. While Lake Placid had similar Committee based on results and sportsmanship. round for skiing, and she did it in Unalakleet. We challenges as the previous two Junior Nationals Fairbanks skier Alyeska (Aly) Daniels joins Jim dusted off an old pair of inflatable rollerskis and – a lack of snow – the events were moved to the Oksoktaruk, D’Anna Dorris, Gretchen Pfisterer, sent them home with her hoping they might work on ski jumping venue in the Olympic Village. The Todd Grover, Christian Hinderman, Kikkan the roughly paved roads in town or the one gravel challenge was not diminished, however. Weather Randall, Cole Talbot and Lydia Blanchet on the list road that heads into the hills. The wheels went flat ranged from warm and sunny, to gusty winds, as of Alaskans to receive this award. Fairbanks coach after an outing or two, and she was left to run and well as snowy and sometimes icy-conditions. Pete Leonard introduced Daniels at the awards bound on that one road, to run on the beach, SkiErg Luckily Alaskans have experience racing in ceremony with the following story (slightly edited), and do strength at the local school gym, and hike these scenarios. U18 skier Gus Schumacher shared with his permission. over the tundra. But she made the training happen started off the week with back to back wins in the Aly joined our club a year ago in the fall, after – her training log notes a hike - with a shotgun - to 10K individual skate and the classic sprint races; starting at the University of Alaska Fairbanks as a some berry bushes – the implication being for bear Canyon Tobin was also in the sprint final, placing 17 year-old. She had competed in high school in the protection – and a stint at fish camp where she fourth. Luke Jager joined Schumacher on the Western Interior Ski Association. She is primarily a ‘pulled fishing nets all day, then ran down the beach podium in the 10K skate race and fellow APU skier biathlete, who we have convinced that classic skiing after.’ ‘My family looks at me like I’m crazy when I Hunter Wonders was .1 second out of first place in is okay too. In fact, it was after a classic sprint race tell them I’m going to run for two and a half hours,’ the 10K skate race of the U20 division. Alaskans had this December that we convinced her it might be she told me with a laugh and a smile when she showings in every A or B Final of the sprint races worth attending all the junior national qualifying returned to Fairbanks this past fall. – including Kendall Kramer, George Cvancara, Eli races this winter. Congratulations to Aly for being selected Hermanson, Jenna DiFolco, Andrew Hull, Maggie When she first joined our club, there was a bit of to receive the 2017 Dave Quinn Award and York, Hunter Wonders, Tracen Knopp and Logan a learning curve. Runs of 90 minutes were greeted congratulations to all skiers who competed in the Mowry. The final individual race of the week had an with a look of astonishment, as was the suggestion ConocoPhillips Besh Cup races – as well as the Alaskan on nearly every podium including Wonders that she pole with bent arms. However, she proved post-season events! as the national champion, Kramer, Cvancara, up to the challenge. Her genuine interest in the CCAK is holding its annual summit on 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, April Schumacher and Jager. When Alaskan skiers were sport and desire to do things perfectly comes 23, at the ConocoPhillips building in downtown Anchorage. Please brought together for the relay races, the U18 team through in the detailed and thoughtful questions contact Lauri Bassett at [email protected] to RSVP. This summit is for coaches, host clubs, CCAK board members, sponsors with Tobin, Jager and Schumacher topped the she asks her coaches on a daily basis. Her diligence and interested parents to gather and discuss the upcoming season.

the Alaska nordic skier 8 STATEWIDE April/May 2017 Super racing for America’s finest in Fairbanks BY LEX TREINEN there was effusive praise from Estle turned attention back Soft snow, spring sunshine the athletes for the volunteer on the Fairbanks Nordic Ski and stomach bugs character- commitment and race organi- Club volunteers and racers. ized the U.S. Spring Nationals zation, led by Chief of Competi- “We don’t do this to make and Supertour Finals held in tion Jon Estle. money,” he said before the rac- Fairbanks from March 27-April “It’s great skiing,” said two- es. “A lot of these volunteers 2 at the Birch Hill Recreation time winner Scott Patterson. have been watching these guys Center on the Jim Whisenhant “I wish we came up here every race since they were little. It is Trails. spring.” really important for them to be “People are surprised to see David Norris, another Fair- able to see these guys racing. the sun,” said Fairbanks native banks native complimented the It would be really great to see Becca Rorabaugh, a former summer trail work. “They’ll them get up on the podium this National Champion who skis be some of the nicest trails week.” for APU Nordic Ski Center. we’ve skied on all year,” he Learn more about the races and find Everyone enjoyed the warm said before the races. “Birch results at supertourfinals.com and temperatures and reception. Hill has been really committed supertourfinals2017fairbanks.us. Patrick O’Brien is the head to development. I hope I can coach of Stratton Mountain represent well.” School’s team, which includes Jessie Diggins, the world champion who swept all four races on the women’s side. “Last time I was here was for JOs (JNs) in 2003, I knew what wind-briefs were but had no idea what lobster gloves were,” he said. “It’s nice to know that it can be warm here.” Alaskans turned in top notch performances, with Logan Hanneman of APUNSC thrilling his hometown crowd to take his first ever national title, while his teammate Scott Patterson bagged his second national title in the 50km Skate, annihilating the field by 3 minutes and 20 seconds. The APUNSC team also took second in an exciting battle with the SMS team in the mixed relay. It was APU’s first defeat in the event since it was created in the current format, but Alaskan competi- tors were complimentary of their rivals. “It’s really good for the title to move around,” said Sadie Bjornsen, World Championship bronze medalist. Sadie and her brother Erik (as well as top contenders David Norris, Rosie Brennan, Simi Hamilton, Andrew Newell, Cole Morgan, Erika Flowers and more) missed out on at least one race due to nagging colds and stom- ach bugs. Temperatures shot above freezing for the first time of the season in Fairbanks around mid-week, reaching nearly 50 degrees as racers experienced everything from slow, hard mid-winter conditions to spo- radic rain during the 30/50K competition. Throughout the competition

the Alaska nordic skier April/May 2017 9

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

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jan Spurkland Skiers go the distance as the Marathon returns Richard Burton Mike Gracz BY DELAND ANDERSON Stacey Buckelew The Kachemak Nordic Ski Glenn Seaman Marathon, held on Saturday, March Derek Bynagle Jasmine Maurer 11, was a great success. This annual Christine Anderson event, hosted by Kachemak Nordic Jason Neely Ski Club, celebrates the backcountry Annie Ridgely, Administrative Assistant beauty of Homer and its community Caleb Rauch, Student Intern spirit. Fifty volunteers were involved in recreating the traditional race, COMMITTEES/EVENTS following a course that stretches 42 Lookout Mountain Ski Trails Mike Byerly kilometers, from Lookout Mountain to Lower Baycrest Ski Trails; Snowshoe Trails; Baycrest; 99 skiers tested themselves Friday Night Lights; Grooming Equipment on this challenging route, the fastest Dave Brann of which skied the distance in just Upper Baycrest Ski Trails; Marathon Trail over 2 hours! Many participants came Committee Alan Parks from out of town, including Anchor Point, Ninilchik, Kenai, Soldotna, McNeil/Eveline Ski Trails Ginger Johnson (Chair) Nikiski, Seward, Girdwood and Derek Stonorov (McNeil Grooming) Anchorage. PHOTO BY PAT IRWIN Dave Brann (Eveline Grooming) Kathy Sarns-Irwin and Allison O’Hara, Everyone who started the race Kachemak Nordic Ski Development; Ski best friends and best dressed, are still Your Age; Besh Cup Races; Homer Epic 100 finished it, with a couple of exceptions smiling after completing 27 grueling Jan Spurkland hills at the Kachemak Nordic Ski Deland and Christine Anderson look Marathon. Junior Nordic relaxed and ready for the 27K KNSC Carlin Rauch saves, descriptions of flawless tech- Marathon. You’d never guess that Homer Women’s Nordic Deland was also the race coordinator. nique as well as portraits of flailing Stacey Buckelew limbs. But most of all, the stories were Webmaster (one skier broke a ski about 8K in and about the beautiful country through Richard Burton had to walk back to the start; another which the trail made its way. Alaska Nordic Skier Newsletter one could not resist the siren song Needless to say, an event like this Marylou Burton

of his sauna so he skied to it instead would not be possible without a sup- Snow Machine Maintenance of to the finish) and one clarification portive club, dedicated and talented Bill Hague

(one participant got a snow machine volunteers, the cooperation of land- Trail Signs assist up the most grueling hills by owners, and lots and lots of snow. As Jennifer Edwards PHOTO BY MILLI MARTIN Dylan Watts smiled his way through the sweeper). Marathon coordinator, I would like Winter Gear & Ski Swap Milli’s Loop at the Kachemak Nordic At the after-party and awards cer- to express my gratitude to all who Mike Illg Ski Marathon. Dylan won the 42K race in 2 hours 9 minutes, an amazing 13 emony, there were tales of spectacu- helped make it happen! Kachemak Ski for Women & Haven House lar crashes and equally spectacular Kris Holdereid minutes faster than the second place skier. Wine & Cheese/Wooden Ski Tour Kevin & Jeanne Walker

Kachemak Nordic Ski Marathon Deland Anderson AROUND Wolf Ridge Trail: Touring Sea to Ski Triathlon THE BAY Kevin & Jeannie Walker

Winter Backcountry Film Festival Homer’s backcountry Finally … A cold and dark Dan Del Missier BY JEANNIE WOODRING Alaska winter and an Did you ever wish for a ski trail that was easy to access yet took you far into amazing Nordic ski season! Last year, my husband and I – after miles of crust skiing! How great is the backcountry? that? If you live in or visit Homer in the winter, you can find such a trail: the Wolf 40 years in Alaska – talked seriously about becoming snowbirds. Not This was also a good season for Ridge Trail that is accessed from two different trailheads (with parking lots) events. The Wine & Cheese/Wooden and winds through forests, hills and meadows in the area’s scenic backcountry. because we could no longer endure the winters, but because for three Ski Tour included, for the first time in Wolf Ridge lies in the hills behind the McNeil Canyon School and Eveline a while, a real ski, with stops at Milli’s State Recreation Area (SRA) groomed trail systems. Access from the school consecutive years, winter – like the birds – had gone south. Maybe we home on the hill (via, appropriately, follows a powerline path to the trail, which covers 6K. Half of the trail climbs a Milli’s Loop) and Taro and Cynthia’s, gentle curve to about 1,300 feet to give the awesome views that Homer skiing should follow. I’m so glad we didn’t. The skiing where they had the biggest fire pit is known for. The other half of the trail drops down into a flat meadow trail I’ve ever seen and graciously allowed that takes skiers through spruce forest and backcountry silence. Access to the this season has been consistently pretty good since November, and sweaty, boot-wearing skiers inside lower half of Wolf Ridge also comes from a new connector trail that lies at the their house. The Kachemak Nordic bottom of the Eveline trail system. the last couple of months have been exceptional. Lookout, Sunset Ski Marathon was back in all its point- For years, Homer skiers have known the delights of skiing the nearby hills. to-point glory (see Deland’s article), Access, however, was never consistent. The Wolf Ridge Trail was started in 2013 and McNeil have been groomed to perfection, and for the first time in attracting almost 100 participants. by Nicky Szarzi, a longtime Homer resident, skier and trail groomer. She says The Sea to Ski was also back in its that the roots for the trail began in the late 1990’s when some Kachemak Nordic three years there were more skiers than walkers on Lower Baycrest, traditional format, with a 5K run, Ski Club’s (KNSC) groomers who skied the backcountry began grooming a trail a 7K bike up West Hill and across in the hills that connected to existing trails at McNeil and Eveline. Wolf Ridge, Milli’s Loop and the Marathon Connector enlarged the notorious Hiland/Sprucewood For insurance reasons, the KNSC decided not to groom on land that it didn’t connector to Baycrest, wrapping up own. The backcountry route was no longer maintained – but provided a vision. our tightly looped trails, offering expanded mileage and big vistas. And with a 5K ski. Last season, in contrast, See WOLF RIDGE TRAIL, Page 10 pretty soon there will be miles and See AROUND THE BAY, Page 12

the Alaska nordic skier 10 April/May 2017

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

AROUND BOARD MEMBERS PRESIDENT Jason Dennis EAGLE RIVER [email protected]

Where are they now? SECRETARY Meg Stehn Christian Goetz meg.stehn@gmail .com Meet the Swiss exchange student who continues the Nordic skiing that TRAILS Jim Kazuba he learned in Anchorage. Christian kaszuba@mtaonline net. Goetz was an Swiss exchange student Annette Brion babrion@hotmail .com with the Singletons attending Chugiak A whole crew is ready to Ski the Beach. High School in 2004-2005. Today, he TREASURER Bob Stehn teaches physics math and sports and and Holly and Jesse and Sadie have and parents swarmed into the gym bob.stehn@gmail .com does research at the Swiss Avalanche raced. Christian still had his Chugiak at the Chugiak Methodist Church Steve Wilson big.su.tka@gmail .com Research Center in Davos. High School ski jacket, AMH ski to celebrate a great ski season and Ros Singleton caught up with ties marked “Singleton” and the old the beginning of spring. Pizzas were VICE PRESIDENT/RACING Mike Beiersgrohslein Christian for a ski in Davos near the Madshus skis we gave him, but he has stacked in a long row and free swag mbeiergrohslein@msn .com World Cup race course where Kikkan new skate skis and regularly skis in was there as giveaways. Thanks JUNIOR NORDIC Davos. to coaches and parents for a great Will Taygan Thank you Chugiak High School ski season. ski@taygan .com Steve Wilson program! CERNSC plans annual big .su tka@gmail. .com Ski the Beach: A fun-filled meeting in the fall NORDIC SKIER NEWSLETTER The CERNSC board is planning to Rosalyn Singleton community race on a Rosalynsingleton2@gmail .com gorgeous Alaska day switch the CERNSC annual meeting Elite and beginner adult skiers to the fall. Look for emails about MASTERS Katie Rehm joined with families and children of all summer trail work opportunities and Kathleen rehm@gmail. com. ages for a great Ski the Beach event fall rental ski cleaning and waxing. Jason Gray Jason@datasuns .com at Beach Lake trails. There were Big thanks to board members, races from 1K to 15K for a variety of coaches, Eagle River Parks and Rec in the women’s 15K freestyle race. skiers. Beach music blared from a employees and the groomers! Eagle River’s Will Timmons, a senior boom box. Kids and parents came at the University of Wyoming, won dressed in beach garb adorned with Eagle River skiers shine at national races the men’s combined title at the U.S. leis. A great time was had by all. Collegiate Ski Association National UAF skier Sarissa Lammers Championships in Bend, Oregon. Junior Nordic ends with a earned All-America status at the Several Chugiak/Eagle River skiers fantastic pizza party! recent NCAA Ski Championships were part of the Alaska Junior The energy was palpable as in New Hampshire. The former National team. Christian Goetz enthusiastic ER Junior Nordic kids Chugiak High skier finished eighth

KACHEMAK WOLF RIDGE TRAIL they brushed the connector out and faster, best maintained McNeil loop that once homesteaded in the area. Continued from Page 9 then spent a few hours over the next has a couple of steep climbs. Eveline’s Ask the groomers about the rare wolf “I really liked the old trail and few weeks cleaning up the new track. trails are winding, narrow, and more tracks they have seen in the area. Ask was bummed that it wasn’t groomed Then snow started falling and the intimate. And the more backcountry, any skier you meet on the Wolf Ridge anymore,” Szarzi says, “so I decided trail turned overnight into a smooth, wide open Wolfe trail has a fantastic Trail: the views are breathtaking and to recreate it.” rolling track from Eveline to the Wolf view over the bay all the way to the wilderness surrounds you. Wolf She remembered where parts Ridge Trail. Iliamna. Ridge. The name fits. In a matter of of the trail went before and knew “I personally like to ski a loop much “Oh, and it’s never crowded,” he minutes, the trail can take you far that a ski route should be kept away better than backtrack on the same adds. away. from existing snow machine and dog trail,” Schaad said. “The Wolf flats And the name: Wolf Ridge? Maybe trails. After obtaining permits from (his nickname for the lower half of the it comes from the name of the family the existing landowner, Szarzi and trail) are just an awesome part of the other groomers began to set up the trail; away from all the houses, a little trail and kept it groomed. Despite the colder.” #44 Live your life with You can easily pick how far you warm winters of the past two years, theirs in mind. the Wolf Ridge Trail always had snow want to ski. Ski 16K by covering the cover and gave skiers a new path to perimeter from the school to Eveline follow into the backcountry. to Wolf Ridge, then return via the And each year, the trail got bet- powerline trail to McNeil and ski the ter. This winter, with a healthy snow outer 7.5K loop at the school. For a Together let’s start cover, groomer Andrew Peter started shorter version, about 8K, ski down planning for your family’s future. the grooming on the Wolf Ridge Trail from Eveline to the connector trail, then ski the perimeter of the Wolf Jason Dennis and began widening sections and Agent moving parts of the trail away from Ridge Trail and return to Eveline. Or New York Life ski via the powerline or the trail to Insurance Company dog mushing trails. 188 W. Northern Lights Blvd. Traditional access to Wolf Ridge Eveline to connect to either the lower Suite 1300 or upper parts of the Wolf Ridge Trail Anchorage, AK 99503 came from the McNeil Canyon Trails. (907) 726-7092 Registered Representative offering investments through NYLIFE Securities LLC Peter and another groomer, Konrad – or both. (Member FINRA/SIPC), A Licensed Insurance Agency. [email protected] Schaad, agreed that a connector trail “I think the Wolf Ridge Life Insurance. Retirement. Investments. GOOD from Eveline would make the Wolf complements the other two trails we Ridge trail more accessible. In a day, have out here,” said Schaad. “The SMRU1614160 (Exp.12.31.2016) © 2015 New York Life Insurance Company, 51 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010

the Alaska nordic skier April/May 2017 11

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

Additionally, the club started its are inching closer to our financial BOARD OF DIRECTORS AROUND first race series, the Northern Lights goal and fully fund the Expand The PRESIDENT THE VALLEY Race Series, on Wednesday nights. Peak project. This is a club operated Hans Hill Seven races were held this season. and funded project to create 5.5K of VICE PRESIDENT A special Nordic skiing It was a great addition to the club’s competitive geared trails at GPRA. Dave Musgrave season comes to a close offerings, allowing members to fit in a At the moment, there are only 7K of TREASURER I usually have an association with hard workout during the week, and/or trails at GPRA. Although we loves Maritt Youngblood the last issue of the Alaska Nordic track their improvements through the these trails, we all agree more trails SECRETARY Skier and Archangel Road. That is season. It’s a program that will really would be great addition and afford the Mike Norton grow in the coming years. club and the Valley the opportunity to because this time of year the Valley BOARD MEMBERS is well into spring and the short Another group that continues host larger events in the future. Gene Backus snowpack is, well, absent. Thankfully, growing is our Junior Nordics The club has already cleared trees Dave Freer this season the trails at Government program, with over 300 kids for the trails, but the majority of the Natalie King Peak Recreation Area are still in full participating this season. The construction will occur this summer. Jeff Kase swing. Just last week, we held the steering committee and volunteers We will hire a contractor to perform Lucas Parker Race to the Outhouse at GPRA, sans have transformed this group into the bridge and culvert construction, Ed Strabel Mark Strabel outhouse (sorry race fans). GPRA a highly sought-after opportunity. while club volunteers will do the trail Chris Tomsen has been so good this year. Sure, we A number of seasons ago, Junior construction. If you didn’t catch that Ashley Wise have actually had a winter, but a lot of Nordics started experiencing last sentence, we will be recruiting credit needs to be given to our team of substantial growth and the steering volunteers for a host of trail jobs. ADMINISTRATOR Tammy Sipos groomers. They’ve done an amazing committee has made great strides Please watch the website this sum- job! in making all aspects of the program mer for details. While this is the last issue for the efficient, while still keeping the As mentioned, the project is not the snow fell, and fell, and fell some season, the skiing opportunities component that is the most important: fully funded. In the event we do not more. Club members had over 172 should still exist when this lands in ensuring kids have fun. reach our funding goal, we will be documented hours that month alone. your inbox (or mailbox). The MSSC Finally, the club put on its first forced to only construct a portion of Countless other skiers and walkers is planning on grooming Archangel end-of-season event, a fundraiser the trails. Please help the Expand on the Pioneer Loop helped by toss- Road and Independence Mine area and volunteer of the year celebration. The Peak project and log on to our ing twigs and branches off the trails. into May, as long as the snow plays There was live music from Wandering website to contribute. Here’s to seeing Thank you! along, which means you can stretch River (which was great), hoppy/ you out on the new trails next season! Thank you to our grooming crew: this season straight past break-up. malty beverages from Arkose Ashley Wise, Jeff Kase, Josh Hejl, Brewery (which was also great) Thank you to all Mat-Su Mark Strabel, Zack Steer, Mark The end of the season is an trail maintainers! important time for the club. It’s our and a smorgasbord put together by Stigar, Ed Strabel, Gene Backus, This started out as a big thank chance to reflect on the season and the board’s very own Lucas Parker Shane Barber, “Billy’s Dad” and the you letter to all the volunteer trail our successes and challenges. (which was fantastic). This season unnamed grooming fairies at the groomers in the Mat-Su Ski Club The biggest change that affected the club recognized its volunteer of Moose Range. Your dedication and until we quickly realized the web of this season was lights! Last fall, the the year, Ed Strabel, who we cannot long hours grooming in the cold dark volunteers stretches way beyond the planning and fundraising had been say enough about in regards to his is appreciated by the countless skiers groomers that lay down corduroy brought to fruition: 7K of lit trails. commitment to the club from its that enjoyed the fruits of your labor. and classic tracks. It includes almost This improvement at GPRA has infancy to present. Music and dancing Finally, thank you to George Ferry, every person who recreates on the been a blessing for the after-work ski continued on into the wee hours the ski club “field dentist,” who re- trails we maintain. Following “wind crowd, and also for our little skiers (10 p.m. is late for some of us). The stored several teeth on the Archangel events,” we put paper signs at the in Junior Nordics. Personally, I was fundraiser was a success, raising Road Ginzu Groomer with his por- GPRA trail access points asking the used to skiing by myself on dark over $2,000 for the Expand The Peak table welder and to the mechanics at public to “toss branches and twigs off trails, usually by headlight, but this project. The club looks forward to Tool Doctor. Israel Hale and his crew the trail,” and almost overnight the season brought out many late night holding this event again. Thanks kept our equipment running well and trails are cleaned up by individuals, skiers now that we don’t have to ski by to all the attendees and our event gave us a high priority on getting our families, the Colony, Palmer and braille. In fact, trail usage at GPRA is sponsors: Backcountry Bike and Ski, machines serviced and repaired so Wasilla high school ski teams along up substantially. Pioneer Motel, Arkose Brewery and we could keep all the trails in great with the kids in the Junior Nordic If you recall, this season did not Sportsman’s Warehouse. shape. program. Great ski trails start with start out great for our sport. Sustain- The season has been a notably The club’s team of groomers will clean snow. Thank you one and all. able snow showed up late. In fact, our great one. Thank you to all of you continue to groom at GPRA, the January was a wild month in trail pinnacle race, the Icicle Double, did who helped make our club and events Moose Range, Archangel Road and maintaining. It started out with the not occur this season. It was a bit of great. Next season, let’s make the Independence Mine until the sum- Palmer High School ski team and a letdown, as this season the race MSSC great again! mer sun rots out the snow. We hope Daryl Farrens and Gene Backus go- was planned to ring in the New Year. – By Hans Hill to groom until sometime in June. ing around the trails shoveling snow The unfortunate (for the race, that is) Then, we will be back and grooming Expand The Peak onto thin spots on the trail followed cosmic twist was that the race was in October. With our latest fundraiser, recent by the Hanestad family raking the cancelled a couple days in advance OK, one final “Thank You!” grant awards and private donors, we Matanuska and Susitna loops. Then since snow wasn’t on the ground and the forecast was grim, but the Fri- day before the scheduled event start found white flakes on the ground. Such is the attitude of Ullr. Speaking of races, the club hosted a couple high school races, including the Region III Championship. While this isn’t new for the club, I do feel we are improving in our abilities to host and run races through the use of new equipment and experienced person- Advertise here and your business can reach skiers across the state. nel and volunteers.

the Alaska nordic skier 12 April/May 2017

P.O. Box 337 Girdwood Nordic Ski Club Girdwood, AK 99587 skigirdwood org. 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 All good in Girdwood after successful season BY DEB ESSEX Zug! Peter is a fantastic groomer – so if he can Well, that’s a wrap! What a great winter for cross- get stuck, anyone can. (Thank you Justin Thomas country skiing, walking, skijoring, snow-shoeing, for helping dig.) Thanks also to Kyle Kelley with and biking in Girdwood. As we look forward to all Girdwood Parks and Recreation for keeping our the crust skiing, we also look back over the past six tanks full of fuel, and coordinating maintenance months and say, “Thanks!” with Shane Bowlin. Thanks to October’s first groomer, Tim Charnon, Thanks to the community members for who always packs the first snowfall for us as we celebrating in December at our annual Solstice train the new groomers. We have a solid group of Celebration. We will continue to build this event to about 12 steady groomers that rotate to groom kick off the holidays, as we give our regards to Ullr. with snow machines. Girdwood can be a tough and Thanks to Alyeska Resort for packing down soggy place to groom. I am constantly impressed the heavy snow in January and February to help at the beautiful multi-use trails created by such a us host a day of the UAA Seawolf Invitational. PHOTO BY ADAM VERRIER dedicated group. That being said, this year’s winner About 100 skiers from 16 teams raced around the The turnout for the Seawolf Invitational was big and festive. of the best snow machine sitzmark goes to … Peter Nordic Loop bringing the first Nordic national competition to Girdwood Peak Series Race on August 12 to bring some since 1969. No way we could excitement to Max’s and Alyeska Mountain. You have pulled this off without can find more information on the Alyeska Resort Lin Hinderman and team of website. groomers Peter Zug and Jim And of course, thank you to all of the members Braham. and donors helping support our mission and Thanks to Ari Stiassny grooming efforts. You motivate us to keep creating and Briana Sullivan for outdoor spaces to ski and play, so kids can dream creating fun March event – like our hometown-girl (U.S. National Champion, Stumpy’s Annual Snowball 13th at Finland’s World Cup) Chelsea Holmes. Biathlon and Skiing And lastly, thanks to everyone who participated Jamboree. Without a doubt in our trail survey. Our summer plans will be to the most fun event to watch. continue discussing our proposal for a new trails Although there wasn’t an AK system in the Girdwood valley. The wetlands are a Skimeister event this year, fantastic place to ski … when there is over two feet stay tuned in future years for of snow and it’s dry. So we are proposing another it to re-surface in some form. forest loop to connect more trails in the valley. We We will not be hosting the also look forward to working with the Girdwood Alyeska Run this summer. A Mountain Bike Alliance as they build trails around new spicier race has taken the Nordic Loop. the place of the Alyeska Run, The future looks as fun as this past winter! See PHOTO BY DEB ESSEX Check out the start of Stumpy’s Biathlon Race. and we welcome the Discrete you on the trails.

KACHEMAK

AROUND THE BAY These two programs – Junior Nordics with the addition of trail cams and business sponsors, big and small, Continued from Page 9 and HWN – are great ambassadors real-time tracking, both of which are whether they contribute money, the race was canceled, and the year for Nordic skiing in general and for linked from the KNSC website. It’s event prizes, or in-kind contributions. before that it included a run, a longer KNSC in particular. not perfect. The tracking equipment It’s a long list, but this year’s major bike ride, and a run on the beach None of this would have happened, is only mounted on one machine at sponsors are: Bear Creek Winery carrying a ski! though, without our heroic groomers. each area, so any grooming done by & Lodging; Ulmer’s Drug and On the program side, Junior With the exception of some sno- other machines doesn’t show up. But Hardware; Homer Saw and Cycle; Nordics had a record year, attracting cat grooming that we occasionally it’s a big step up, and it’s become part Fritz Creek General Store; and The over 100 5-to-12-year-old happy, contract out at McNeil and Wolf of my morning routine. Stumble from Grog Shop. Give these folks your energetic, mostly fearless skiers. Ridge, KNSC trails are groomed by bed, feed the cats, get a cup of coffee, business. Looking down on the Lookout trails unpaid volunteers using equipment log into the computer and pull up the That’s it. I’m done. Really done. I from the road on a sunny, Saturday paid for by KNSC (that would be KNSC real-time grooming report am happy – thrilled! – to turn over afternoon when classes were in you, dear members). They are a to see where the best skiing is to be the local Nordic Skier editor hat to session, the kids, parents and hardworking and eclectic group – found today. Jeannie Woodring (see Jeannie’s Wolf coaches looked like ants, scurrying sharing a common vision (great ski What else to wrap up this season? Ridge article). Jeannie not only has everywhere, from the flat Hayfields trails!), speaking a common language Oh yes – a big thank you to the enthusiasm and fresh ideas, she has to the steepest Phelps’ Pholly and (sno-glish), and taking particular program and event coordinators, actual talent and did this sort of thing Double Cross hills. Homer Women’s pride in their own territory. Fair coaches, registration crew, timers, for a living! Imagine that. Nordic also continues to be very enough. I ski and enjoy all of their bib minders, refreshment providers, See you on the ski trails – or out the popular, bringing more women into trails. Thank you, thank you, thank party organizers, and KNSC board. road chasing crust! the program each year. This season, you! A huge army of volunteers. If you – By Marylou Burton HWN sponsored Holly Brooks, who Speaking of which – knowing which missed your chance to volunteer this taught classes both to HWN members trails have been groomed and when season, there will more opportunities and to the general skiing community. got a whole lot easier this season next season. And thanks to our

the Alaska nordic skier April/May 2017 13

P.O. Box 80111, Fairbanks, AK 99708-0111 Competition Office — 907-474-4242 Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks Competition Fax — 907-474-2073 Racing Hotline — 907-457-4434 Fairbanks, Alaska nscfairbanks.org SKIING UNDER THE NORTHERN LIGHTS Who’s Who in the Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks Board oversees sponsorships, Distance JUNIOR NORDIC HOTLINE 457-4437 Nationals, skier safety PRESIDENT Bruce Jamieson [email protected] BY ERIC TROYER n Examining a current club technology grant and figuring out how The business of the Board of Directors is critical to to use it to pay for the new club website. VICE PRESIDENT n Working on a club injury/incident policy so that responses to Steven Hansen keeping NSCF programs running. Here are some of the incidents and injuries are handled in a uniform way. The club will issues that the board, with help from staff and volunteers, SECRETARY coordinate with the Nordic Ski Patrol. Liz Pawelko has currently been dealing with: n Overseeing Junior Nordics Coordinator Sally Endestad, who has [email protected] n Overseeing Sponsorship Coordinator Aelin Allegood, who is added a UAF spring session this season in addition to organizing a TREASURER finding more local sponsorship partners for a variety of NSCF coaches’ appreciate barbecue, helping organize a coaches’ training Mike Donaldson programs including NSCF-FXC, the Sonot Kkaazoot, and Ski Your session, and ironing out online registration problems. [email protected] Age in Kilometers. Aelin is also working with REI on a possible n Coordinating the many parts of NSCF’s online presence, partnership for ski rentals for adult lessons. including the website, Wild Apricot’s membership management AT-LARGE MEMBERS n [email protected] Dealing with Birch Hill facilities maintenance issues, including service, credit card payments, and the club’s weather page. Helena Rueter problems with the stadium sound system and a leaking roof on n Investigating ways to work with the borough to improve the Eric Buetow Rikka’s Roadhouse. acoustics in the Birch Hill Cross Country Ski Center, which are Mark Winford n so poor that some bands have declined to play there, making Overseeing race director John Estle, who has been working on the ADULT LESSONS COORDINATOR regional high school races and the USSA Distance Nationals, which organizing some fundraisers more difficult. Kathy Bue require a lot of work. n Searching for new board members to help keep the club running. [email protected] | 371-9543 n Investigating the possibility of having USSA Distance National FAIRBANKS JUNIOR NORDICS skiers visit local school ski clubs. Sally Endestad [email protected] | 371-9564

FAIRBANKS CROSS COUNTRY Staying skier fit during the summer season Pete Leonard Head Coach, Program Director BY ROBERT HANNON recommended for the skier’s mental variety to the insults to which an [email protected] March’s abundant daylight and health. Movement is the key. aging body is subjected. RACE PROGRAM DIRECTOR relatively warm temperatures offer There is a great variety of activities Susan is also a strong believer John Estle Fairbanks skiers the opportunity in Fairbanks for anyone who wants in entering races as a way to say [email protected] to indulge in pure Nordic skiing to stay active. Rollerski classes, focused. MEMBERSHIP [email protected] pleasure. It is the rich dessert strength classes, learn to run or “Then you have something to aim presented at the end of a long course run faster classes, soccer, cycling, for,” she explains. “It gets you out BIATHLON Helena Reuter | [email protected] of training and racing fiber. swimming, you name it, we have it the door when the birch pollen or But a bleak question can trouble here in Fairbanks. Some of the best- mosquitoes are bad.” TOURING Mike Schmoker | msfbcski@gmail the dreams of skiers at this time of kept secrets to stay “skier fit” in the Besides triathlons, the big event Eric Troyer | [email protected] year: How to maintain our skills and summer are not advertised. Susan aims for each summer is the NEWSLETTER EDITOR fitness once the snow is gone? For more information on summer Equinox Marathon. Traditionally she Eric Troyer For an answer I turned to a pair ideas or where to find programs, takes the Ester Dome leg, competing [email protected] of women who teach and train skiers contact NSCFAdultLessons@gmail. in the relay event with two other SPONSORSHIP COORDINATOR Aelin Allegood all year long. Kathy Bue heads up com. racers. [email protected] adult lessons for the Nordic Ski Club I also sought out the head wrangler An excellent way to keep abreast of WEBSITE WEBMASTER of Fairbanks. Maria Bray teaches for the SCUM training group, Susan all the summer events and races is to Chris Carlson some of those classes; and the pair Sugai. She swims, even during the join running or biking clubs. You can [email protected] also offers classes through Alaska winter when conditions make skiing get a complete list of track and trail Health and Fitness. Here is what they challenging. For her, laps in the training runs and races at Running suggest: pool serve as a good complement to Club North. For bicyclists there is conditioning wasteland it looks like Skiers can stay “skier fit” during striding or skating on ski trails. Fairbanks Cycle Club. In fact, many when casting hungry eyes towards the summer in a variety of ways. The “Swimming is a great core exercise SCUM exchange ski Lycra for padded late fall. As some wise person once single most important thing to do is and the added resistance of the spandex shorts and aim for the observed, “When life hands you warm to stay physically active, by regularly water works the entire body,” she Chena Hot Springs Bicycle Classic, temperatures and tons of sunshine, participating in an activity/sport you says. In the summer she competes traditionally held in late June. train for future skis.” enjoy and are able to do outside. OK, in triathlons, which introduce biking So, though snow is largely outside isn’t that important but highly and running into the mix, and giving absent, summer is far from the ski- Parking lot expansion planned for Birch Hill this summer BY ERIC TROYER another parking lot to the south of Loop with barrier trees left standing More dirt work is planned for Birch the existing parking lot. The existing so that the trail will still retain its Hill Recreation Area this summer. parking spaces are being filled to woodsy feel. Last summer, Birch Hill capacity during high-attendance days The reality of the situation is that Recreation Area saw major changes and events, such as on nice Sundays Birch Hill has become far more with new trails built (Sunnyside and (when many independent skiers are popular than anyone could have Cliffside), modifications made to out and several NSCF programs are imagined when it opened in the mid- existing trails, and construction of a in session), and big events like the 1970s. That’s good, but the growing new equipment building. Fairbanks Besh Cup races and Junior pains are sometimes awkward, so This summer the borough plans Nationals. Birch Hill is also getting the Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks is to expand the parking area. The busier in summer. working closely with the FNSB to Parks and Recreation Department The new parking lot will take over planned to replace the old one. At make things work as smoothly as of the Fairbanks North Star Borough the space now used by the terrain last report, the new garden will be possible. (FNSB) received a grant to add garden. A new terrain garden is being nestled between legs of the Warm Up

the Alaska nordic skier 14 FAIRBANKS April/May 2017 Season in review: So many thanks to give, so little space BY ERIC TROYER work creating a new club-wide sponsorship plan, through the sport of cross-country skiing. Our Lots of snow and lots of new stuff. It’s been a touching base with our existing partners and board also joined in a chorus of protests against busy season for the Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks! reaching out to new ones. Our popular programs a proposal to cut the University of Alaska ski rely on the continuing support of these incredible teams. Those protests were successful, but UA is Lots of “late” snow partners to us help offer people the many benefits still facing tough budget cuts, so the future of all Fairbanks seemed destined for another of cross-country skiing. Thank you to all the ski the sports teams is still up in the air. Thanks to grim snow season through late December. We club staff and our community partners for helping the board and everyone who spoke up for the UA were again singing the praises of the magic our build another successful season! programs! groomers can do with just a little snow. Then a storm blew in and gave us almost more white New race directors Impressive Junior Nationals showing blessings than we knew what to do with. Some Two NSCF race series got new directors Fairbanks was represented by 13 local skiers at events even had to be rescheduled because the this season. Trax Outdoor Center took over the the Junior Nationals, which were held in upstate snow. January gave us cold temps, forcing more Wednesday Night Races from Ken Leary, who New York. These incredible young athletes put in rescheduled events, but it also gave us a lot more decided to step back, though he is still helping out. some outstanding performances and helped Team snow than normal. Not to be outdone, February Ross MacDougall took over the Buetow Dental Alaska reach the podium several times. Thank you gave us almost twice as much snow as normal. Distance Series from NSCF Race Director John all for making us proud! We adjusted and started singing the praises of the Estle, who is reducing his duties as he slowly moves magic our groomers can do with a lot of snow. We toward retirement. Thanks to all our race directors Website woes and wins can’t say it enough: Thank you, groomers! And for the many incredible races put on each season! A hacking attack took down the NSCF website thank you to all who donate to the Birch Hill Trail for a few days early in the season. NSCF member Fund! NSCF-FXC gets a van and trailer John Schauer helped get us back online, but the FXC, the junior race-training program of NSCF, incident added impetus to something the board has New trails, big event got a new van thanks to a generous grant from known for a while: the club needs a new website. All that snow gave us lots of opportunities to the Rasmuson Foundation, impressive donations Volunteers had been slowly working on a new ski on the new Sunnyside and Cliffside trails built from FXC parents and others, and funding from website, but things just weren’t coming together. last summer. They also allowed us to check out the NSCF Special Projects Fund. The board and The board finally decided to contract with local web improvements made to the existing trails for better club personnel have also worked hard to make developer to build a new website. John also has grooming and – drum roll – the USSA Distance sure continuing costs of the van and trailer, such helped keep the Birch Hill weather station up and Nationals, which were held in late March. Thank as insurance, aren’t drawn from general ski club running despite some software problems. Thanks you to all who helped with the trails and the race! funds. The FXC program travels a lot locally and much, John! across the state throughout the year, so the van New personnel and trailer will help the program function more Volunteers are our lifeblood In summer 2016, we welcomed two new NSCF- smoothly and provide opportunities to some Finally, thank you to all the many volunteers who FXC assistant coaches: Hilary Saucy and Alisdair participants who might otherwise had to decline. help make this club so successful. We have a ton of Tutt. They’ve been doing an outstanding job, Thank you to all who helped make this possible! events that help people stay active throughout the continuing the impressive success that NSCF- winter, including races, tours, lessons and socials. FXC head coach Pete Leonard created. As the Spreading the word Unfortunately, we don’t have enough room here to season began, we welcomed Fairbanksan and Our board created a new Outreach Committee, list even all the events much less the people who former Olympian Aelin Peterson as the club’s which will help spread the word about the helped make them happen. Please know how much new sponsorship coordinator. She quickly got to advantages of staying active in the winter months we appreciate you!

AROUND THE Help NSCF By Going Interior can’t be beat! The Chena he decided to give it a try. Sam isn’t a Shopping River State Recreation Area has fan, but he talked to others who like INTERIOR You can earn donations from many great trails summer and winter. them. Read about it at newsminer. Fred Meyer to the Nordic Ski Club of The Angel Creek Valley trails offer com/features/outdoors/review-tiny- Fairbanks just by shopping at Fred out-and-backs or, in winter, loops. skate-ski-was-worst-of-both-worlds/ Meyer with your Rewards Card. Fred The winter trail is in the valley. It’s article_098af198-0544-11e7-8580- Meyer will donate $2.5 million to too wet for summer, but it makes for f3913399e1a6.html. nonprofits in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon a great ski in winter. There are areas of overflow that you need to navigate. Skiing (and other sports) and Washington annually through keeps depression at bay this program. To find out how to help The hillside trail is open summer and Well, we probably already knew see tinyurl.com/npmcles. winter (but avoid it in early spring when it is muddy). Winter winds can this, but it’s nice that it’s now backed Podcast features Fairbanks sometimes cause drifting, so be on up by science. Check out the article skiing legends the lookout. “Active Kids Less Likely to Be Fairbanks radio journalist Robert The trails go to two public use Depressed Later” at tinyurl.com/ Hannon interviews Fairbanks cabins, so you can plan a day trip or jnnkbnx. Check out one of several photos already personalities on his regular podcast. an overnight. The two trails meet at on the NSCF Instagram page! Adventure on skis! His interviews have included each cabin, so in winter you can make Backyard playing with Fairbanks cross-country skiing a loop trip. fatbikes and packrafts NSCF now on Instagram! legends John Estle and “Bad” Bob • Check out a map of the trails: during breakup Baker, as well as other locals and NSCF now has an Instagram page. dnr.alaska.gov/Assets/uploads/ Ok, so this article doesn’t include visitors. Learn more about the Just search for Nordic Ski Club of DNRPublic/parks/maps/ skis, but you could do this on skis. podcasts at northernsoundings.com. Fairbanks or go to instagram.com/ angelcreekhilltrail.pdf This is a “silly idea” that Fairbanksan nscf_fairbanks. Beyond Birch – Angel Creek • Look into reserving the cabins: Heath Sandall had about combin- dnr.alaska.gov/parks/cabins/index NSCF Calendar keeps you Valley Trails ing some fatbiking and packrafting updated Birch Hill is an incredible trail Skate skiing on in April. So, if there’s enough snow left on the ground when the creeks This is a busy time of the year, so system for cross-country skiing, but snowmachine trails? starting flowing (and you can get your it’s good to check the NSCF Calendar there are many other places to ski in Fairbanks Daily News-Miner hands on a packraft), consider try- for upcoming club events regularly. the Fairbanks area. Outdoors Editor Sam Friedman ing to recreate Heath and Audrey’s See the calendar at: nscfairbanks.org With a good snowpack and warm heard about local skiers using mini temperatures, spring skiing in the > Calendar. skate skis on snowmachine trails, so See AROUND THE INTERIOR, Page 16

the Alaska nordic skier April/May 2017 FAIRBANKS 15

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the Alaska nordic skier 16 FAIRBANKS April/May 2017 On doing stupid stuff BY FRANK SOOS us and our skis. Mike went first and I’d done this tour a couple of times, fell pretty hard. Right behind him, I and I thought I knew the course and thought I’d try a different route and its pitfalls: a long climb up to a section fell pretty hard myself. The others got of the Alyeska pipeline corridor, through fully upright. then along the ridge for a while, then I landed on my funny bone, so when down a long descent that could be I finally got to my feet and scrambled wicked fast, but on this day was easily off the ice, I could feel that numbing skiable. Then along a well-used bit of wang that comes with a good hit on trail where four-wheeler damage and the elbow. It was only after the wang low snow meant this time we were wore off that I realized my hand had mostly skiing in a rut or with one ski taken a harder hit. I’d call that one in a rut and one on the high ground in a yow. It really hurt, and my skis the middle. had iced up, too. With only a quarter Then, as our trip leader, fellow of a mile or so back to our vehicles, SCUM Mike Schmoker, had warned though, I skied on. Of course, there us, we encountered a huge section of was no other choice. Oh well, things overflow cascading over the trail. It like this do happen when you get out NSCF PHOTO Unlike the author, some people choose to avoid doing “stupid stuff” and walk their wasn’t just its length – what was it, in the country on skis or snowshoes skis around overflow, like here in a 2016 NSCF tour. maybe 40 or 50 feet? – but the angled or plain old feet. Things like this hap- traverse caused by the cascade. We pen when you’re on a bike – fat, road, kind of oafish derring-do based on it will be decades before we reach got through most of it by hanging or mountain – when you’re in a canoe some notion that providence will keep that level. onto willow scrub at the bottom of the or kayak or wading a river to fish. an eye out for us. I’m just thinking When I got home from that little overflow, but then came to the final I’m not advocating for an “Into about the things that can go wrong ski tour, I showered and held my still section where it was pretty much the Wild” kind of foolishness here, a even when a person is reasonably fit, throbbing hand in the warm water to has some skills and is among skilled no avail. Then I took a nifty little ice friends. Things can still go haywire pack from the freezer – the same ice from time to time. pack I’d been given for participating I’m saying we all want to keep put- in the Sportif ride of the Tour of Fair- ting ourselves out there. This might banks bike race. I recalled that year: be a good time for every reader to The weather abruptly turned, and we make a short catalogue of the bruises, found ourselves riding into a head- broken bones, stitches and knocks on wind driving a mix of rain and hail. the head we’ve all had our share of By the time I got back to the start I while getting out in the world and cel- was nearly hypothermic. I put the ice ebrating our animal selves. Because pack on my hand, while recollecting I sometimes worry that, for myself, I yet another stupid moment, and said might be tempted to draw back after to myself: Promise me you won’t stop an injury, to take fewer risks, in other doing stupid stuff. And I answered: words to stop doing stupid stuff. I promise I won’t stop doing stupid Some years ago, when my pal Dave stuff. Musgrave and I were grinding up the steep grade of Spinach Creek Road Writer Frank Soos is the 2014-16 Alaska State Writer Laureate, Professor Emeri- on our road bikes headed to the road tus of English at University of Alaska where we once lived, I said, “What Fairbanks, an NSCF member, and a will we do when we can’t do this any- SCUM. more?” “I don’t know, play checkers, I PHOTO BY MIKE SCHMOKER Frank Soos, left, and the rest of the touring group pose for a photo before the guess,” Musgrave told me. Neither of group came across the overflow. us is playing checkers yet, and I hope

AROUND THE INTERIOR NSCF-FXC helps build strong skiers all year long: Continued from Page 14 adventure, only on skis. Read about New season starts in May their adventure here: heathsan- The year-round program for environment and learn what can be COMP TEAM dall.com/backyard-playing-with- NSCF-FXC starts in late May, but the accomplished with long-term dedica- A full-service junior ski program for high fatbikes-and-packrafts-during- early registration deadline is May tion and focus. NSCF-FXC aims to school and post-graduate athletes whose goals breakup/. 1. FXC (Fairbanks Cross Country) provide a training environment that is range from making their school’s varsity team to success on the world stage. Faster, more efficient, is the junior race-training program focused but also fun, challenging but For more information, see the more affordable – The for the Nordic Ski of Fairbanks. The energizing. program’s page on the NSCF website Nordic Skier in your Inbox goal of the NSCF-FXC is to provide The program is split into three (nscfairbanks.org). Go to Programs Get your Alaska Nordic Skier a full-service training program for levels: > NSCF-FXC. For families having online and the links below are just young cross-country skiers. The JR. DEVO TEAM difficulties with paying the program’s a click away. To get only a PDF program provides a progression of An introductory race team for skiers ages tuition, a scholarship program is version, or a PDF and printed ver- developmentally appropriate training 9-14 that focuses on shoring up technical skills available. The deadline for scholar- sion, please send an email request and competition opportunities where while introducing basic training concepts and ship applications is usually in mid- to [email protected]. skiers are continually challenged to the social aspect of being part of a team. April. See the NSCF-FXC webpage You can also get PDF versions at grow and develop as athletes and PREP TEAM or contact the program director Pete anchoragenordicski.com/newslet- young people. A team geared toward middle school Leonard at [email protected]. ter/. Getting the online newsletter While NSCF-FXC is an outlet for students (ages 11-15) with the goal of refining only saves our club money, too! a greater competitive experience, technique and building fitness in preparation for the program also uses skiing to help a smooth transition to high school, regional and national level junior racing. young people grow in a healthy social

the Alaska nordic skier April/May 2017 STATEWIDE 17 Don’t ruin your skis in the off-season PHOTO BY ERIC TROYER BY RILEY TROYER This method of ski Do you want to ruin your skis and poles? Surely storage is highly discouraged! you don’t, but some people do just that by not caring for their equipment in the off-season. A set of skis and poles can easily last several decades if properly stored. But those same skis and poles, if neglected, might last just a couple seasons. Don’t shell out $1,000 on new equipment only to find it damaged beyond repair the next year. Skis and poles are highly susceptible to damage during the offseason. Skis can get shoved into the shed or stuffed into a corner of the garage and for- gotten for months. During this time, dust can build up on surfaces, bases can get scratched and poles can be broken. Take these simple steps at the end of the season to eliminate problems. Clean your bases To prepare skis for summer, the bases should be cleaned well. First, scrape off any kick wax and apply a wax remover to the entire base, for both the wax is too hard it can become brittle on the ski maybe six or so inches in diameter from the hard- classic and skate skis. Wipe off the wax remover base and flake off. If it is too soft, sharp objects will ware or plumbing supply store. Place your poles with a paper towel and brush the skis with a metal easily scrape into it. A good midrange wax is the inside to protect them from any sort of blunt force. brush to remove any leftover dirt and wax remover way to go, something like Toko NF Red, Swix CH7 Following these steps will allow your equipment residue. or similar. After the wax is applied, run the iron to stay safe during the summer so that it is ready to Apply storage wax down the ski a couple more times to ensure the wax pull out and take to the trails once the snow starts Next, apply a liberal amount of glide wax to the is properly heated into the base. to fall again. entire ski base to protect the bases from dust and Protect your skis and poles Riley Troyer is a student at University of Alaska scratches. Wax choice is important. The amount of Finally, strap your skis together with ski ties Fairbanks, an employee at Goldstream Sports and a fluoro in the wax doesn’t matter, though I tend to go or tape and place them in a ski bag, if available. Fairbanks-area ski and bike racer. with unfluorinated because it is cheaper. However, For storing poles I like to buy a cheap plastic tube, the hardness of the wax does make a difference. If Koyuk Invitational Ski and Biathlon Meet turns 40 BY KEITH CONGER Nome Ski and Biathlon, Head Coach Western Interior Ski and Biathlon, President What do cellular mobile phone sys- tems, the Garfield comic strip and ski and biathlon racing in Koyuk, Alaska, have in common? They all debuted in 1978. Young athletes from 10 rural Alas- kan sites gathered March 2-4 for the 40th annual Koyuk Invitational Ski and Biathlon Meet. The event was at- tended by public school students from as far west as St. Lawrence Island, PHOTO COURTESY OF KOYUK SCHOOL as far east as Galena, as far north as The participants of the Koyuk Invitational gathered together for a picture in the Koyuk gym. Photo courtesy of Koyuk School Shishmaref, and as far south as Steb- bins. Flight services were unable to Koyuk trails. lane was manned by a trained as- Koyuk is a small, picturesque vil- bring some teams to Koyuk until late On Friday, one of the most unique sistant who helped competitors shoot lage tucked deep inside Norton Sound in the afternoon. That pushed the biathlon races in all of Alaska was at “open,” 4.5-inch targets from the on the Bering Sea Coast. The Koyuk race start time to nearly 5:30 p.m. conducted. According to members prone position. Junior high skiers Invitational has been a fixture there At one point, all the 5th-12th grade of the Alaska Biathlon Association, were allowed to use a rest. since Alaska Cross Country Ski Hall participants were on the narrow, 66 racers made the Koyuk event the “The distances aren’t overwhelm- of Fame member John Miles intro- one-mile loop at the same time. The largest participatory biathlon race ing. The course is not that technical, duced the sport to Western Alaska course didn’t look much different in Alaska this year. This distinction so Koyuk is the perfect place for new four decades ago. from when Miles and fellow Ski Hall is typically held each ski season by a skiers,” said Persons. Due to a double-whammy blizzard of Fame friend Jim Mahaffey carved rural biathlon event: either the Koyuk The Koyuk Invitational is an that brought unseasonably warm, out the trail in the late 70’s. Invitational, the Bering Strait School important cog in the development of 30 degree temperatures and over 10 According to Unalakleet head District Meet or the Western Interior rural competitors. It has led to West- inches of snow to the Bering Straits coach Nancy Persons, the sun had set Ski Association Championships. ern Alaskan skiers and biathletes region, the meet had been postponed and the shadows had lengthened con- After a morning of safety clinics performing on the national stage. from February 24-26. With a change siderably by the time the last skiers and rifle training, entrants braved Former Unalakleet racer Alyeska in event dates came a 30-plus-degree crossed the finish line. The darkened sub-zero weather for one shooting Daniels, who competed at the 2017 dip in temperatures. Seventy-one race conclusion caused Koyuk ski vet- bout of five shots sandwiched be- XC Junior National Championships in participants bundled up for either a erans to reminisce about the lighting tween two loops of skiing. Since the Lake Placid in early March, started 5K high school freestyle ski race or a system the innovative and energetic Koyuk biathlon is introductory in her race career at the Koyuk Invita- 3K junior high race. Miles had once created around the nature, no racers carried rifles. Each tional in 2008.

the Alaska nordic skier 18 STATEWIDE/ANCHORAGE April/May 2017 NSAA volunteer spotlights backcountry skiing is fun, too. As a teenager, John’s skiing experience started Dan Bosch Dan’s success is seen years later when many of in alpine, working at a ski resort in Ohio. John was his original Polar Cubs come back and coach for drawn to Alaska and worked in the tourism indus- him, continuing the legacy of teaching and model- try at Denali Park. Like many, he fell in love with ing active and healthy living through Nordic skiing. Alaska and never left. With backcountry adventure Dan’s advice to parents: “Always use the same guide experience and a personal interest in sea technique your child is using. If your child is a kayaking, fishing, biking and hiking, becoming a beginner, always classical ski with them.” From Nordic ski coach seemed like a natural progression. Dan’s experience, kids want to skate ski before they John had a passion to share the love of the outdoors master classical and this inhibits their development and teaching others, especially kids. John began as a skier. Any skier can become a fairly good skate teaching recreational and wilderness skills at local skier in the course of a year, but it takes a lifetime summer camps and outdoor programs. Teaching to master the classical technique. This is sound evolved to coaching, and the rest is history! advice from an experienced and credible source! Perspective and experience definitely influ- ence each of us, and John is no exception. Having worked on the NSAA Operations team for close to Dan Bosch remembers the early NSAA Junior John Hemmeter four years grooming and doing year-round trail Nordic days. John Hemmeter began coaching over 10 years maintenance, John understands the bigger picture “We met as one big group, at either Kincaid or of this skiing community more than most. Because Russian Jack,” he said. of this experience, he instills passion and apprecia- In fact, back then, Hillside wasn’t even a desig- tion for quality trails to those he coaches. nated Junior Nordic site. That was over 20 years John uses a unique coaching strategy that ago. Dan was the first site director for Hillside. For works well with his ski groups, giving them a set the Hillside Tuesday/Thursday Group, Dan is the of challenges and letting the kids decide if they are only site director they’ve ever had and still is today. up for it. John’s calm voice and easy going nature When Dan’s parents gave him a pair of cross- provides a safe and fun environment where kids country skis for Christmas, he was hooked. He ramble on about video games, connect and have started skiing back in the early 1970’s, growing up fun. John says, “It’s hilarious listening to them. in Western New York where there was plenty of ar- Those kids are learning and they don’t even realize eas to ski but only a few areas that were groomed. it.” Dan came to Alaska in 1975 to attend UAF and has As a busy graduate student today, John sees lived here ever since. Dan and his wife raised their Junior Nordic as a reason to be outside and stay son and daughter in the Junior Nordic program; active, especially stressful days. John recently both went on to ski in middle and high school. ago, first working with new skiers in the Municipal- finished his anthropology degree at UAA and is Dan’s favorite part of Junior Nordic is “watching ity of Anchorage’s afterschool and “little Nordic” currently working on his masters. brand new skiers going from not being able to stand programs. A few years later, he initially joined On the coldest, darkest days, he many times up on skis to becoming pretty competent classical NSAA’s Junior Nordic as a “fill in” coach but he dreads the task of coaching, but after being outside skiers during their first year of skiing.” For two de- stepped into a much needed role as the Polar Cub with the kids, he never has any regrets. They re- cades, Dan has coached because he believes teach- head coach a short time later. Five years ago, John mind him of why he does it, why he gives so much of ing kids to be active is the most important outcome became one of our site directors, a critical Junior his time and energy to the Junior Nordic program, of Junior Nordics. Dan also believes it is important Nordic position. He hasn’t looked back since, giving instilling a love for the outdoors through Nordic ski- to teach that anyone can ski in most conditions. the kids credit for keeping him balanced and light- ing one challenge at a time. Groomed trails aren’t required; bushwhacking and hearted. Alaska Guardsmen bring home gold from National Guard biathlon championships BY STAFF SGT . BALINDA O’NEAL DRESEL The Alaska National Guard Biathlon Team brought home several gold medals from the 2017 Chief of the National Guard Bureau Biathlon Championships at Camp Ethan Allen Training Site, Jericho, Vt., held March 5-9. Seven Guardsmen participated in the event, which combined cross-country skiing with pre- cision marksmanship. The year’s competition boasted 120 athletes from 23 states competing in sprint, pursuit, team relay and patrol races. Alaska National Guard Pvt. Everett Darrow, Pfc. Travis Cooper, Spc. Tadhg Nakada, Staff. Sgt. Jack Andro- ski, 1st Sgt. Travis Kulp, 2nd Lt. Eric Gorman, and Maj. David Cunningham represented Alaska under the guidance of Capt. Mariano Barajas. The Alaska Guardsmen received a first place trophy for winning every team event and had the opportunity to meet Chief of the National Guard Bureau Gen. Joseph L. Lengyel as he presented the winning racers and teams with their medals. Nakada received first in the men’s sprint and second in men’s pursuit races. Darrow, the newest member of the team, took first in the junior men’s PHOTO BY DEVON SUITS From the left, Spc. Tadhg Nakada, Pvt. Everett Darrow, 2nd Lt. Eric Gorman, 1st Sgt. Travis Kulp, Maj. David sprint race and second in the junior men’s pursuit Cunningham, Pfc. Travis Cooper, and Staff. Sgt. Jack Androski proudly display Alaska flags during the 2017 race behind Cooper who claimed first. Chief of the National Guard Bureau Biathlon Championships at Camp Ethan Allen Training Site, Jericho, Vt.

the Alaska nordic skier