Fairbanks: Mat-Su: Eagle River

D e c e m b e r 2 017, VOL .1 9, N O . 3

ANCHORAGE: So many memories: NSAA Photo Contest 4

EAGLE RIVER: Youthful enthusiasm from skiers, volunteers 9

MAT-SU: Twice the racing fun with Icicle Double 10

FAIRBANKS: Wax up and explore the Trails Challenge 16

BONUS SECTION! Visit anchoragenordicski. com/newsletter/ for four extra pages of fun photos, Olympic athlete profiles and Alaska Nordic news!

Anchorage ...... 2 Eagle River ...... 9 Fairbanks ...... 14 Girdwood ...... 11

PHOTO BY ANDY KUBIC Kachemak . . . . . 12 Mat-Su...... 10 2 December 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 Snow on the ground, skiers on the trails PRESIDENT Joey Caterinichio VICE PRESIDENT Sara Miller Message from NSAA staff and Board of Directors SECRETARY Josh Niva ‘Tis the season for Nordic skiing! dreds of kids and coaches are canvas- – you won’t want to miss it! Along TREASURER We are excited that December wel- ing Anchorage’s trails each night, with Santa’s elves, Nordic volunteers Karl Garber MEMBERS comes us with snow on the ground, staying active and healthy. are also working especially hard this Molly Brown Alex Grumman both manmade and the natural kind. Our December issue of the Nordic season prepping for a big event: U.S. Elizabeth Arnold Snowmaking guns at Kincaid Park Skier is packed with great stories Nationals starting January 3 at Kin- Mike Miller Tim Miller got a lot of skiers excited in early and updates including the unveil- caid Park. Look for information in the November as our NSAA Operations ing of new technology at the Kincaid December issue of Coast magazine OFFICE STAFF crew led a team of incredibly talented stadium. Thanks to Gunnar and Alice and the January issue of the Nordic Erin Beam, Business Manager Tamra Kornfield, Program Manager volunteers in running the equipment. Knapp, the new weather camera is Skier. We hope to see you all there Amber Adams, Office Manager Laying down that first layer of base catching glimpses of real time condi- cheering on 400 of America’s – and OPERATIONS STAFF early in the season is good for all ski- tions at Kincaid and the chance to Alaska’s – top athletes. Craig Norman ers – recreational and competitive. watch skiers zoom by the lens. The The NSAA staff, board and volun- Bill Brion Peter Zug Racers from our high school teams highly anticipated Solstice Tree Tour teers continue working hard for your Annette Brion are prepping for their first competi- planning continues with last-minute ski club, striving to do better every Matthew Pauli tion: the Freestyle Snowball Race on details for the December 17 commu- day to promote skiing through quality TRAILS December 2. NSAA’s Ski Jumping nity event at Kincaid Park. Thanks programs, events and trails. That Mike Miller and Junior Nordics programs are to the great work of Sara Miller, the said, holiday schedules typically bring COMMITTEE CHAIRS flourishing with happy skiers, as well event director, and the countless vol- extra down time to ski, so we’ll see ALASKA SKI FOR WOMEN as new and returning families. Hun- unteers, sponsors and organizations you out there! Jenny Di Grappa

AMH ANCHORAGE CUP the way. This is a very popular, family friendly and free Branden Fontana AROUND THE BOWL event that brings together all ages, levels of fitness, and BACKCOUNTRY TOURS Tour of Trees: A can’t miss holiday tradition outdoor enthusiasts. Patti Phillips, Mary Vavrik, Karlene Leeper It’s not too late to sponsor a tree! Support NSAA while and Ken DePalma NSAA is proud to bring back the second annual Sol- joining in on Anchorage’s newest winter tradition. Busi- stice Tour of Trees, a unique Alaska celebration of winter BIATHLON nesses, family and organizations are all welcome; there Marti Pausback and Catherine Kilby solstice and the return of longer days! This year’s event is are many possibilities including sponsoring and decorat- from 4-7 p.m. Sunday, December 17, at Kincaid Park. HIGH SCHOOL RACING ing a tree, sponsoring a feature of the event, or in-kind John Christopherson As a northern community, Anchorage loves events that donations. Please contact [email protected] if you encourage all ages and abilities to get outside and cel- HOPE CABIN are interested or have questions. ebrate winter. The event allows people to tour decorated anchoragenordicski.com/cabin-rental trees along the first 2.5k of the Mize Loop. Local busi- AARP, NSAA partner to offer JUNIOR NORDIC nesses will sponsor trees along the route and can decorate affordable skiing and lessons Shannon Donley them to create a winter wonderland along one of Kincaid’s A few seasons ago, AARP Alaska teamed up with NSAA MIDDLE SCHOOL RACING most well-loved trails. with one goal in mind: to help empower people to choose Diane Moxness For this event only, NSAA permits people to walk as how they live as they age. What better way than with Nor- RACE CHAIRMAN well as ski on the groomed trails, increasing participation dic skiing? Daryl Royce, Community Outreach Director, Tim Stone for all. Hot beverages and snacks will be provided along had the vision: “AARP may be known for discounts, but SCHOLARSHIPS offering a discount on Nordic ski lessons opens the door to Dan Rosenberg those who have never SKAN 24 tried the sport.” Cassandra and Grant Stevenson This will be the third season of AARP spon- SKI 4 KIDS Erin Whitney Witmer soring 50+ Nordic ski lessons through NSAA. SKI JUMPING Karen Compton and Vivienne Murray Last year, 23 participants took advantage SKI TRAIN of a five-week lesson Travis Taylor series at half the normal SOLSTICE TREE TOUR price thanks to the Sara Miller partnership. Instructors SPECIAL EVENTS AND RACING walk through the basics Lauri Bassett of cross-country skiing TOUR OF ANCHORAGE in small groups, instill- Matias Saari ing the love of outdoor PHOTO BY DARYL ROYCE AARP-sponsored skier Kelly NSAA OFFICE HOURS winter activity in each Fehrman Royce takes on last 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday skier. Learn more about season’s Tour of Anchorage. these opportunities by BOARD MEETINGS Fourth Thursday of the month, calling the NSAA office 6:15 P.M. at BP Energy Center at 276-7609. or NSAA office. Open to all. NSAA Jr. Nordics – And they’re off! NSAA Jr. Nordics is off to a roaring start – parents and kids are enjoying the after-school practice from 4:30-5:30 p.m. (especially because that means an early bedtime!).

PHOTO BY SCOTT BROADWELL It took a tree-mendous effort to decorate this tree in last See AROUND THE BOWL, Page 3 season’s Tour of Trees.

the Alaska nordic skier December 2017 ANCHORAGE 3

AROUND THE BOWL Road, Basher Trailhead; Tour leader — Ken DePalma. the Alaska Continued from Page 2 January 27, 2018 — Williwaw Lake and Middle Fork; Tour leader — Patti nordic skier Phillips. January 30-February 1, 2018 — Catch the Lunar Eclipse on January 31! Two overnights (midweek) at private cabin on Red Shirt Lake; Tour leader EDITOR — Patti Phillips. Josh Niva Find all tours and more information at anchoragenordicski.com/tours.htm. [email protected]

NSAA calendar of events LAYOUT DECEMBER Kevin Powell [email protected] Friday, December 1 — First Friday Winter Art and Beer Night, Resolution Brewery Saturday, December 2 — ASD High School Freestyle Snowball Race, AD REPRESENTATIVE Hillside Andre Lovett Sunday, December 3 — Biathlon Race #1 [email protected] Friday-Saturday, December 8-9 — ASD High School Lynx Loppet, Kincaid [email protected] Saturday, December 9 — NSAA Backcountry Tour — Iditarod Trail INHT from Eddie’s to Turnagain Pass Sunday, December 10 — AMH Anchorage Cup — AMH Freestyle LOCAL EDITORS Friday, December 15 — NSAA Backcountry Tour — Friday Night Fun Ski ANCHORAGE Saturday-Sunday, December 16-17 — Besh Cup #1 and #2, Kincaid The Cookie Tours have been a success thanks to the early Josh Niva Sunday, December 17 — Solstice Tree Tour, Kincaid snowfall. And everyone is especially excited about the new [email protected] Thursday, December 21 — Biathlon Race #2 NSAA Jr. Nordic jackets that will arrive in time for the sec- Saturday-Sunday, December 30-31 — Icicle Races, Government Peak EAGLE RIVER ond session! A special thanks to NSAA Board President Nordic Area, 5K, 10K, 20K, 30K; classic on Saturday, freestyle on Sunday Ros Singleton Joey Caterinichio for leading this much-needed project TBA — Annual Speedskate/Skate Ski Duathlon [email protected] and a grand thank you to our jacket sponsors ConocoPhil- TBA ¬— UAA Friends and Family Relay lips and UBS. FAIRBANKS JANUARY Kate Carey FYI to parents: The second session is filling up fast! January 3-8 — U.S. Nationals, Kincaid Park [email protected] Register today and learn more about the Jr. Nordic pro- Saturday, January 6 — Ski Jumping Competition — All Hills gram, coaching and other opportunities at www.anchor- KACHEMAK Tuesday-Wednesday, January 9-10 — Junior Nordic Equipment Return agenordicski.com/junior-nordic-coaching. Jeannie Woodring Saturday, January 13 — Junior Nordic Equipment Pickup [email protected] Explore Southcentral on an NSAA Tour Saturday, January 13 — ASD High School Chugiak Stampede, Chugiak Saturday-Sunday, January 13-14 — AWG Biathlon Trials — Kincaid Get NSAA tours info at anchoragenordicski.com/pro- JUNEAU Saturday-Monday, January 13-15 — NSAA Backcountry Tour — Two Mark Scholten grams/backcountry-tours. Anchorage Nordic Ski Patrol overnights at Sheep Mountain Lodge, Mat Glacier [email protected] provides safety, trail sweep and other assistance. Patti Sunday, January 14 — AMH Anchorage Cup — Hickok Duathlon Phillips, Co-chair: NSAA contact, 240-3742, phillipspj@ Monday, January 15 — Ski Jumping Competition — All Hills MAT-SU chugach.net; Mary Vavrik, Co-chair: Nordic Ski Patrol Tuesday, January 16 — Junior Nordic Session #2 Starts Ed Strabel contact, 306-7686, [email protected]; Karlene Leeper, Co- Wednesday, January 17 — ASD High School Bartlett Relay — Bartlett [email protected] chair: Denali View Chalet, 440-0049, kbleeper@alaska. Friday, January 19 — NSAA Backcountry Tour — Friday Night Fun Ski SALCHA Saturday, January 20 — Sat Triflake Winter Triathlon Link net; and Ken DePalma, Co-chair: AT and Tele-ski tours, Jim Ostlind Saturday-Sunday, January 20-21 — Besh Cup #3 and #4, Homer 440-1562, traveler@ alaska.net. [email protected] Thursday, January 25 — ASD Middle School Race — Kincaid UPCOMING TOURS Saturday, January 27 — ASD High School Skiathlon — Kincaid SEWARD December 9 — Iditarod Trail INHT from Eddie’s to Turnagain Pass; Tour Saturday, January 27 — NSAA Backcountry Tour — Williwaw Lake and out Julie Robinson leader Mary Vavrik. Middle Fork [email protected] December 15 — Friday Night Fun Ski. North Bivouac Trailhead; Tour leader Sunday, January 28 — AMH Anchorage Cup — Pia’s Classic — Ken DePalma. Tuesday-Thursday, January 30-February 1 — NSAA Backcountry Tour — SOLDOTNA January 13-15, 2018 — Two overnights at Sheep Mountain Lodge, Catch the Lunar Eclipse on January 31 Penny McClain includes Matanuska Glacier tour (below).Tour leader — Mary Vavrik. Wednesday, January 31 — Wed ASD Middle School Race — Kincaid 262-6257 January 15, 2018 — Tour out to Matanuska Glacier along Caribou Creek; Tour leader — Ken DePalma. For more events and details, visit the NSAA calendar at anchoragenordicski. TALKEETNA com/calendar. January 19, 2018 — Friday Night Fun Ski. Mile 1.2 Campbell Airstrip Chris Mannix 733-2427

The Alaska Nordic Skier is a How’s the weather at Kincaid? NSAA lets you see for yourself! publication representing the nordic Why doesn’t Kincaid Park have a ski clubs of Anchorage, Eagle River, Fairbanks, Homer, Juneau, weather camera? How can we show Mat-Su, Salcha, Seward, Soldotna, skiers live footage of the conditions Kenai, Talkeetna and Valdez. The like other ski clubs in Alaska can do? Alaska Nordic Skier is published How hard would it be? October through April by the A vision several years ago by Nordic Skiing Association longtime member, volunteer and avid of Anchorage, Inc. skier Alice Knapp became reality in All rights reserved. © 2017 November at Kincaid Park’s stadium. Articles, letters and advertisements Thanks to the Knapp family, funding are welcome. Please ensure all for the project was provided. Tech- names are correct and information is nically making it work took several accurate. Submissions may be edited years due to limited infrastructure for clarity, content and space limitations. Deadline is the 15th day and technology at Kincaid. of the prior month. E-mail A weather camera requires inter- dinaire, a plan was put into action to Alice for her persistence, vision and [email protected]. net which wasn’t even an option at access that fiber and relay it to the funding, in memory of Drs. John and Kincaid until this year. NSAA worked Kincaid timing building without com- Elizabeth Towers. And thank you On the cover – Andy Kubic’s cold and cool with Anchorage Parks & Recreation promising NSAA’s current network. Jack Porter for the brain power and photo placed third in the Backcountry/ Touring category of the 2017 NSAA Photo to access the internet fiber to ensure Finally, skiers can now stream live countless hours to make it happen! Contest. Read about the contest and see enough bandwidth was available to conditions of the stadium right to more photos on Page 4 and online at Check out the Kincaid cam at live2.brownrice. anchoragenordicski.com/newsletter/. support a weather camera. Thanks to their living rooms! com/embed/skiclubweather1. Jack Porter, NSAA volunteer extraor- Our skiing community thanks

the Alaska nordic skier 4 ANCHORAGE December 2017 Photographic memories The best of Alaska’s Nordic skiing adventures captured in the 2017 NSAA Photography Contest Last winter, Nathan Jones was Mountaineering and Hiking for the lucky enough to score perfect skiing generous prizes. conditions; he was also savvy enough NSAA also thanks the members to capture the stunning view with a who went online to vote for their photo. favorite photos, as well as contest This fall, Johnson and his photo coordinator Amber Adams for her ef- won over the judges in the 2017 Nordic forts behind the scenes, NSAA office Skiing Association of Anchorage Pho- staff Erin Beam and Tamra Kornfield tography Contest, who named Jones’ for their assistance in proofing and shot Best of Show. Johnson’s winning editing, and Justin Ritter formerly of shot was among nearly 100 entries in CRW Engineering Group, LLC for his the 2017 edition of the annual competi- graphic design and technical assis- tion. Top photos were showcased at tance. the recent NSAA Season Kickoff. NSAA selected contest photo- For taking top prize, Jones earned graphs for its 2017-18 calendar, which a $50 gift card from Alaska Moun- is on sale now. Calendars are $10 at taineering and Hiking. Winners in the NSAA office, AMH, Skinny Raven, each of the six categories earned Kaladi Coffee shops, SkiAK and The $35 gift cards from AMH; second- Hoarding Marmot. The calendar is place entrants received $25 AMH gift $12 on the NSAA website at www.an- cards; third-place entrants received choragenordicski.com/merchandise $15 AMH gift cards. NSAA, the An- or from aadams@anchoragenordic- BEST IN SHOW – Nathan Jones. This sunny, perfectly groomed trail inspired the standout photo in chorage Nordic ski community and ski.com. the 2017 NSAA Photography Contest. Trails division. contest photographers thank Alaska Complete results from the 2017 NSAA Photography Contest: Ski 4 Kids”; 3. Jennifer Aist “Joey Aist.” Kids on Skis Grand Prize — Nathan Jones “Sunny Tracks.” Groomed Trails — 1. Nathan Jones “Sunny — 1. Chris Racing — 1. Jennifer Aist “Regions 2017 Mass Tracks”; 2. Elizabeth Knapp “Fresh Snow”; 3. Tomsen “Girls Start”; 2. Shannon Donley “Quincy Donley ASD Steve Cleary “Kids fresh tracks.” Skiing together Middle School Race”; 3. Adeline Wright “Winner Fun Ski Events — 1. Elizabeth Knapp “A at Junior Nordic of Men’s 10k Sven Johansson.” night” beautiful day for skiing”; 2. Jennifer Aist Touring/Backcountry — 1. Eric Parsons “Coaches we can’t live without”; 3. Adeline “Camping near Anaktuvuk Pass”; 2. Joseph Wright “Start of Ski 4 Kids race.” Kurtak “Turnagain Pass Snow 1”; 3. Andy Kubic Recreational/Casual Skiing — 1. Andy Kubic “Wednesday Ski Day.” “Perfect place for a picnic”; 2. Nathan Jones Kids on Skis — 1. Chris Tomsen “Girls Skiing “Skinny Skis on Eklutna”; 3. Adeline Wright together at Junior Nordic night”; 2. Adeline “Oliver Wright & Berit Meyers finding jumps at Wright “ANJL Hawks battling for third place at Eklutna.”

Kids on Skis — 2. Adeline Wright “ANJL Hawks battling for third place at Ski 4 Kids”

NSAA Jumping Program brings stars to students Want to see more amazing photos? Visit Alaska Ski Jumping went back to anchoragenordicski. school this month, visiting Anchor- com/newsletter/ and age elementary schools to spread the go to the Nordic Skier bonus section’s PAGE word about ski jumping and Nordic 17! combined with some special guests. Coaches and athletes from NSAA’s Ski Jumping Program were joined by two special guests: Jed Hinkley, Sport Development Director for USA Nordic Sports, and Abby Ringquist, a member of the USA Women’s Ski Jumping team and an Olympic hopeful who is currently ranked 19th in the world. This is the fifth year NSAA’s Ski Jumping Program has toured el- PHOTO BY KAREN COMPTON ementary schools, taking over gym A student at Winterberry jumps over classes and introducing students to a hurdle as USA Nordic Sports’ Jed Hinkley looks on. the sport while leading them through physical activities that simulate jump- at heart. You can try it before you buy ing. Each year, the club visits four to it. Bring your own alpine/downhill ski six schools reaching anywhere from equipment to the jumps and give it a 300 to 500 students. whirl. If your child has a good time, The visits help grow the sport in then you can register for the pro- Anchorage – from four jumpers in gram. 2010 to the second-largest ski jump- Check it out at anchoragenordicski.com/jumping ing club in America today! NSAA has or more information, or email Karen Compton at programs for kids ages 5 through 18, [email protected]. See you at the jumps! and adult ski jumping for the young

the Alaska nordic skier December 2017 ANCHORAGE 5 NSAA annual party, Ski Swap big hits Alaska’s Nordic skiing stars Kik- kan Randall, Sadie Bjornsen, Erik Bjornsen, Rosie Brennan and Scott Patterson were this the guests of hon- or at NSAA’s annual season kickoff in early November at Kincaid Park. Mother Nature also showed up with a nice blanket of fresh snow, too! Young aspiring skiers patiently waited in line to get posters signed and photos taken with the Olympians while others wished them luck in the 2018 U.S. Cross Country Ski Champi- onships (January 3-8, Kincaid Park) and February’s Winter Olympics. The kickoff buzzed with party people and an array of winter opportunities with local outdoor programs, ven- dors and community partners. Folks renewed NSAA club membership, connected about volunteer options PHOTOS BY JOSH NIVA Want to see more? Visit anchoragenordicski.com/newsletter/ and go to the Nordic Skier bonus section’s PAGE 18! and shopped auction items. NSAA staff and board addressed the crowd of around 200 with Nordic news, age Wellness Group, Body Renew Shine Bakery, Skinny Raven, Talking their winter adventures. More than upcoming projects and club business. Fitness, Bosco’s, Broken Tooth Brew- Circle Media and The Alaska Club. 800 items sold to over 200 buyers in The evening resulted in happy faces, ing, Cross Country Alaska, Cynosure less than two hours! Using an online full bellies and fun prizes! Brewing, G Street Fox, Girdwood Ski Swap a sweet success system with scanners has made for NSAA appreciates the great turn- Nordic, Glacier Brewhouse, Great Like the annual meeting, NSAA’s a much more efficient ski swap, and out, member participation and spon- Harvest, Horn Doctor – Alaska Music annual Ski Swap a week earlier was this year went smoothly thanks to our sor contributions, including: Alaska and Sound, Kaladi Coffee Broth- also a big hit! With a long line out large crew of volunteers. Thank you Huts Association, AKrafted, Alaska ers, Multisport Training of Alaska, the door that wrapped around the to volunteers, sellers and buyers! Winter Stars, AMH, Anchorage Mu- Oil&Vinegar, Orangetheory Fitness, Kincaid Park bunker, buyers were seum, Arctic Valley Ski Area, Anchor- Premiere Alaska Tours, REI, Rise & excited to get inside and find deals for Ski 4 Kids: Sheer joy for kids … and everyone involved! Jean Miller grew up skiing in 4 Kids money is critical to the school’s Beyond raising funds, the event kids a chance to spend a fun winter Anchorage. As a mother, she spends ability to serve as many kids as it includes a timed and untimed ski, and day outdoors experiencing ways to time with her kids on the trails does, along with federal grant funds has had activity stations featuring be active and healthy. The 250-450 around Anchorage; as a second-grade for schools with low income students, everything from a slingshot/lemon participants range in age up to 14 and teacher at Spring Hill Elementary and equipment borrowed from other drop biathlon to snowshoeing, fat tire include first-timers and experienced School, she is now igniting a love of schools and Municipal Parks and biking, speed skating and Frisbee See KIDS, Page 6 skiing and outdoor activity in the 120 Recreation. golf. The afternoon festival gives kids who take part each year in a hugely popular after-school ski training program that culminates with their participation in the annual Ski 4 Kids. Miller’s school’s ski program is so popular that registration fills in one day and a waiting list of 60 to 70 kids is not unusual. With enthusiastic support from fellow teachers and staff, some of whom don’t even ski, the only thing that limits growth of her school’s program is sufficient equipment. The Ski 4 Kids event started in 1995 as a fundraiser to purchase ski equipment for Mountain View Elementary School. It has grown into a partnership between the Municipality of An- chorage, Healthy Futures and NSAA that nets between $7,000-$15,000 each year, which is given to schools and programs across Southcentral Alaska in grants to help buy ski equipment. Spring Hill has been a past grant recipient. According to Miller, the Ski

the Alaska nordic skier ANCHORAGE 6 December 2017 NSAA Members of the Month: The Schwenn/Veltkamp family Shelly Schwenn and Brent Veltkamp each We appreciate your generous support of NSAA! started cross-country skiing at the tender age of 4. Why do you choose to donate to NSAA? So it was no surprise years later when their daugh- We use the trails a lot and recognize that NSAA ter, Hannah, started racing around on skis at an puts tremendous effort and expense into maintain- even earlier age. ing the trails. We want to be a part of supporting Another thing the Schwenn/Veltkamp family the skiing community. shares – a passion for supporting the Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage and Anchorage’s trails. What does NSAA’s mission mean to you? Brent and Shelly have been NSAA members and NSAA is a tremendous asset to our community, supporters for more than 20 years while Hannah is fostering an appreciation of skiing for all ages and a happy Ski for Kids participant. abilities. Of course, it was a no-brainer when it came to Do you have some standout moments from skiing, selecting the Schwenn/Veltkamp family as the connecting with NSAA or participating in our NSAA Members of the Month. But our conversation programs or events that you would like to share? PHOTOS COURTESY OF SCHWENN/VELTKAMP FAMILY with the family confirmed that they love giving back Brent Veltkamp and Shelly Schwenn enjoy the After skiing our whole lives, it is impossible to outdoors with daughter Hannah and their dog. to their trails and community as much as they love pick single standout moments. Whether it’s floating skiing. Brent started trying ski jumping last year, and down a mountainside of untracked powder, pulling Hannah is starting Junior Nordic in January. NSAA: What do you love about Nordic skiing? off a great finish in a race when everything went We love that you can go all winter, in town or well, nailing the spring crust when it’s just right, or Anything else you’d like to share about skiing in in the mountains. Between skating, touring and hitting the trails when the snow and your skis were Anchorage? backcountry, there’s always a Nordic discipline that just perfect, it seems like there have been hundreds We love that Anchorage has so many great op- will get you out enjoying nature. Skiing and winter of standout moments. Watching Hannah learn to portunities for skiing. From one end of town to the sports seem more like a lifestyle than just what you ski and grow up enjoying outdoor activities has other, our trail system is amazing. We live close to do for exercise. Still, it’s a great whole-body and been amazing. We have enjoyed the Tour of An- Kincaid, and find ourselves in the park almost daily. cardio workout and it’s all-around good for the soul. chorage, the Sven, Ski for Women, and Ski for Kids. Skiing is a go thanks to NSAA’s snowmaking BY NSAA OPERATIONS located in the more open areas like the stadium, We think we’re finally getting the hang of this soccer fields and biathlon range.The second person snowmaking thing. For several years, we’ve made spends most of the time in the field adjusting guns snow on the Kincaid Park Snowmaking Loops and and lances for wind direction, and repositioning the system has proven to be a season-saver more guns, hoses and wires. They report to the person in than once. This year, like last year, meteorologists the bunker regarding any problems or changes that have predicted that the warm, wet weather associ- need to be made. This field person may also be a ated with El Nino is out and La Nina is moving in groomer moving and spreading snow. bringing dryer, colder conditions which are more As long as good snowmaking conditions last, favorable for making snow. the crew will continue the effort with the goal of Ideal snowmaking conditions (low temperatures producing 6-8 inches of base to allow for diagonal and low humidity) during the 2016-2017 season al- tracks. It’s very important to build a substantial lowed NSAA’s Operations staff and volunteers to base layer in order to support the frequent recon- work, around-the-clock on some days, from Novem- figuring due to the needs of multiple events. An ber 17-December 14. They completed the Snow- temperature starts to fall dramatically. While more artificial base, even when there is natural snow, making Loops, from start to finish, in 22 days. Last snow may sound great, it can overtax the water adds the durability required to endure this constant winter, we were able to improve our efficiency and supply and shut down the system. The person in manipulation. With fan guns shooting snow, hoses decrease the cost of making snow. A better under- the bunker can compensate for this by manually and cords everywhere, and heavy equipment on standing and fine-tuning of the equipment contrib- throttling the guns or lances down so they use less the trails, we encourage skiers to avoid these loops uted to that success, however the ideal weather water, or they could just shut off one gun or lance. during the snowmaking process for safety reasons. conditions were most influential. The system will only produce between 150-170 gal- The groomers will make, mound, push and spread Volunteers began making snow this season on lons of water per minute. For instance, the lances snow as they go throughout the loop and follow up November 11. A few tests were run on two days, for typically run around 16 gallons per minute, but if with grooming. Once the first loop is covered in six hours each, producing good results with just a the temperature falls 10 degrees, the water con- 6-8 inches of snow and groomed, it will be open for few minor mechanical issues. A typical snowmak- sumption can double to 32 gallons per minute. With skiers. ing shift takes two people for eight hours. The first eight or nine lances running at once, the water We’re excited to provide an opportunity for person controls and monitors the system on the usage can get out of hand quickly. earlier skiing. This, of course, is a great advantage computer at the bunker. As conditions change, this FYI: a lance is a tall, stationary, pole-like fixture to competitive skiers, but also a great system to person will tune the system to keep it stable. along the side of the trail and a gun looks like a jet shrink the gap between summer and winter recre- For example: the snow guns and lances auto- engine on a trailer that can be moved anywhere ation for people who just love to ski. matically start to produce more snow when the within 100 feet of a hydrant. The hydrants are KIDS Even the ‘cool’ sixth grade boys think committee, but is looking for dozens success. This year’s Ski for Kids is Continued from Page 5 it’s amazing. The sheer joy is infec- more volunteers for event day. February 24, from noon-4:00 p.m., at Junior Nordic skiers. tious.” “Whether you have children par- Kincaid Park. To register, go to www. Most of the kids in the Spring Hill Overseeing NSAA’s coordination of ticipating or not, consider coming out anchoragenordicski.com, select the program are first-timers. They par- this year’s Ski 4 Kids is Erin Whitney and experiencing the joy of the kids “Events” menu tab and click on Ski 4 ticipate twice a week for four weeks Witmer. She takes over from Iain Mill- as you volunteer to help direct, guide Kids. To volunteer or donate, con- in afternoon training sessions, skiing er, who headed the event for NSAA or support them during the skiing and tact the NSAA office at tkornfield@ loops around an icy playground at in 2017 and was encouraged to get other activities,” she said. anchoragenordicski.com. Information their school. The Ski 4 Kids is a high involved by longtime volunteer lead Local schools, generous donors, on the grant process will be included point for them. According to Miller, and former neighbor Alice Knapp. registered participants and volun- in future NSAA newsletters. “They are thrilled to be at Kincaid. Witmer has put together a leadership teers are all important to the event’s

the Alaska nordic skier ANCHORAGE December 2017 7 Considering a new Nordic challenge? Take aim at biathlon! BY MARTI PAUSBACK for them in the Olympics. 7 p.m. Thursday, December 21 — Race #2 NSAA BIATHLON STATE Sprint NSAA BIATHLON NSAA’s final race of our series will CHAMPIONSHIPS 11 a.m. Saturday, January 13 — Race #3 Biathlon is for everyone – all ages be the Alaska State Championships. Individual (Arctic Winter Games Trials & (In conjunction with AK Gold Rush Series) and all levels. It teaches fine motor These two races will combine the last Community Race) 6 p.m. Friday, March 2 — Race #6 Sprint and gross motor skills. It is good for race in the Alaska Gold Rush Series 11 a.m. Sunday, January 14 — Race#4 Sprint 1 p.m. Saturday, March 3 — Race #7 Pursuit (Arctic Winter Games Trials & Community Race) the brain because it combines con- with the NSAA State Championships. Register online and learn more about NSAA 7 p.m. Wednesday, February 14 — Race #5 Top finishers can win handcrafted Biathlon at anchoragenordicski.com/biathlon/. centrations and attention to detail Sprint with a high level of fitness. Biathlon is awards. Total points from the state- also an enjoyable way to be a part of wide Gold Rush Series are tabulated Anchorage’s Nordic ski community. and the best Alaska biathletes are I like to compare a biathlon race to recognized. We will celebrate the a cooperative barn dance. Race vol- end of the season with a potluck and unteers and athletes work with each awards ceremony other to move through the intricacies Check out biathlon and see what it and requirements of every competi- is all about. You can compete, volun- tion. Each volunteer and athlete has teer and just join in the fun. There’s a specific job, from racing to scoring also bowls of soup and a welcoming targets to counting penalty laps to community. tabulating results. There is a do-si-do NSAA’s Biathlon 2017-18 race and a swing your partner as athletes schedule includes: and volunteers work cooperatively ANCHORAGE RACE SERIES to maintain safety and follow race 1 p.m. Sunday, December 3 — Race #1 Sprint specifications. Also like a barn dance, at the end of each race we celebrate with a potluck complete with soup and good food. Come help volunteer at NSAA Biathlon’s next race or take a safety class and use one of the NSAA rifles and become a biathlete! This season, we have some special opportunities for biathlon at local, NSAA Trucker Hats NSAA Keychain state and global levels: the Arctic Win- Trendy and cool! 4 colors Fat Bike Raffle Tickets Elegant metal keychain with available: Maroon, Green, Only 250 available! $25ea or 5 for $100 NSAA logo $5 ter Games trials, the Winter Olympics Navy & Black. Limited in PyeongChang, South Korea, and Quantities!$35 the NSAA State Championships. The Anchorage NSAA biathlon NSAA 17-18 Calendar community will host the final race in NSAA Gift Certificate Highlighting NSAA contest winners and loaded with the Arctic Winter Games trials and a Give the gift of trails to a winter events and races team of young Alaska biathletes will special person in your life! $12 be named to Team Alaska. Young athletes will then travel to Slave Lake, Canada, to compete in the 2018 Arctic Winter Games. NSAA Holiday Gift In February, we will all be glued to our TVs watching the Winter Guide Olympics in PyeongChang. Two U.S. NSAA is your one-stop shopping biathletes are poised to do well – Low- destination for last minute gifts! ell Bailey placed first in a 2017 World Cup biathlon race and Susan Dunkee placed second. It is exciting to see Free NSAA keychain U.S. biathletes stand on the podium in with every purchase! NSAA Travel Mug Kaladi Coffee Beans 1lb World Cup races. We have high hopes Keep your coffee or tea warm Exclusive NSAA blend made while hitting the trails! 16oz, Shop online, call, or stop by the by Kaladi Coffee Brothers $15 Stainless steel. $25 NSAA Office. Bundle with NSAA Mug $35 Bundle with Kaladi Coffee $35

NSAA Zipper Pull For your favorite ski jacket! Proceeds support trails. $5 NSAA Youth T-Shirts Kids love Nordic skiing! Trendy youth t-shirt featuring NSAA Hoodies & T-Shirts the NSAA skibear on the back. Available in youth sizes YXS- Ski Kincaid or Ski Hillside? Your YXL $25 choice with the new warm and stylish apparel from NSAA! Also features cool Skibear word art on the back. Available in sizes Cabin Gift Certificate Do you have the mettle to win these Small—XXL $35-50 Give the gift of rest and relaxation at Alaska State Championships biathlon NSAA’s cabin in Hope, AK! $50-65 medals? Sign up for biathlon and start practicing today! www.anchoragenordicski.com/merchandise 907-276-7609 203 W 15th Ave #204, Anchorage, AK 99501

the ALASKA nordic skier 8 KACHEMAK December 2017 NSAA Partner Spotlight: Alyeska Pipeline Service Company Many equate the first big snowfall with shoveling driveways and brushing off cars … and then there are Nordic skiers. To them, snow means skiing and skiing means happiness! Alyeska Pipeline Service Company staff knows this familiar feeling first- this place even better.” hand – many of its employees, from She added, “NSAA performs truly Anchorage to Fairbanks to Valdez, unique work that is tangibly making love to hit the trails and backcountry Anchorage a better place.” each winter. Stressing safety and per- Alyeska supports NSAA each year sonal healthiness, Alyeska encourag- with financial gifts and its employer es healthy living through activity and match and volunteering programs. values what NSAA does to achieve Supporting organizations that make this: trail work and winter opportuni- Alaska communities vibrant is an es- ties to keep all Alaskans active. sential part of Alyeska’s philanthropic “The prevalence and accessibility mission. NSAA is doing that: mak- of Nordic skiing in Anchorage make ing Anchorage vibrant and special, PHOTO BY MARC LESTER Ricky and his owner, Josh Niva, take a break from a foggy ski to Portage Glacier our town special,” according to Katie providing unique service to the com- last season. Niva is the editor of the Alaska Nordic Skier, a longtime NSAA Pesznecker, Stakeholder Relations munity. volunteer and board member, and Alyeska Pipeline Service Company employee. Manager at Alyeska Pipeline. “We “Anchorage’s trails are a true gem Alyeska generously supports the philanthropic and volunteer passions of its employees around Alaska, as well as Alaska organizations that encourage healthy talk a lot about how unique our state and NSAA is definitely making the lifestyles and communities. is, and what sort of quality of life fac- community healthier and more lively tors make it an attractive place to live with its work,” said Pesznecker. line System and moving oil in Alaska, of NSAA, making Anchorage a great and work. More than 95 percent of our Congratulations to Alyeska Pipe- and for showing a strong commitment place to live and keeping our commu- 800 employees live in Alaska, so it’s line Service Company for its 40th year to making Alaska a better place! nity skiing! important to support work that makes of operating the Trans Alaska Pipe- Thank you for your continued support

NSAA Volunteer of the Month: Liz Butera Liz Butera has been skiing for vided me with many life experiences role that NSAA and its volunteers nearly 50 years, including a stint on and opportunities that I never would play in Alaska’s Nordic skiing Team USA, and spent more than 30 of have if it had not been for all the ski community? those years involved with NSAA. She race volunteers in my youth! I want to I am so grateful for the trail has volunteered intermittently since give back to the ski community. systems such as Kincaid Park and NSAA hosted the World Masters What is special to you about Hillside Trails that NSAA and its Races. NSAA spoke with Liz recently volunteering? volunteers have developed and main- to talk about her passion for skiing tained over the years. Our community and volunteering. The camaraderie volunteering provides. is incredibly lucky to have access to NSAA: What kind of volunteering these trails year-round. are you doing for NSAA these Can you please talk about the days? LIZ BUTERA: Currently I am a Green Grunt mainly for high school races. Alice Knapp, Meg Stehn and I sort and distribute team bibs. Once the bibs are distributed I usually work the finish line collecting them again! There are always different volunteer opportunities throughout the year. For instance, brushing out trails in the fall, shoveling snow onto trails during low snow years, helping with feed stations at races, course monitor during races, helping at the ski swap. What do you love about Nordic skiing? I love classic skiing and the en- dorphin rush that comes with it! I love the Nordic Ski community – the shared love of skiing brings so many amazing healthy people together. We appreciate your time, energy and unique skills that you volunteer with NSAA. Why do you choose to volunteer? I raced cross-country skiing in college and was briefly on the U.S. Ski Team. My ski racing experience pro-

the Alaska nordic skier December 2017 9

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

BOARD MEMBERS

AROUND PRESIDENT Jason Dennis CHUGIAK/ [email protected] SECRETARY EAGLE RIVER Meg Stehn [email protected]

Where there’s Will TRAILS (and others), there’s Jim Kazuba [email protected] ER Junior Nordic Annette Brion CERNSC thanks Will Taygan, [email protected] longtime Eagle River Junior Nordic TREASURER coordinator. The Eagle River Junior Bob Stehn [email protected] Nordic program has thrived over Steve Wilson the past several seasons under his [email protected] community-minded leadership. Will VICE PRESIDENT/RACING led the program into a burgeoning Mike Beiersgrohslein membership nearly topping off at 200 [email protected] Above, left, longtime Eagle River Junior Nordic leader Will Taygan. Above, right, children. there are 115 kids signed up for Eagle River Jr. Nordic so far this season. Recently, JUNIOR NORDIC However, with his own children Jason Dennis led a ski wax demonstration with help from Audra Burill and Nicoh Will Taygan [email protected] aging out of Junior Nordic, Will is Johnston. Steve Wilson helping the program transition to new [email protected] leadership. During the 2017-18 season, NORDIC SKIER NEWSLETTER Will will remain involved in Junior Rosalyn Singleton [email protected] Nordic, but two new volunteers, Rish Harty and Ryan Caldwell, will step MASTERS Katie Rehm into leadership roles. [email protected] The Eagle River Junior Nordic Pro- Jason Gray [email protected] gram starts December 4 and 5 and goes through March with Monday- Wednesday and Tuesday-Thursday options. The program relies on parent volunteers to keep costs low, and of- Advertise here and your fers an attractive ski rental program. business can reach For more information about Eagle River Junior Nordic, visit our website skiers across the state. at cernsc.wildapricot.org. [email protected] Last season’s Eagle River Cross-Country Ski Team Skis like teen spirit – ER High ready to rock Due to grizzly bears located on the The Eagle River High School ski trails and around the high school, the team is ready for the 2017-2018 sea- team was forced to dry land train the son! We have 43 athletes on our roster, first two weeks of the season. Skiing which is a larger team for our school. in Alaska is always an adventure! We have several returning skiers, and Luckily the bears have moved on, and also a large group of skiers who have we were able to get on snow the third never skied before and decided to week of the season. The snow pack is give the sport a try! The team is about thin in the Eagle River area, but we evenly split among male and females. are making the best of what snow we We have several freshmen, but the have. The athletes are all enthusiastic team is mostly made up of upper and ready for some more snow time! classmen.

CONGRATULATIONS Coach Jan Buron

2017: AWS 20-YEAR ANNIVERSARY

the Alaska nordic skier 10 December 2017

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

BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT Annual meeting also an annual reminder of the impact of skiing Hans Hill Message from President Hans Hill changing the topic back to me … I running team that following year to VICE PRESIDENT I’m always hesitant to write about came to this sport slightly later in life further increase my aerobic capacity Dave Musgrave the club’s annual meeting after the than Holly. My mom’s second cousin … and to expand my time to hang out TREASURER fact. The objective could be to entice (which I’m not sure makes us rela- with my friends. I spent the remain- Maritt Youngblood people to attend next year, but I think tion) was perusing an Olympic dream ing years of high school focusing my SECRETARY we all can agree that this is a bit of a by competing in the team trails. life around Nordic skiing and those Mike Norton fool’s errand, however; we had some- During his training regimen, he involved with it. One perfect anecdote BOARD MEMBERS thing special this year. Sure, we had convinced my parents that my family of this occurred the beginning of Gene Backus the same venue, the same MC (yours should get into cross-country skiing. my senior year. As I sat in our pre- Dave Freer truly) and the same fare (it was the This might have been prompted by semester class counseling session, it Natalie King first year that the pizza was demol- my relatively sedentary existence in- became apparent that my teammates/ Jeff Kase ished in the first 30 minutes). It wasn’t doors. I was 11 years old and I thought classmates were all enrolled in the Lucas Parker the addition of fermented-carbonated my mom’s second cousin was a god advancement placement English Ed Strabel beverages (though, Arkose Brewery amongst men. class. They convinced me to enroll, Mark Strabel has been very good to us this past Fast forward to my freshman year too. Thankfully nobody checked to see Chris Tomsen year) or the great door prizes from of high school, I had spent several if I had the prerequisites … Ashley Wise Backcountry Bike and Ski, or the years in Junior Nordics, and my fam- I still keep in touch with some of ADMINISTRATOR acknowledgement of the wonderful ily had recently moved to the Mata- Junior Nordics kids and those same Tammy Sipos volunteers who were pivotal in mak- nuska Valley. I had struggled to make high school ski team members. And ing the GPRA Phase II trails happen new friends, and those I had acquired because of those experiences, I con- Webster definition sense, but as my (Thank you Ed and Mark Strabel, Lu- were described by my folks as “ques- sider the members of our sports some astute fellow member pointed out, cas Parker and Dave Werner), though tionable.” My grades had begun to of the best people. It is why I try to there is more to her than an accom- all of these things were awesome. No, suffer and those parental units began return the favors the sport has done plished athlete. I really believe the special thing that wondering what to do. Then began my for me by participating in the MSSC. Holly is one of my major points to brought out the crowds was our guest first season of high school skiing. Which brings me back to Holly. As I my thesis; Nordic skiers are some of speaker, Holly Brooks. Being part of the ski community was talking in the back of our annual the great people of the world and as Her notoriety of being a two-time was a transformative experience. I membership meeting, I mentioned such, to be part of this community/ Olympian, who has been so successful might as well have been prescribed a to one of our members how great her sport makes you a better person. at the national and international level, pill called “teen-turned-right.” Those presentation was. His reply, “Yeah, Thankfully, she (and Rob, too) have not to mention her two wins at Mount kids and their parents made me want but she’s such an inspiring person and helped expand that number of good Marathon, surely put butts in seats, to be better at skiing and in general, a a great speaker. I want to be friends people with their family addition of but the takeaway from her presenta- better person. My transcripts reflect- with her …” All true. Fortunately for twins. tion was probably a bit different for ed this change, as well as my types of me I can give credit to that member’s me than everyone else. extracurricular activities and volun- observations. Her story is awesome, Turning back the clock a bit and teer efforts. I joined the cross-country in the literal sense, actual Merriam-

Peak Recreation Area (GPRA), located about an AROUND hour from Anchorage at the base of Hatcher Pass. THE VALLEY Regardless of where you live, GPRA is easy to get to if you are coming out for the day or there are af- Double your fun – Icicle Double 2017 fordable lodging options for those who want to stay arrives on December 30-31 close to the action. The stadium area is at an eleva- BY JEFF KASE tion of about 900 feet which often receives snow What are you doing after Christmas and before when other lower elevation trail systems may be New Year’s? The Mat Su Ski Club (MSSC) is sched- getting rain. Because the GPRA trails are tucked uled to host a two-day Nordic ski event on Decem- up against the Talkeetna Mountains, we often are ber 30 and 31. Both days of the Icicle Double will spared from the destructive force of the winds. And have 30K, 10K and 5K distances available for skiers have you seen the view of Pioneer Peak from the to participate in. Saturday will be conducted in the GPRA parking lot? classic technique; Sunday will be conducted in the There might be 30 people or 130 people ready to skate technique. go when you get to the start line. One thing for sure The end of December is a good time of year to is that the crowd will be diverse. Multi-generational hold a ski race. Many of us will have some extra families with kids is backpacks, kids with hand- days off from work or school which means we will me-down skis, high schoolers, caring parents, and have more time for skiing. All of those holiday cook- grumpy grandparents line up next to each other at the start. Solo recreational skiers, college team ies will provide the energy we need to stay warm PHOTOS BY REBECCA BUCHANAN and ski lots. An early season race on your schedule members, dedicated master skiers, and elite pro- Britta Buchanan has a blast at Hatcher Pass. fessional racers make up the front of the pack. Do will be a good opportunity to practice your pre- a different part of the trail. Lap courses are good you have what it takes to finish the course or maybe event routine, and see how your body reacts in a for spectating and allow the participant to grow make the podium? race situation. If you plan to bring in the New Year familiar with the course. Too many laps and things Over the summer the MSSC constructed 5K at a costume party, the Icicle Double is a good place get confusing. Three laps provide just the right mix of new homologated (wider and steeper) trails at to test out peoples’ reactions to your costume. Or of new and predictable. GPRA. The stadium is bigger. The climb out of maybe your New Year’s resolution involves getting At the end of the second day there will be an the stadium is impressive. The climb up to the more exercise and skiing more … awards ceremony and snacks in the warm chalet. finish is decisive. If the Valley gets enough snow, The Icicle Double takes place at Government Raffle sponsors are pouring in, which means your the Icicle Double will incorporate these new trails chances of leaving with good memories and swag with our existing trail system to make a 10K loop, are increasing. There will be cash prizes for the top which means a three-lap course for the 30K event. three men and women 30K overall; $300 for first, If you sign up for the 10K, every minute will be on See AROUND THE VALLEY, Page 11

the Alaska nordic skier December 2017 11

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

BOARD OF DEB ESSEX BRIAN BURNETT BRIANA SULLIVAN JUSTIN THOMAS JIM BRAHAM PETER ZUG ARI STIASSNY DIRECTORS President Vice President Secretary Treasurer All systems go … and so is Chelsea Holmes! BY BRIANA SULLIVAN They are only getting shorter for a few more sense of the season, and the set of honors goes to Girdwood Nordic Ski Club days: Join us for Ski to the Light on Friday, De- breakthrough U.S. skiers.” The ground has refrozen, the resort is mak- cember 22, around 7 p.m. The fun will be ready for By virtue of her lead in Europe in the Super Tour ing snow nearby, and Girdwood Nordic Ski Club skiers donning headlamps and festive lights to ski last spring, she will aim to uphold her standings. is ready for white to continue falling from the sky. a loop and then gather by the bonfire for hot choco- For a recap; in March 2017, Holmes captured 13th How about without abandon? Fortunately, flakes late and company at the GNSC kiosk. If you haven’t place in the women’s 30K freestyle race in Lahti, are swirling and drifting downward as I type, become a member yet for the 2017-18 season, join Finland. She finished 1 minute, 28 seconds behind landing snugly on the trails and meadows around on Winter Solstice and get a moose mug to keep the winner, Marit Bjørgen of Norway. As Chelsea Girdwood. Skiers, groomers and winter enthusiasts your cocoa warm. We look forward to sharing the was making her debut at the Worlds, she also are hoping for the layers to thicken and remain celebration of daylight with you as we extend the secured the best international result of her career. solid so our familiar season resumes for the Earth, outdoor fun of holiday break with our skiing com- That day, she helped the Americans put two skiers the animals, our ecosystem, but especially for the munity! We are so fortunate to have maintained in the top 15. (Jessie Diggins finished 5th, the best fun that lies ahead. trails in Girdwood’s beautiful valley. Just add snow World Championship 30K finish in history by a U.S. Girdwood’s volunteer groomers are set to comb and our volunteers bounce into action. Check ski- skier). Chelsea plans to be back in Alaska to prep and now have a brand-new pair of bridges to cre- girdwood.org for maps, updates, and snow condi- for U.S. National Championships in early January ate corduroy along! GNSC recently completed the tions. Share photos too! at Kincaid Park! swift replacement of two bridges behind Our Lady In Alaska, we are fans of many athletes over the Holmes represents Girdwood and next few months, so when you wake up on winter of the Snows Chapel. Local contractors built the America on the biggest stages fresh connectors stout and strong, continuing an weekend mornings, scroll through the World Cup While we yearn for winter at home, Girdwood’s awesome loop for multi-use winter recreation in the results list looking for podiums and beyond. Do- Chelsea Holmes begins her season in Finland to Girdwood Valley. Park near Moose Meadow or Our mestically and internationally, U.S. women are ski in the World Cup. From Finland, Holmes will Lady of the Snows to reach all the trails with a fun breaking into the podium scene and making the ski in Norway, Switzerland and Italy. Over the next warm-up or as a place to meet your family, four- European jump, according to FS. Keep these skiers five weeks, she plans to compete in nine World Cup legged friends, or pull some bundled kids. When on your radar and read up on fasterskier.com. events. Sometime after these races, the U.S. Ski Moose Meadow has ideal snowpack, reaching the Chelsea recently wrote, “In the next five weeks Team will be decided. The APU skier and Girdwood bridges is simple, and the outing ads kilometers I am planning to compete in nine World Cups. I am native won the overall SuperTour (granting her to link the frozen meadows all the way to Chugach certainly a stronger distance athlete. As Super- World Cup starts for this year’s first session), and Powder Guides’ cat track (and back). tour overall leader for 2016-2017, I have Period 1 won the U.S. Nationals 20K classic mass start in On this side of the valley, where the first snow is start rights for the World Cup to both sprints and January at Soldier Hollow. Just days before that, always the best place to ski for miles around, our distance races. I plan to start all the races as I am Holmes initially made her championship presence 5K ski-only loop may begin your outing. The park- always working to get better in sprinting, but I most felt as she placed second by 2.2 seconds in the 10K ing lot at the end of Arlberg Road offers a great lo- look forward to the distance races which are all skate at nationals. When the 2016-17 season was cation to start a healthy classic or skate ski loop up 10km in Period 1. officially in the rearview, FasterSkier unveiled its and down the intermediate and advanced groomed “Ski racing is a fickle sport – so much depends on annual award winners for the past winter. APU’s trail. Alongside, giant spruce trees look over gliding your immediate results that you often only have an Chelsea Holmes and Scott Patterson were named skiers and big sky above gives light to our darkest idea of a schedule. After Europe, it’s back to Alaska the FasterSkier’s Breakthrough Skiers of the Year! days. to prep for U.S. National Championships which will Votes are taken from the FS staff, which is across be held in early January at Kincaid Park. After that Celebrate Solstice and skiing on the U.S., Canada, and Europe. FS says, “This un- … I’ll have to see how fast I go :)!” December 22 scientific review is intended to reflect the broader

AROUND THE VALLEY Register and learn more at www. Continued from Page 10 matsuski.org. Advertise here and your business can reach skiers across the state: [email protected] $200 for second, $100 for third. Rib- Upcoming events bons will be awarded to the top three December 2 — Moon Light Ski, 7 p.m., men and women overall in the 10K Independence Mine to Fred Trimble’s Cabin. and 5K division. December 2-3 — Mat-Su Invite H.S. Ski Races, GPRA, volunteers needed, community Junior The Icicle Double is the premier Nordic race on Saturday. event hosted by the MSSC. It’s held December 5-March 1 — Adult Ski Lessons, at the perfect time for you to do lots 6:45 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. of skiing during our darkest days. December 24-February — Adult Ski Lessons, Whether going to Hatcher Pass or 10 a.m.-noon Saturdays, location depends on conditions. GPRA, the Valley is easy to get to and December 30-31 — Icicle Double, Gov’t Peak SUSITNA often provides the best early season Nordic Area 5K, 10K, 20K, 30K; classic on conditions. Bring the family or wax Saturday, freestyle on Sunday; volunteers with HF, either way you will be in needed. 100 good company. We are very proud of January 8-March 1 — Junior Nordic, Monday/ Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday, GPRA. a winter race our growing trail system and want to January 12-13 — Government Peak Invite High remote frozen Alaska share them with you. Thank you to School Races, volunteers needed, community/ february 17-19, 2018 the wonderful community support in Junior Nordic race on Saturday. 2 RACES / 3 DIVISIONS the form of prizes, money, and partici- January 17-February 28 — Wednesday Night ski • foot • bike susitna100.com pation. It will be two great days to be Races, 7 p.m. every Wednesday; normally classic and freestyle divisions 1.5K-5K. a skier!

the ALASKA nordic skier 12 December 2017

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

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mike Gracz | President Stacey Buckalew | Vice President Making sense of our club’s dollars, equipment and membership Christine Anderson | Secretary Richard Burton | Treasurer

BOARD MEMBERS Message from KNSC President Mike Gracz, “King of the Mountain” Jan Spurkland Jason Neely The members of the Kachemak implements. This equipment depreci- Jasmine Maurer Nordic Ski Club (KNSC) deserve to 2016-17 Revenues ates and that depreciation is partly re- Derek Bynagle Glenn Seaman know where their dollars are being ($87,020) flected in our increased maintenance Annie Ridgely | Administrative Assistant spent and how the club funds its op- costs, which were nearly $20,000 last Misc Foundations COMMITTEES AND EVENTS erations. A good chunk of our funding Local year, the highest ever. The ATVs are Baycrest Upper Government comes from your membership contri- aging and expensive. Our outstand- Alan Parks butions and the fees you pay when you ing equipment crew has learned a lot Baycrest Lower, Eveline State Recreation Programs Site, Snowshoe Trails register for a program, such as Junior from last year’s breakdowns, and they Dave Brann Nordic or an event like the Marathon. should be able to reduce maintenance Lookout Mountain State The pie charts in this story show the Events costs this year with a preventative Mike Byerly breakdown of revenues and expenses maintenance program. However, McNeil Canyon School Derek Stonorov for last season. maintenance expenses will remain Trail Signs Overall, because revenues are relatively high as long as KNSC owns Membership Jennifer Edwards larger than expenses, KNSC appears the fleet of grooming equipment re- Snow Machine Maintenance to be in good financial shape. You can Business quired to produce great conditions on Bob Glen easily see that individual and family three trail systems. Junior Nordic memberships make up the largest only operating expenses. The budget The bottom line is that KNSC may Deb Mosely slice of the revenue pie. The source of in the pies shows some revenues and need to rely more heavily on our Kachemak Women’s Nordic Jasmine Maurer revenue from the community is even expenses due to equipment, which membership and business commu- PSIA and Adult Ski Clinics, larger when these memberships are would ideally be tracked separately, nity to keep its grooming fleet main- Private Ski Lessons combined with the money received along with depreciation, in a capital tained, up-to-date, and efficient. Megan Corraza from our extremely supportive local budget. We are working on it. Thanks for your continued support, Membership, Website businesses. You can also see that our The purchase of the mower and and enjoy the fine trails! Ski you out Richard Burton programs and events pay for them- ATV were 80 percent funded by a Fed- there! School Races Coordinator Leonard Miller selves, while generating additional eral Highways grant administered by Backcountry Film Festival revenue for the club. the State of Alaska (more than 2016-17 Expenses Dan Del Missier You can also see that equipment half of the State slice of the Winter Gear & Ski Swap purchase and maintenance is by far revenue pie). However, changes ($80,178) Mike Illg (Homer Community Recreation) the largest slice of the expense pie. to that grant program make it Misc Supplies Besh Cup Races Last year, about half of that expense impossible to fund such equip- Programs Contract Jan Spurkland grooming was the purchase of a new tracked ment purchases in the future, Kachemak Bay Ski for Events Women & Haven House ATV and a mower for the McNeil trail which could seriously impact Plowing Kris Holdereid/Shelly Laukitis system. With that purchase, all three the ability of KNSC to keep Utilities Wine, Cheese & Wooden Ski Tour ski trail systems now have a mower updating our fleet. Insurance Kevin Walker/Marilyn Parrett and a tracked ATV for grooming. KNSC now has a fleet of Alaska Nordic Skier Admin Jeannie Woodring But don’t get too excited by the three tracked ATVs, nine snow- Equipment position Kachemak Bay Marathon Ski surplus revenue. The revenue and machines and three mowers, purchase and Deland Anderson expense pies do not exactly reflect along with numerous grooming maintenance Homer Epic 100 Homer Cycling Club Friday Night Lights a groomer to sign up and learn the basics. Questions: 235-6018 or Stacey Buckalew AROUND THE BAY [email protected]. Sea to Ski Triathlon December 26 — Ski Your Age: Location TBA. Ski any time between 9 a.m. Derek Bynagle 2017-2018 winter season and 4 p.m. You can pick a category to ski in if you want: Ski Your Age in gearing up – Wax your skis! Kilometers; Join the Century Club by skiing 100 kilometers minus your age in kilometers; ski the most kilometers as a family; or ski 50 kilometers. As of this writing, Kachemak Bay is still waiting for a good dump of snow to make the winter ski events pos- JANUARY The elves working sible – and fun. Watch for details on these and more events January 20-21 — Besh Cups at Lookout Mountain Recreation Area. – in future newsletters, the KNSC website (www.kache- January 26 — Friday Night Lights: Location depends on snow. Check the maknordicskiclub.org), and occasional emails. Events Calendar page or KNSC Facebook page for the location. behind the scenes January 27 — Junior Nordic Program: Saturdays Jan. 27-Feb.24. First Ongoing events session on Jan. 27 at Lookout Mountain Recreation Area. 1-2:30 p.m. October 16-April — Kachemak Women’s Nordic: Kachemak Women’s Other locations TBA. Nordic is intended for those skiers looking to improve their technique for KNSC and establish a regular training program. Racing is encouraged but not FEBRUARY As yuletide spirits brighten up this required. The groups focus on both skating and classical techniques. February 3, 10, 17, 24 — Junior Nordic Program: Saturdays at Lookout Practice is held three to six times a week. Dry land training started in Mountain State Recreation Area, 1-2:30 p.m. Other locations TBA. dark time of year, so do the efforts October. Participants must be members of KNSC. Training Dates: Monday, February 4 — Ski/Walk/Run for Women: At Lookout Mountain State of the hardworking people – elves, if Wednesday, Thursday, Friday from noon-1:30 p.m. and Saturdays from Recreation Area. you will – who toil behind the scenes 10:00 a.m.-noon. For details, visit kachemakwomensnordic.com. February 11 — Wine and Cheese and Wooden Ski Tour: Noon-4 p.m., to brighten Homer’s winter ski trails. Jan. 27-Feb. 24, Saturdays — Junior Nordic Program: location TBA. Say hello to two of these incredible This learn-to-ski program for youth from kindergarten through sixth Backcountry Film Festival — 7 p.m. at Homer Theatre. Dates and more grade offers five Saturdays of winter fun. The program takes the youth details TBA. volunteers. to the different trailheads. Rental equipment is available. First session: Saturday, Jan. 27 at Lookout Mountain Recreation Area, 1-2:30 p.m. Other MARCH Bill Hague – Mechanical locations TBA. March 10 — KNSC Nordic Ski Marathon: At Lookout Mountain Ski Trails marvel for grooming DECEMBER (starting line); Check the website and Facebook at Kachemak Nordic Ski equipment Club for updates and more information. In 2000, Bill, a retired vocational Groomers Clinic and Refresher — Date and time TBA at Lookout Sea to Ski — TBA, based on snow. For more details, check out the KNSC Mountain Maintenance Building. This is an important review/refresher for website or Facebook page closer to March. all KNSC groomers and an opportunity for those interested in becoming See VOLUNTEERS, Page 13

the Alaska nordic skier December 2017 KACHEMAK 13

VOLUNTEERS half of the week, Diana moves so fast that you blink Continued from Page 12 twice to see her. She’s even faster on the ski trails. With championships under her belt, such as her age agricultural teacher, moved to Homer. One of the class at the National Masters Championships, her first people he met was Dave Brann, the unofficial age class in the Anchorage “grandfather” of Homer’s Nordic ski trails. Cup, and a close second at “Dave is one of my best friends,” Bill says. “He the 40K Tour of Anchorage influenced me a lot. I love working with Dave and a few years back, Diana still being involved with what he does.” blisters the tracks at McNeil/ Like Dave, Bill bought his property and built his Eveline whenever she finds house close to the Baycrest Ski Trails. Like Dave, time to head out. Bill got involved with the KNSC. He said, “Being And she makes sure that able to fix things is something I enjoy doing, and it “I try to find and train people at each different everyone else who skis at needs to be done.” location,” he said. “Anytime I can hand the job off to McNeil-Eveline has the op- Bill fixes everything mechanical involved with somebody who has the abilities and willingness to portunity to enjoy the trails. the trail grooming: three ATVS, 6-8 snow machines, work on machines, I let them do it.” He added that For the past 8 to 9 years, the Fritz Creek General plus all of the grooming equipment at Homer’s he has two to three guys at Lookout Mountain who Store, owned by Sean Maryott and Diana, has been three major ski areas: Lookout Mountain, Baycrest are good at helping, as well as a helper at Baycrest. providing gas for the McNeil Canyon/Eveline trail. and McNeil Canyon/Eveline State Recreation In past years, he tried to ski once a week at each The store gives the ski club a charge account for Area. Most of the equipment has a list of steps for site when he went to check on equipment. “I’m a $1,000 a year. If the funds don’t get used up one the groomer to go through, along with Bill’s phone terrible skier,” he said with a grin. “I like the flat year, the money rolls over to the next year. numbers if the groomer can’t figure out how to trails. But it’s always fun to be involved in getting “Directing some of the profit back to the commu- repair it. things ready so people like me can have a place to nity is how I’m able to sleep at night,” Diana said. In winter, Bill drives 25 miles round-trip to get to recreate.” “We support a wide variety of causes, but recre- the McNeil/Eveline Trail systems and 25 miles to In the offseason, Bill puts in 10-20 hours a week ation is selfishly important to me. I’ve been enjoy- get to Lookout Mountain. He makes these journeys on the ski trails. ing skiing for years and since I am one of those once a week for maintenance and more often as “When I have time, I’m either out on the trails people who love skiing with their dog, I pretty much mechanical problems arise. If multiple sites call grooming (not much) or with a chainsaw or weed only ski the Eveline/McNeil trails.” Bill, he tries to work first on the machines involved cutter,” he said. “I stay busy and it’s fun. This is like She added: “Paying for the gas seems like a in an upcoming event, such as school ski races. a full-time hobby. Normally I don’t know what day of small contribution when I get to reap the hours of Bill designed his house so that he could move the week it is or what time it is.” work that the groomers put into making the trails equipment inside to work on. In winter, he moves a such a pleasure to ski. Thank you to all the volun- lot of machines to meet ski events at different sites. Diana Carbonell – Fueling the teers who make trails happen.” From December through March, he puts in 30 to 40 grooming at McNeil/Eveline And thank you, Diana. hours a week maintaining the ski equipment. Bustling around the Fritz Creek General Store