A p r i l 2 018 , Vo l .1 9 , N o . 7
EAGLE RIVER:A ski beach party toremember a friend
9ANCHORAGE:A season of snow,successes and fun
2-7KACHEMAK:A community of skiers,volunteers make trails
10Anchorage . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Eagle River . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Girdwood . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Fairbanks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Kachemak . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Mat-Su . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Statewide . . . . . . . 7,8,11,15
SKI 4 KIDS PHOTOS BY JEN AIST
2 April 2018
the AlAskA nordic skier
B O A R D M E M B E R S
PRESIDENTJoey Caterinichio
VICE PRESIDENTSara Miller
SECRETARYJosh Niva
TREASURERKarl GarberMEMBERSMolly Brown
Alex GrummanElizabeth Arnold
Mike MillerTim Miller
OFFICE STAFFErin Beam, Business Manager
Tamra Kornfield, Program ManagerAmber Adams, Office Manager
OPERATIONS STAFFCraig Norman
Bill BrionPeter Zug
Annette BrionMatthew Pauli
TRAILSMike Miller
C O M M I T T E E C H A I R S
ALASKA SKI FOR WOMENJenny Di Grappa
AMH ANCHORAGE CUPBranden Fontana
BACKCOUNTRY TOURSPatti Phillips, Mary Vavrik, Karlene Leeper
and Ken DePalma
BIATHLONMarti Pausback and Catherine Kilby
HIGH SCHOOL RACINGJohn Christopherson
HOPE CABINanchoragenordicski.com/cabin-rental
JUNIOR NORDICShannon Donley
MIDDLE SCHOOL RACINGDiane Moxness
RACE CHAIRMANTim Stone
SCHOLARSHIPSDan Rosenberg
SKAN 24Cassandra and Grant Stevenson
SKI 4 KIDSErin Whitney Witmer
SKI JUMPINGKaren Compton and Vivienne Murray
SKI TRAINTravis Taylor
SOLSTICE TREE TOURSara Miller
SPECIAL EVENTS AND RACINGLauri Bassett
TOUR OF ANCHORAGEMatias Saari
NSAA OFFICE HOURS10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday
BOARD MEETINGSFourth Thursday of the month, 6:15 P.M. at BP Energy Center
or NSAA office. Open to all.
Anchorage Nordic SkierNewsletter Of The Nordic Skiing Association Of Anchorage, Inc.
203 W. 15th Ave., #204 Anchorage, Alaska, 99501Phone — 276-7609 Fax — 258-7609
Hotline — [email protected]
2017-2018 NSAA Volunteers: Thank you for a wonderful year!
The volunteer force of this community is strong and we appreciates all that individuals and organizations give each year to ensure this NSAA’s success. Thank you to these people for your support. We do our best to thank each and every volunteer, but it is not always possible to capture every name. Please forgive us and let us know if we inadvertently left your name off of these lists. Your contributions to NSAA are greatly appreciated!
NSAA Board of Directors – Joey Caterinichio, Sara Miller, Mike Miller, Josh Niva, Karl Garber, Elizabeth Arnold, Alex Grumman, Molly Brown, and Tim Miller.
Annual Meeting and Ski Swap – NSAA Board Members, Adler Carnahan, Alden Worachek, Ariana O’Harra, Barbara Amy, Bennett Pearce, Bill Diel, Bourke Betz, Brian Kirchner, Celia Rozen, Claudette Hixon, Cynthia Decker, David Stamp, Diane Moxness, Diane Ramey, Elena Hinds, Eliot Pearce, Elizabeth Arnold, Elizabeth Knapp, Elizabeth Manning, Finn Carnahan, Heather Beck, Henry Arend, Hillary Jochens, John Butler, John Pearce, Julie Truskowski, June Takagi, Karen Quintieri, Kelemen Legate, Kristen Fick, Laura Lawrence, Lauri Basset, Leah Legate, Lex Treinen, Lin Hinderman, Marcia Bandy, Marti Pausback, Mike Truskowski, Morgan Coniglio, Nelson Carpluk, Nicole Stuemke, Pam Wallace, Patrick Carnahan, Paul Butera, Peter Hinds, Rosie Frankowski, Ruth Kroona, Sam Cason, Steve Beardsley, Tom Hoosier, and Tucker McGownd.
Alaska Ski for Women – Volunteer Committee: Jenny Di Grappa, Tamra Kornfield, Meg Stehn, Diane Moxness, Deborah Hansen, Celia Rosen, Paulette Compton, and Julia Truskowski; Volunteers: Jim Renkert, Daniel Cory, Beth Bragg, Jessica Hart, Greg DuBois, Bob Stehn, Jan Hazen, Patrick McGownd, Jay Holton, Lex Treinen, Jeffrey Rubin, Eric Schwalber, Tucker McGownd, Ira Edwards, Michael Henrich, Marti Pausback, Lauri Bassett, Heather Helzer, Ginger Hansell, Sylvia Maiellaro, Mary Geddes, Elaine Nelson, Bill Hagemeyer, Katherine Rawlins, Leslie Adams, Holly Rinehart, Riki Lebman, Ann Rappoport, Collin Hawkins, Alison Arians, Dan Schwartz, Randy Hessong, Marieke Heatwole, Diane Ramey, Trish O’Gorman, Lisa Keller, Kirsten Anderson, Mike Miller, Iain Miller, Lydia Wirkus, Peggy Cobey, Ruth Carter, Paula Davis, Teresa Doyle, Pam Barbeau, Jill Griffin, Kathy Dale, Alison McCarrey, Nora Miller, Tim Stone, Paul Stone, Pita Benz, Scott Belyea, Steve Beardsley, Steve Morris, Steve Livingston, David Hulen, Tom Brooks, Ove Madsen, Georgia Gustafson, Rachelle Kanady, Sandy and Norm Johnson and Anchorage Nordic Ski Patrol.
AMH Anchorage Cup – Event Director: Branden Fontana; Volunteers: Tim Stone, Deborah Caldera, Anne Stone, Bob Stehn, Meg Stehn, Nancy Hiney, Sandy Johnson, Scott Belyea, Trish Herminghaus, Lex Treinen, Anson Moxness, Laura Marushack, the West High ski team, the South High ski team, Paul Denkewalter, Luis Cappas-Rivera, Bill Mans, Diane Moxness, Julie Truskowski, Lin Hinderman, Michael Powell, Amy Schumacher, Alaska Winter Stars, Lauri Bassett, June Takagi, Calisa Kastning, APU Nordic Ski Team, Jim Jager, Galen Johnston, and Anchorage Nordic Ski Patrol.
ASD High School Racing – Chief Coordinator: John Christopherson; Volunteers: Matt Pauli, Sandra Christopherson, Gordon Wetzel, Jim and Ros Singleton, Alice Knapp, Anne Brooks, Bob Glen, Bob and Meg Stehn, Colin Hawkins, Dale Evern, David Hulen, Diane Moxness, Dick and Liska Snyder, Ed and Robin Kornfield, Ed Brewer, Fred Stutzer, Steve McKeever, Gerald Bell, Tina Tomsen, Patrick McGownd, Buzz Scher, Ove Madsen, Jan Hazen, Lin Hinderman, Bruce Talbot, Sharon Smith, Tim Stone, Tom Hunt, Michael Miller, Mark Worcester, Celia Rozen, June Takagi, Holly Morris, Elizabeth Knapp, Steve Beardsley, Pete Mjos, Ed Brewer, Amy Schumacher, Tom Hawkins, Tom Brooks, Tim Samuelson, Steve Morris, Pam Mamrol, Iain Miller, Molly Mylius, Steve Agee, Sally and Jim Burkholder, Niles Woods, Rob Dolan,
Peter Johnson, Pita Benz, Rich and Teresa Hull, Liz Butera, Mike Miller, Ken Hunt, Bill Carpenter, Bob Glen, Colin Hawkins, Dale Evern, David Hulen, Robert Cole, Linda Carpenter, David Hagen, Jan and Rick Holland, and a long list of other dedicated volunteers and devoted coaches. We appreciate all of you so much, and thank you!
ASD Middle School Racing – Chief Coordinator: Diane Moxness; Volunteers: Steve Anderson, Keven Apgar, Alison Arians, JB Atkinson, Jason Bent, Alyshea Biergroselein, Mike Biergorselein, Anne Billman, Michelle Bittner, Ed Brewer, Tom Brooks, Sally Burkholder, Logan Carrol, Jessica Chochran, Joan Darnell, Brad Dayton, Kristia Dennison, Chuck Gilbert, Sally Gilbert, Else Golz, Martin Hansen, Laura Harris, Lin Hinderman, Gail Hoeffler, Carol Howard, Carina Howe, Lance Howe, Laurie Hulse, Amy Johnson, Peter Johnson, Lynnsey Kimball, Alice Knapp, Clare LeClare, John LeClare, Pamela LeCrone, Jim Mendenall, Jennifer Midlo, Robert Midlo, Mike Miller, Rita Miller, Steve Morris, Mike Moxness, Kim Olmstead, JR Patee, Rick Petter, Melissa Poole, John Power, Connie Quinley, John Quinley, Amanda Retizger, Tim Samuelson, Dan Schwartz, Mary Kay Scrich, Abigail Scrum, Larissa Shooter, Kathy Silknitter, Dick Snyder, Toni Sparrow, Bob Stehn, Meg Stehn, David Stierwalt, Tim Stone, Bruce Talbot, Stephanie Teague, Julie Turkowsky, Linda Urich, William White, Mark Worcester, Eric Wuttke, Chris Zafron, and Peter Zugg.
Backcountry Tours – Patti Phillips, Mary Vavrik, Karlene Leeper, Ken DePalma, Zack Liller, Anchorage Nordic Ski Patrol, Bob Sutherland, Ray Cammisa, and Dora Krenzelok.
Besh Cup – Event Director: Anson Moxness; Volunteers: Matt Pauli, Joey Caternichio, Al Mitchell, Alice Knapp, Allison Arians, Bill Diel, Brian Hoefler, Buzz Scher, Celia Rozen, Chris Backstrum, Dan Schwartz, Dave Blanchet, Debra Caldera, Diane Moxness, Diane Ramey, Elsa Aegerter, Emily Binnian, Gail Hoefler, Germaine Thomas, Hap Pierce, Henry Arend, Jason Hlasny, John Novak, Joy Backstrum, Julee Duhrsen, Julie Truskowski, Linda Ulrich, Lisa Maurer, Liz Butera, Marieke Heatwole, Mark Slaughter, Marko Radonich, Mary Diel, Mike Truskowski, Norm Johnson, Peter Johnson, Sandy Johnson, Scott Goldsmith, Steve Wilson, Trevor Clayton, Troy Fritzel, and Yvonne Goldsmith.
Biathlon Program and Events – Volunteer Committee: Catherine Kilby, Marty Pausback, Marcia Bandy, Tom Grenier, Douglas Cobb, Michael Milhollin, Mike Rieser; Volunteers – Jack Porter, Pete Pritchard, Deana Watson, Joan Kluwe, Mike Burns, Chad Carpenter, Catherine Gilliland, Craig Gilliland, Zoey Grenier, Patricia Grenier, Marty Parson, Kelly Parsons, Joel Hubbard, Wendy Romberg, Bill Romberg Steve Shamburek, Sarah Wilson, Steve Wilson, Josh Watson, Amy McLeod, Sharyl Stevens, Amanda Del Frate, Ray Wonders, Roberta Wonders, Marion Bottesi, Louis Smets, and many more individuals and families.
Jumping Program and Events – Volunteer Committee - Karen Compton, Vivienne Murray, Mike Jokela; Volunteers – JR Pattee, Michael Brubaker, Jill Brubaker, Jeanne Molitor, Bethany Berry, Jim Renkert Lex Treinen, Trevor Taylor, Tom Smith, Doug Taylor, Pat Taylor, Elizabeth Schafer, Hillary Jochens, Maya Yasko, Carol Howarth, Paulette Compton, John Gunnill, Steve Compton, John Murray, Dana Griffin, Scott Amy, Jim Mendenhall, Brent Veldtkamp, Lynn Palmquist, Steve Thomas, Karen Busch, Karen Showmaker, Carl Oswald, Benji Uffenbeck, Ken Hatch, Jennifer Wingate, Jennifer Wingard, Dana Cooper, Jon Davis, Barbara Amy, Chris Rygh, Jane Banaszak, Jessie Menkens, Kevin Menkens, Regina Woods, Ashley Panter, Mike Panter, Dave Wolf, Julie Shuttleworth, Frank Mitchell, Reno Deprey, Rebecca Manley, Shawna Jones, Randi Smith, Lauri Basset, Tim Brabets, Mike Miller, and John Frair.
Junior Nordic – Committee Members: Eric Egeland, Amy Schumacher, Shannon Gramse, Allison Showers-Chlup, Jennifer Owens, Jennifer Starck, and Travis Rector; Volunteer coaches: Michelle Fabry, Tatyana Boland, Laura Gregersen, SMikayla Terry, Maria Nedom, Ben Duhrsen, Ariana O’Harra, Tatianna Boland, Sam York, Mary Sewell, Cheryl Ward, Andrew Garsha, Jason Alward and all the parents who helped both inside and outside.
Maps and Calendar – Jan Hazen and Justin Ritter.
Scholarship Committee – Dan Rosenberg (Chair), Brian Hoefler and Celia Rozen.
SKAN24 Race – Event Directors: Cassandra
Stevenson and Grant Stevenson; Volunteers: Meg Stehn, Bob Stehn, Marti Pausback, Diane Moxness, Celia Rozen, The Wright Family, Chet Fehrmann, Greg Hartman, and Alli Rzepka.
Ski 4 Kids – Volunteer Committee: Erin Witmer, Beth Elliott, Jean Miller, Cathy Miller, Tom Miller, Agie Kupilik, Allene Whitney, Lia Slemons, Carla Beam, Lauri Bassett, Alice Knapp, and Iain Miller; Volunteers: Rob Whitney, Lee Bolling, Eva Gardner, Jen Aist, Dimond JROTC, UAA Ski Team, Lia Keller (Arctic Orienteering Club), Trudy Keller, Elizabeth Knapp, June Takagi, Clare Ross, Luis Cappas, Service High Student Government, Julia Colver, Andrea Anderson, Geoff Wright, Craig Fisher, Ann Gedmark, Joe Mumm, Johannes Meyer, Jessica Kaiser, Kyle Easterly, and Blythe Easterly.
Ski Train – Event Director: Travis Taylor; Chief Volunteers: David Dempsey, Cami Timothy, Olivia Cohn; Volunteers: Andrew Dunagan, Chris Jung, Derek Kleehammer, Diana Redwood, Emily Taylor, Eryn Boone, Greg Solomon, Hillary Fisher, Jason Lucas, Jessica Dellacroce, Jody Barnett, Kristen Olson, Megan Langford, Michael Westbrook, Neal Haglund, Nick Lynch, Rusell Dudley , Sara Jane, Sean Bolender, and Steve Koller; Anchorage Nordic Ski Patrol: Michael Olive, Katie Archer, Erin Boklage, Jonathan Bressler, Dana Buchanan, Eric Cannon, Kenton Curtis, Eric Dale, Mik Dalpes, Stefan D’Angelo, David Disselbrett, Matti Dupre, Tarri Fairbanks, Andrew Fox, Stephanie Fox, Eric Geisler, Penelope Geisler, Robyn Henry, Amy Holman, Randy Howell, Jackie Keating, Dean Knapp, Joe Kurtak, Heather Liller, Zach Liller, Mathew Lunetta, Ron Matviak, Roisin Murphy, Tom Plawman, and Nicholas Pulice.
Solstice Tree Tour – Event Director: Sara Miller; Volunteers: Acacia Pottschmidt, Alex Grumman, Alison Lausten, Annette Brion, Brian Kirchner, Cal Larson, Darci Horner, Debbie Barkers, Fiona Worcester, Hillary Jockens, Kate Nixon, Lauri Bassett, Lin Hinderman, Lindsay Murray, Lisa Anglen, Marina Medina, Melanie Clark, Molly Larmie, Pierce Schwalb, Rita Miller, Robin Kornfield, Sandra Kasavong, Shauna Boquist, Susan, Susan Crowther, Travis Durnford, Travis Toben and South Anchorage High JROTC and Applied Technology Class.
Trail Work (Summer and Winter) and Snowmaking – Mike Miller, Tim Brabets, Tim Stone, Jack Porter, Steve Beardsley, Matt Pauli, and Dylan Watts plus a long list of people who came to clear brush and remove stones this summer.
Tour of Anchorage – Event Director: Matias Saari; Chief Volunteers: Alyse Loran, Alice Knapp, Alison McCarrey, Anson Moxness, Bill Sutter, Bob Stehn, Brian Wing, Buzz Scher, Celia Foley, Celia Rozen, Chay Littlefield, Chris Allard, Chris Clark, Chris Zafren, Dan Myers, Dave Apperson, Dave Disselbrett, Don Johnson, Greg Matyas, Iain Miller, Ian Moore, James (JP) Bennett, Jason Motyka, Jen Jolliff, Jenia Jarrett, Jim Renkert, John Glidden, JP Tarbath, Kate Fitzgerald, Kevin Banks, Kevin Johnson, Lauri Bassett, Lex Treinen, Lisa Tobin, Liz Turner, Marc Phillips, Matt Pauli, Meg Stehn, Mike Miller, Nancy Felton, Pete Robinson, Rachel Samuelson, Ryan Gough, Sam Sterling, Sara Miller, Sarah Woolley, Shelly Laws, Stephen Miko, Tasha Bergt, Ted & Ginny Moore, Tim Brabets, Tom Grenier, Travis Rector, and Trevor Clayton; Volunteers: Alice Samuelson, Alison McCarrey, Alison Smith, Amy Johns, Andrea Cordano, Anne Newman, Art Copoulos, Becky Kurtz, Bruce Talbot, Celia Foley, Chris Logan, Christie Cowee, Christie Haupert, Cindy Drinkwater, Claudette Hickson, Dan Myers, Dave Nespoli, Debra Caldera, Diana Evans, Don Haering, Dorothy Childers, Ed Clark, Emily Binnian, Gabby Serventi, Greg McDuffie, Jean Funatake, Jennifer Gates, Joan Darnell, Judy Dearborn, Julia Colver, Julie Bladel, Karen Hurd, Korin Homestead, Larry Rundquist, Libby Kugel, Luke Rosier, Lydia Wirkus, Martha Service, Martin Hansen, Megan Kemp, Michael Haukedalen, Mike Jens, Mimi Hogan, Murray Athans, Otto Gilbert, Patrick Carnahan, Paul Stone, Rob Olson, Robert Koontz, Sandor Brown, Sandy Johnson, Sarah Wright, Scott Broadwell, Star Poe, Steve Deckert, Susan Crowther, Todd Erickson, Travis Rector, Yuki Hayano, Bartlett HS Ski Team, Boy Scout Troop 190, Boy Scouts Troop 214, Chugiak HS Ski Team, Dimond HS Ski Team, Eagle River HS Ski Team, East HS Ski Team, Service HS Seminar , South HS Ski Team, West HS Ski Team and Anchorage Nordic Ski Patrol.
Videography – Tom Pillifant.
the AlAskA nordic skier
April 2018 3
EDITORJosh Niva
LAYOUTKevin Powell
AD REPRESENTATIVEAndre Lovett
[email protected]@gmail.com
LOCAL EDITORS
ANCHORAGE
Josh [email protected]
EAGLE RIVER
FAIRBANKS
Kate [email protected]
KACHEMAK
Jeannie [email protected]
JUNEAU
Frankie [email protected]
MAT-SU
SALCHA
SEWARD
Julie [email protected]
SOLDOTNA
Penny McClain262-6257
TALKEETNA
Chris Mannix733-2427
The Alaska Nordic Skier is a publication representing the nordic
ski clubs of Anchorage, Eagle River, Fairbanks, Homer, Juneau,
Mat-Su, Salcha, Seward, Soldotna, Kenai, Talkeetna and Valdez. The Alaska Nordic Skier is published
October through April by the Nordic Skiing Association
of Anchorage, Inc.
All rights reserved. © 2018 Articles, letters and advertisements
are welcome. Please ensure all names are correct and information is accurate. Submissions may be edited
for clarity, content and space limitations. Deadline is the 15th day
of the prior month. E-mail [email protected].
On the cover – Ski 4 Kids was a big hit this spring in Anchorage.
Photos by Jen Aist
the AlAskAn o r d i c s k i e r
A N C H O R A G E
No snow, low snow or more snow, no problem for NSAA’s Operations team
Once again, the season needed a jumpstart. Snowmaking parameters at Kincaid Park were pushed toward the upper limit to gain as much base despite the warmer temps. No races were canceled for lack of snow, however.
U.S. Nationals had a rough start with 36 degrees and rain for the first night of Grooming. A day or two later, the temperatures dropped and Nature kicked in and made snow for all the trails. From then on, the season was flawless. We could not have asked for a better season.
The NSAA Operations crew would like to extend a well-deserved “Thank you!” to all the NSAA staff, volunteers and others for making this year’s ski season a huge success/tolerable!
The priority this summer will be in-depth maintenance/repair of grooming and snowmaking equipment and facilities. Trail restoration projects will be secondary but if there is a window of opportunity we will work on one, or all, of the following: Moose Hill, Stairway to Heaven, 4
Corners crossing trail at Kincaid and/or spot repair and erosion control as required on the Hillside and Chugiak/Eagle River trails.
The NSAA Operations staff wishes you a safe and fun summer. Enjoy the trails!
NSAA season roundupSmaller Ski Train, bigger
fun for director, participants“Giving our guests a great
experience on Ski Train is the most important goal,” Travis Taylor said, addressing volunteers as they prepared to load the Alaska Railroad a few days from the big event. Positivity and optimism radiate from Travis, NSAA’s Ski Train Director, his first year filling this volunteer role after many years in as the luggage car team leader. Travis’ work experience as the Director of Tour Operations with Alaska Premier, makes him a perfect fit leading NSAA’s annual Ski Train event.
Travis faced a lot of change with this year’s train with the biggest being a smaller train. Cutbacks with space meant fewer volunteers including the polka band and Ski Patrol. The hardest task is keeping the event true to its history and accomplish this with less people. His approach? He pulled in key volunteers to help find solutions.
Change is hard, but the volunteer team saw this as a chance to be more efficient, utilizing volunteer teams in multiple ways. Another secret weapon: working with Travis is fun! Every hiccup or challenge is tackled with optimism and energy from Travis, and it’s contagious! Thanks Travis and the entire volunteer team!
— By Erin Beam, NSAA
Even cold, Ski for Women never gets old
Cold was the word of the day at this year’s Alaska Ski for Women, but that didn’t stop over 500 women of all ages from crossing the finish line in their ConocoPhillips bibs at the 22nd annual event. Participants and supporters enjoyed a bluebird day filled with beautifully groomed trails, dazzling costumes, delicious bread
from Great Harvest Bread Co. and coffee from Kaladi Brothers Coffee. Oh, did I mention the chocolate? Each participant received a gourmet chocolate bar courtesy of Birdwings Fine Chocolate.
We had a total of 646 registrants this year, 35 of whom participated in the Duathalon, 106 participated in the freestyle/skate race, and 176 raced in the classic event. All finishers will be eligible for the Triple Patch Program. The Mardi Gras of the North costume contest entrants surprised the judges with their exciting costumes this
year, making choosing the winners difficult! Our overall winner was the Iditarod Huskies group, which also won the award for the highest number of team members.
Alaska Ski for Women raises awareness and funds for an issue experienced by half of women in Alaska: domestic violence. Our 2017 grantees had booths in the chalet: AWAIC, Running Free Alaska, YWCA Anchorage, STAR, and Seaview Community Services. All of race
See ROUNDUP, Page 6
All aboard … Ski Train! Travis Taylor, Ski Train director, is at the far right of this festive crew.
Energy, determination and a cool costume – this young 2018 Ski for Women participant had it all!
PHOTO BY JAN HAZEN
4 April 2018
the AlASKA nordic skier
Great snow. Great Olympians. Great photos?Enter your season’s best in the NSAA Photo
ContestIt’s primetime for crust skiing photos, which
is a reminder that the 2018 NSAA Photo Contest deadline arrives on May 31. The contest is open to all Alaska Nordic ski club members and entrants may submit three images per category.
The categories are: Racing; Touring/Backcountry; Jumping; Kids on Skis; Grooming/Groomed Trails; Biathlon; Fun Ski Events; and Recreational/Casual Skiing. Prizes will be awarded to first-, second- and third-place selections in each
category, as well as a grand prize overall winner. Winners also will be featured in the annual NSAA calendar and in an issue of the Alaska Nordic Skier newsletter.
Send digital photo files and an entry form to [email protected] with “PHOTO CONTEST” in subject line. File format should be
JPG and size should be between .05 MB and 5 MB.Please visit anchoragenordicski.com/nsaa-
photo-contest/ for more information and the entry form. Contact NSAA’s Amber Adams at [email protected] or (907) 276-7609 with questions or comments.
A N C H O R A G E
S P O N S O R E D
OFF THETRAIL
Starting running again BY ZUZANA ROGERSPT, SCD, SCS, COMTAdvanced Physical Therapy
It has been a breakthrough season for APU and American cross-country skiing, and I would like to extend my congratulations to athletes and supporters at all levels.
You’re riding high on the possibility of new heights for American skiing and you want to do your part. And while this ski season is nearly over, you’re already making training plans for the season to come.
Let me help you with a safe transition from skiing to running.
1 Taking your run outside:
a. Decrease your distances! Let your body slowly build up bone, muscle and tendon strength. Allow appropriate rest time between runs so your body can repair. Run every other day, or even every two days if you haven’t been running much over the winter. Don’t worry about your pace for the first few
weeks. Let your body adapt to the increased demands you are placing on it.
b. Vary terrain and intensity. Variety will not allow your body to repeat a movement mistake over a long period of time.
c. Write down your goals and make a training plan. Start with your end goal in mind and then work backwards. Gradually build up your distance, intensity and terrain tolerance.
2 How about your feet?
a. Chose the right footwear. Have professionals help you; they can assess your feet, gait and find the right shoes. Your running shoe should feel comfortable right away, there is no “getting used to it.”
b. Do not forget to address the strength of your feet and lower legs! Our feet weaken and atrophy during the winter. Lift and spread your toes, walk on toes, walk on heels. (Check the January issue of Nordic Skier for more on this!)
3 Cross training:
Hip and core strength are tremendously important. Cross training prevents injuries, makes you fit, and you won’t get bored. Body weight and free weights exercises, balance, plyometrics, and mobility give you more benefit than machines. Did I mention the Nature
Gym? Alaska’s outdoors has it all!
4 Address your weaknesses:
You cannot be stronger than your weakest link! By nature, we practice and develop skills or exercises that come relatively easy to us. We usually don’t go out of our way to learn a skill that is awkward, unfamiliar or challenging. It is difficult and we may feel uncoordinated and weak like a baby giraffe! Ask for help from your fellow runners and coaches, or seek professional help from a physiotherapist. #ChoosePT #aptofalaska
ANCHOR AGE : ( 907) 279 -4266 | WASILL A : ( 907) 376 -8590 | FA IRBANKS : (907) 374 - 0992 | SOLDOTN A : ( 907) 420 - 0640 | SE WARD : ( 907) 224 -7848
Do you want to learn more? Come see us at Advanced Physical Therapy! Call for an appointment at any of our five locations statewide.
Eric Parson’s stunning shot of “Camping Near Anaktuvuk Pass” and Nathan Jones picturesque “Sunny Tracks” were among the top shots in the 2017 NSAA Photo Contest.
the AlAskA nordic skier
April 2018 5
NSAA Spotlight: Tom Grenier,
an extraordinary coach
It’s remarkable to think that one man has singlehandedly built a high school ski team, starting with a handful of students, steadily increasing to a fairly large group today. This team is gaining ground, becoming more competitive with the top Nordic contenders in the district today. Part of this growth is related to the successful grant pursuits by this same individual for new Nordic gear, properly equipping a team where most don’t own their own skis and boots as first time cross-country skiers. This man is Tom Grenier, a highly dedicated coach who has brought the Bartlett High school to new heights.
In addition to school skiing, Tom has
also coached local youth biathlon for more years than most parents can count, investing countless hours and energy to furthering the sport. His efforts have instilled a love and enthusiasm to hundreds over the years as shown with many of his athletes returning as coaches later. As the lead coach of the Eagle Eyes biathlon program, Tom has developed many biathletes, many who have advanced to intercollegiate and national levels. He also coaches masters groups, as well as new junior biathletes firing a rifle for the first time.
Exemplary leadership skills were evident as Tom recently orchestrated Anchorage’s local biathlon race series, pulling together volunteers, setting courses and executing quality competition. Race directing for Tom takes place after long days of teaching and coaching the high school ski team. The most amazing feat this season was witnessing Tom coach juniors racing in the final Arctic Winter Games trial while simultaneously coordinating the ASD race hosted by Bartlett. Despite the juggling act, Tom was extraordinary.
Tom sets the bar high, prioritizing his athletes, giving back to the Nordic community and selflessly volunteering to further biathlon in Alaska. Thank you, Tom Grenier, for your contributions to Biathlon and the entire Nordic community!
A N C H O R A G E
ConocoPhillips has proudly supported recreational and competitive Nordic
skiing across Alaska for 25 years.
Nordic Skiing Association of AnchorageAlaska Ski for Women
Ski for KidsJunior Nordic
Tour of AnchorageNordic Ski Club of Fairbanks
NANA Nordic SkikuCross Country Alaska Besh Cup Race Series
APU Nordic Ski Center2018 U.S. Cross Country Ski Championships
Congratulations to all of Alaska’s Olympic skiers, and to Kikkan Randall for her historic gold medal
performance in PyeongChang! ConocoPhillips looks forward to seeing more Alaskan
champions at every level.
6 April 2018
the AlAskA nordic skier
A N C H O R A G E
entries, donations, merchandise sales and funds raised during the silent auction will be donated in June 2018 to programs and organizations who are actively working to stop the cycle of domestic violence against women and children. Funds are also distributed to organizations that provide resources to domestic violence victims and their families.
Alaska Ski for Women appreciates the support of our major sponsors, who help ensure our ability to provide 100 percent of the event income to our grantees. We are especially grateful to ConocoPhillips, our 2018 Platinum Sponsor and race bib sponsor who generously supports this community event every year. Thank you to Gold Sponsor KTUU for their continued support and promotion of the event. Other sponsors include: GCI, Anchorage Women’s Clinic, Banker Law Group, Denali OB-GYN, Premier Alaska Tours, Bristol Bay Native Corporation, Moose’s Tooth & Bears Tooth, REI, Magic 98.9, TOKO, Skinny Raven, Turnagain Training, Alaska EyeCare, Alaska Medical Solutions and Hartman Orthodontics. We received over 60 in-kind silent auction donations from Alaska businesses and community members this year, which brought in over $4,000!
Top race finishers – Duathlon: 1. Hannah Smith 2. Sarah Freistone 3. Donna Difolco; Freestyle: 1. Mandy Vincent-Lang 2. Katie Porter 3. Lucy Young; Classic: 1. Liz Butera 2. Fern LeClair 3. Claire LeClair.
Save the date: Alaska Ski for Women February 3, 2019. Email [email protected] to learn how you can get involved or become a sponsor!
— By Jenny Di Grappa, Alaska Ski for Women director
Young Alaskans aimed for the sky in NSAA Ski Jumping
Alaska ski jumpers and Nordic combiners ended the winter season with strong finishes in regional, national and international competitions!
Anchorage hosted 56 ski jumpers from five national divisions February 21-24 at the Karl Eid Ski Jumps. Gus Compton led Alaskans placing fourth in U20 Nordic combined and 8th in ski jumping. Gus and his brother Hugo Compton finished fourth in the U20 team Nordic combined sprint relay. Carter Brubaker was the top Alaskan in the U16 division placing fifth in Nordic combined and 10th in jumping. Carter and teammate Skyler Amy placed fourth in the U16 team Nordic combined sprint relay. Coach Zak Hammill was pleased with his athletes, saying, “These boys have been training hard year-round and I’ve seen steady improvement. It really showed at JNs this year and I’m so proud of them.”
Then on to Western Regionals in Park City, Utah, where Alaskans had four podium finishes. Dylan Amy took first in U12 Nordic combined and second
in ski jumping. Teammate Ronen Woods was right behind claiming second in U12 Nordic combined. Skyler Amy also placed second in U14 Nordic combined.
And in Trondheim, Norway, Gus Compton competed with three other Americans in the FIS Youth Cup Nordic Combined competition March 13 and 14. Gus’s best finish over two days of competitions was 14th place. “It was a great experience to compete against kids from so many different countries and it was cool to see what a big deal Nordic ski sports are in Norway and to be a part of that,” he said.
NSAA’s Ski Jumping program is now on hiatus until the snow melts and summer jumping begins. Online registration opens in May and summer jumping begins June 4. We have programs for kids ages 5 and older. For more information, visit anchoragenordicski.com/ski-jumping/.
— By Karen Compton, NSAA Ski Jumping co-chair
Ski 4 Kids success means smiles … and more skis for Anchorage kids
Fast asleep and snuggled on mom’s back, one baby’s hat said it all: “Get Out and Explore” read the label on a bright orange wool cap. Nearly 400 Anchorage kids did just that at the annual Ski 4 Kids, February 24, at Kincaid Park.
They tried out snowshoes, sit skis, and fat tire bikes. They used slingshots and lemon drops to hit targets in a mock biathlon, tucked through hula hoops on an obstacle course, and soared through the air from a mini ski jump. First-timers and Nordic regulars all medaled during a series of ski races, ranging in distance from one to three kilometers.
Thanks to sponsorships and registration donations, around $11,000 was raised, which will be given in grants to schools, programs and organizations for equipment and resources to help more kids get out and explore skiing.
For Margaret Timmerman, a longtime Parks and Recreation staff member who has been involved with the Ski 4 Kids since the beginning, this year’s event had special meaning. In an email to the organizing committee, she wrote, “When we started this event in 1998, one of the goals was to have a rainbow of youth participating. We have achieved that goal with your continued hard work. The day was perfect, the company outstanding and smiles were all around us. It was the perfect way to end my career with Parks and Recreation.”
Ski 4 Kids Coordinator Erin Whitney Witmer hopes participants and others in the ski community will let partners and sponsors know how much they appreciate the annual event. Partners are Anchorage Parks and Recreation, Healthy Futures and the Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage. Sponsors include ConocoPhillips, Anchorage Pediatric Group, LaTouche Pediatrics, Banker Law Group, Elsberg Family Foundation, CRW Engineering Group, Kaladi Brothers Coffee, and Great Harvest Bread Company. “These
organizations and companies have made a wonderful commitment to Anchorage being a great place to live and explore, now and into the future.”
— Carla Beam, Ski 4 Kids volunteer
NSAA Biathlon hits bullseye with another great season
As the season ends, we reflect on the 2018 biathlon season and thank the people who made this possible. This year’s biathlon events included Arctic Winter Games trials, as well as weekly races and the ABA Gold Nugget Series – there were seven Anchorage races. We had snow and happy athletes who who shot clean or skied penalty laps without complaint. We could not have done this without volunteers. It takes almost twice as many volunteers than athletes to put on a biathlon event.
We would like to thank those volunteers who are the heart of our biathlon community.
Doug Cobb ensures our range is in working order and does behind-the-scenes work which includes organizing lead abatement and fixing fussy little electrical problems. He attends all community meetings and often volunteers to be a range safety officer.
Jack Porter is always at Kincaid or on the range. He made our range accessible for internet, offers regular safety training classes and opportunities for individuals to shoot. If you wonder why our Conex is so organized, hats off to Jack.
Marsha Bandy is our number and timing expert. She tracks our money and doesn’t fear spreadsheets or complicated details involved in tallying race results. She efficiently condenses all the information into clean results.
Scott Beleyea’s brings wisdom and knowledge from racing internationally and coordinating races. Scott knows just about everything you can about biathlon and is always there to help new athletes and make sure we are following the rules. He is often a range safety officer for our races and both local biathlon teams.
Tom Grenier is our dedicated biathlon race coordinator who put together a fantastic seven-race series. Tom makes our races fun and provides all Anchorage athletes opportunities to practice their skills in competition. We have more biathlon races than any Alaska community, and we draw participants from around the state. Thank Tom for making that happen.
Michael Millhollin is our well qualified experienced armor. He keeps triggers, stocks and sights in working order and keeps track of our rifles. He works closely with Steve Shamburek, who is in charge of our scholarship rifle program. This season we were able to give scholarship rifles to eight youth. Thanks to Steve!
Mike Riser is ever-effervescent and has ideas about ways we can grow our program and partner with other clubs. He strengthened our partnership with SKIKU, who generously let us use their laser rifles at several events.
See ROUNDUP, Page 7
ROUNDUPContinued from Page 3
PHOTO BY REGINA WOODS
Young Alaskans were flying high at Western Regionals, from left to right, Ronen Woods, Carter Brubaker, Jude Jochens, Skyler Amy and Dylan Amy.
PHOTO BY JEN AIST
Creekside kids and coaches celebrate Ski 4 Kids with cookies and cocoa.
PHOTO BY JIM PASEK
An athlete shoots from the prone position at Arctic Winter Games trials in Anchorage.
the AlAskA nordic skier
April 2018 7A N C H O R A G E
Alaska biathletes aim high across state, nation and worldAnchorage Biathlon Club
takes on the worldBY HELEN WILSON
Rigorous training under coaches Marine Dusser and Marion Botessi, both alumni of the French School of Biathlon, paid off for Anchorage Biathlon Club members. Three athletes qualified for the Youth/Jr. World Championships in Otepaa, Estonia; three qualified to represent Team Alaska in Arctic Winter Games, Hay River, Canada; and one qualified for 2018 Junior Nationals Cross Country Ski Championships
at Soldier Hollow, Utah. ABC also sent biathletes to Czech Republic and Slovenia for IBU Junior Cup #3 and Junior Open European Championships.
The biathlon race season started with the Minnesota trials in December. Helen Wilson (Alaska Nordic Racing/Eagle River High) placed first and second in both races, missing one target during the first race. Grace Gilliland (Chugiak/ Alaska Pacific University/South High) placed sixth and third. Maxime Germain (APU/West High) placed
ninth and fourth in sprint races. Grace and Helen earned slots on
Team USA and raced at IBU Junior Cup #3, Junior Open European Championships and Worlds. While in Slovenia, the Julian Alps received almost two meters of snow in 30 hours. Most rest days were spent shoveling out the team vans. Grace, Helen and Maxime raced for USA at the Biathlon Youth-Junior World Championships, Otepaa, Estonia.
ABC sent Torsten Renner (ANR/Chugiak High), Elias Watson (AWS)
See BIATHLON, Page 8
Pete Prichard lent us his safety expertise and provided his time and energy to make our range safe.
Thank you to all who helped put on the Arctic Winter Games trials: Steve and Sarah Wilson, some of our long-timers like Joel Hubbard and Marty and Kelly Parsons. Amy McLeod, Roberta and Ray Wonders, Denna Watson and Wendy Romberg.
We had incredible coaches this season: Marine Dussier and Marianne, as well as Tom and Zoe Grenier. Between two clubs we were able to introduce many new people to biathlon.
We are also thankful for snow. We were able to hold every race on the schedule and we look forward to next season and more opportunities to ski and shoot and share our biathlon potluck soup.
We also look forward to a spring training camp at our range in May for biathletes across the state. Summer is also a great time for kids to try biathlon and practice rifle skills. Visit the NSAA website for summer programs and time trials.
— By Marti Pausback, NSAA Biathlon co-chair
An exciting, snowy and historic Tour of Anchorage
Nearly 800 skiers completed the 30th Tour of Anchorage on March 4 by skating and striding across town on impeccably groomed Nordic trails, through multi-use greenbelts, over bridges and through tunnels.
After a dearth of snow for much of the winter had Tour organizers considering contingency plans, consistent snowfall in February brought out hundreds of late entrants for the full 25-, 40- and 50-kilometer events amid ideal trail and weather conditions. More than 100 volunteers and the efforts of a dedicated organizing crew made the event possible.
Six kilometers from the end of the signature 50K, Jack Novak of the Alaska Pacific University Nordic Ski Center broke away from challengers Seth Downs and Forrest Mahlen to claim his first Tour in 2 hours, 16 minutes and 49 seconds.
University of Alaska Anchorage teammates Hannah Rudd and Michaela Keller-Miller, each skiing their first 50K, took the first two spots for the women with Rudd victorious in 2:38:54 (due to NCAA rules, the college skiers were not permitted to claim their prize money). Olympian Jessica Yeaton was a late scratch due to illness.
In the 40K, which started at Service High School but skipped the notorious Spencer Loop, Lisa Anglen (2:10:13) edged Meredith Noble by 13 seconds and Naomi Kiekintveld by 17 seconds.
Andrew Boone of Bend, Ore., dominated the men’s 40K in 1:47:46.
In the 25K freestyle, 15-year-old Joel Power nipped 50-year-old Gary Di Silvestri by less than four seconds in 1:15:39. The women’s race, from APU to Kincaid Park Chalet, was nearly as close with Emily Lints of Homer (1:30:39) beating Becky Butler by 14 seconds. Both were cheered up the final hill by spectators and racers who basked in sunlight amid a festive atmosphere that included music, food, beer, awards and door prizes.
Hannah Rowland of Glennallen won the women’s 25K classic in 1:47:06 while Gary Snyder was victorious for the men in 1:27:16.
Other notables included Reno Deprey, age 87, who finished the 25K classic in 3 hours. Bruce Talbot, the only person to complete every Tour, won the 60-69-year-old age group for the 40K in 2:26:01.
— Matias Saari, Tour of Anchorage race director
Fundamentals and fun on and off the trails for Jr . Nordic skiers
The 2017-18 season of NSAA Jr. Nordic introduced a new director, Shannon Donley, hundreds of happy young skiers, and a handful coaches. In fact, session two had 600 young skiers, many of whom closed out the season skiing with Alaska’s Olympians at Kincaid Park. The youngsters also helped pass out medals at US Nationals in January. And, of course, there were really cool new Jr. Nordic jackets thanks to UBS and ConocoPhillips.
This season included nine groups: Mon/Wed/Sat 6:30 Kincaid (coaches Geoff Write and John Hemeter); Tues/Thurs/Sat 6:30 Kincaid (Branden Fontana); Mon/Wed/Sat 4:30 Kincaid (Sam Cason); Tues/Thurs/Sat 4:30 Kincaid (John Hemeter); Mon/Wed/Sat 6:30 Hillside (Dave Ward); Tues/Thurs/Sat 6:30 Hillside (Dan Bosch); Mon/Wed/Sat 4:30 (Heidi Sheldon); Tues/Thurs/Sat 4:30 (Heidi Sheldon); Mon/Wed/Sat Russian Jack (Art Harmon); and Tues/Thurs/Sat Russian Jack (Art Harmon). The new 4:30 afterschool groups were a big success for newer/younger skiers.
Coaches had an end of season party that included a visit from Kikkan Randall, who thanked them, showed off her gold medal and told them about how she got her start with Anchorage Junior Nordic.
Other JN notes: a huge thanks to Great Harvest for donating cookies for our Cookie Tour; be sure to find the awesome story about Jr. Nordic by Vicki Ho in Anchorage Daily News; Art Harmon took his Hawks (fastest group) on a weekend backcountry ski trip which he does annually (14 Hawks attended this year); and at the last day of practice, all groups (from all areas) got together at Kincaid Park, followed by juice and cookies.
— Shannon Donley, NSAA Junior Nordic director
ROUNDUPContinued from Page 6
PHOTO BY MICHAEL DINNEEN/DINNEENPHOTO.COM
Tour of Anchorage 50K men’s winner Jack Novak (2001) skis in a pack early in the race Sunday.
PHOTO BY MICHAEL DINNEEN/DINNEENPHOTO.COM
Tour of Anchorage 50K women’s winner Hannah Rudd (2067) tops the final hill to win the race.
S T A T E W I D E
The final NSAA Jr. Nordic practice of the season turned into a Kincaid Park party!
8 April 2018
the AlAskA nordic skier
and Mark Eggener (APU/Romig Middle) to the Arctic Winter Games 2018. Torsten and Mark each won two golds, one silver and the relay teams captured a bronze.
Showing that Biathletes can ski fast, Maja Lapkass (APU/West High) qualified for Team Alaska after success in the Besh Cup Series. Maja placed 18th in the 5K classic and 45th in the skate sprint at the U.S. Junior National Cross Country Ski Championships, in Soldier Hollow.
Anchorage Biathlon Club has full summer planned of training and camps. Learn more at anchoragebiathlonclub.com.
Ruminations from a new biathlon fan
BY BENJAMIN BRAGONIERCold wind with hard-driving snow
didn’t stand a chance of dampening Hay River’s appetite for more biathlon. In fact, our Canadian hosts injected a healthy dose of well-received levity into the last day of AWG 2018 races as coaches, officials, volunteers and athletes donned spectacular headgear, fairy wings, eyepatches, mustaches and gaudy spandex leggings.
Due to the relay race format, some familiar faces on the podium were joined by some new smiling faces. They all worked hard, so it was good
to see broader recognition.Here’s the barest of information to
help put the AWG relay race format into perspective: juveniles (11-15) always shoot prone and juniors (16-18) alternate between standing and prone. Individual race format: ski/snowshoe - shoot - ski/snowshoe - shoot - ski/snowshoe - shoot - ski/snowshoe (Juniors do one additional shoot and ski/snowshoe). Sprint race format: ski/snowshoe - shoot - ski/snowshoe - shoot - ski/snowshoe, athletes ski penalty loops for each missed target. Both races are staggered starts. At a rough estimate, there were 30 officials and volunteers on deck for each event. You need way more than a ref and two linesmen for biathlon.
Mass start format: An individual race as described above, but everybody starts at the same time. Athletes can see their competition
and develop a race strategy to chase them down. Conversely, athletes might hear competitors panting behind them and this may inspire or deflate the will to racer harder.
The relay format included coaches selecting three out of four members of a given mixed-gender age group, where each team member completes the equivalent of an individual sprint race.
However, unlike the sprint race, athletes are provided with three extra rounds to be used if they do not knock down all five targets using a standard five-round magazine. Each extra round is hand-loaded. This takes time, it’s bloody cold and you’re wearing gloves!
Oh, and if you use all three extra “relay rounds” and still didn’t knock down all five targets, then you get to ski penalty loops. That’s insult to injury!
At the AWG, athletes who are not officially part of a relay team are paired up with other contingents and become “mixed teams.” They race for fun, sportsmanship and to uphold the Arctic Winter Games spirit.
Biathlon will test your mental and physical mettle. If you ever meet a real honest-to-goodness biathlete (not an armchair biathlete fan like me) ask them about their sport. Biathlon is demanding and its fascinating history is founded in part due to roughly hewn competitions of northern hunting prowess, Norse mythology, and in part by the alternative to Finnish military service where citizens could choose to learn how to ski and shoot as part of a home guard.
I’m not sure why these kids love skiing, snowshoeing and target shooting in spandex when it’s 10 below, but I love that they love it. Biathletes and their community are affable, fantastic and welcoming. They’re also safe, smart, fair, supportive and inclusive. They’re also healthy and fun to be around.
Last, a big shout=out goes to Team Alaska Biathlon Arctic Winter Games 2018 coaches Simon, Kimberly, Amanda and Keith! You managed to keep track of 32 skis, 32 ski poles, 16 snowshoes, 16 rifles, 16 events and 16 people. (Your athletes may not tell you directly, but they all think you can walk on water.)
BIATHLONContinued from Page 7
the AlAskA nordic skier
April 2018 9
Eagle River Nordic Ski ClubEagle River, Alaska
P.O. Box 770117, Eagle River, Alaska 99577Club hotline — 689-7660
Junior nordic hotline — 689-7661cernsc .wildapricot .org
B O A R D M E M B E R S
PRESIDENTJason Dennis
VICE PRESIDENT/RACING CHAIRMike Beiergrohslein
TREASURERBob Stehn
SECRETARYMeg Stehn
JR. NORDICRish Harty, Ryan Caldwell
MASTES (ANR)Katie Rehm
NEWSLETTERRos Singleton
CERNSC year-end reportSpring Break and perfect snow. We had too little
snow for the start of the season, but Beach Lake trail system was always skiable, at least on the flatter sections, thanks to persistent grooming efforts. During late-February to mid-March, the snow was about perfect everywhere.
The ski club had a great Jr. Nordic program this year – 158 kids, 32 coaching parents and many other helpers. Rish Harty and Ryan Caldwell did an amazing job in their first year as coordinators taking over the reins from Will Taygan. We’re also fortunate to have Alaska Nordic Racing’s Kati
Rehm heading up our Master’s Program.We had a wonderful Ski the Beach race on
February 25, with 259 skiers present to honor Erin Johnson. The club currently has 117 members, all considered as families with unknown numbers of kids, friends and neighbors. If you ski at Beach Lake trails, please go online https://cernsc.wildapricot.org/ and join or renew your membership.
Our ski club hopes to initiate trail maintenance projects over the summer. Stay tuned for emails as plans are made. Cutting of brush, improving
drainage, and trail rejuvenation are never-ending needs.
With low snow that is typical of early season conditions, smooth trails are a must. Other ski club projects may include adding more rental skis to the club’s supply and improving our website and communications.
Our volunteer-based organization is better with your support. Please stay involved and help the club move toward activities and initiatives that you want to see happen.
— Bob Stehn, CERNSC treasurer
Hundreds Ski the Beach and honor Erin Johnson
The Chugiak Eagle-River Nordic Ski Club’s annual Ski the Beach Race was different this season. Typically a low-key, late-season fundraiser for CERNSC, this year it served as a memorial race to honor and remember a local skier, Erin K. Johnson, who died last June. The outpouring of support and participation was phenomenal. A sunny day with fresh snow and perfectly groomed trails set the stage for a great event, with race distances ranging from 1-15K. With 66 participants pre-registered online, the race organizers hoped for a large turnout. They were amazed when the final tally came to 202 racers and skiers. Club members could not recall a larger turnout.
Held at the Beach Lake trails, the race always has a “beach” theme, which carried on this year. Skiers of all ages sported Hawaiian shirts, board shorts, grass skirts, and flower leis. There were even a few costumed skiers including a chicken and a squid! The event embodied Erin’s spirit, who always had fun dressing up in silly costumes and found any reason to celebrate and enjoy the outdoors. The racers included members of the Anchorage
and Southcentral Alaska Nordic ski communities, as well as many of Erin’s friends and family.
To round out the tropical theme, race winners won pineapples, while second and third place finishers won mangos. Handmade wood-burned birch medals, made by Alycia Beiergrohstein, were also given to the top three finishers in each race. Many local businesses donated great prizes for the winners and a raffle after the races. These businesses included
Alaska Mountaineering and Hiking, REI, Barney’s Sports Chalet, Skinny Raven Sports, Jitters, Coldstone Creamery, and Carrs-Safeway. The generous prize donations by local businesses were appreciated and added to the fun, festive event.
While entry to the race was free to everyone, donations were encouraged. All donations received
went to the Erin K. Johnson Memorial Fund, a fund created by Erin’s family that will focus on some of the interests dear to Erin’s heart: getting kids outdoors, science and outdoor education, and protecting wild places in Alaska. The event donations totaled approximately $5,000.
For more information about Erin and her memorial fund, you can go to erinkjohnson.com.
10 April 2018
the AlAskA nordic skier
B O A R D O F D I R E C T O R SMike Gracz | President
Stacey Buckalew | Vice PresidentChristine Anderson | Secretary
Richard Burton | Treasurer
B O A R D M E M B E R SJan SpurklandJason Neely
Jasmine MaurerDerek BynagleGlenn Seaman
Annie Ridgely | Administrative Manager
C O M M I T T E E S A N D E V E N T SBaycrest Upper
Alan Parks
Baycrest Lower, Eveline State Recreation Site, Snowshoe Trails
Dave Brann
Lookout Mountain Mike Byerly
McNeil Canyon SchoolDerek Stonorov
Trail SignsJennifer Edwards
Snow Machine Maintenance Equipment Chairperson
Bob Glen
Junior NordicDeb Mosely
Kachemak Women’s NordicJasmine Maurer
PSIA and Adult Ski Clinics, Private Ski Lessons
Megan Corraza
Membership, WebsiteRichard Burton
School Races CoordinatorLeonard Miller
Backcountry Film FestivalDan Del Missier
Winter Gear & Ski SwapMike Illg (Homer Community Recreation)
Besh Cup RacesJan Spurkland
Kachemak Bay Ski for Women & Haven House
Kris Holdereid/Shelly Laukitis
Wine, Cheese & Wooden Ski TourKevin Walker/Marilyn Parrett
Alaska Nordic SkierJeannie Woodring
Kachemak Bay Marathon SkiDeland Anderson
Homer Epic 100Homer Cycling Club
Friday Night LightsStacey Buckalew
Sea to Ski TriathlonDerek Bynagle
Kachemak Nordic Ski ClubHomer, Alaska
P.O. Box 44, Homer, Alaska 99603kachemaknordicskiclub.org
It takes a community to make ski trailsBY JEANNIE WOODRING
Big hills with million dollar views, fast flat stretches with open vistas, and peaceful trails winding through spruce and alder – you can ski on more than 20K of such awesome Nordic terrain at the McNeil Canyon School-Eveline State Recreation Area (SRA) (McNeil-Eveline) ski areas in Homer.
Thanks to the hard work done by the neighborhood nearly 40 years ago, today’s skiers get to enjoy these great trails.
Back in the late 1970s-early 1980s, the families living in the McNeil-Eveline vicinity used snow machines to reach their neighbors’ houses. Around 1980, Spike Christopher set ski tracks in his property using two pieces of wood, odd scraps of metal, welding and chains to groom. His daughter grew up using the trail and went on to the Junior Nationals. John Fitzpatrick made a trail from his house to Christopher’s and had a trail running across a swamp to Derek Stonorov’s house. Mike Flora had had trails running into the hills and to his neighbors’ houses. And neighbors continued to snow machine new trails.
“Everyone had trails wherever they wanted,” says Fitzpatrick.
When the McNeil Canyon School was built in 1983, Flora, Stonorov and Fitzpatrick started building good ski trails for the school to use, which started the McNeil Canyon trail system. As they routed new trails around trees, they also hooked up the trail to area homes so kids could ski to school. New sprint loops were added, as needed.
Originally, the McNeil trails went through the wooded areas around the school and headed to the Christophers’ house, which lay close to today’s Eveline SRA.
“We kept looking for hills to take the trails through,” says Flora. “That was the beginning of Eveline, which had hills for skiing up and down. From Eveline, the trail went back to McNeil.”
With only one snow machine, the groomers spent countless hours creating and maintaining the trails. All the work was volunteer, with no money for maintenance.
By the mid-1980s, the 5K trail system was getting more traffic. High school Nordic teams used the trails for training and races. Parts of the trail lay on private property. Snow machines frequented the ski trails.
By the early 1990s, the groomers, other neighbors and volunteers began to plan for rerouting the McNeil trail system. Using Kenai Peninsula
Borough land, they got the required permits and permission to construct a new 7.5K trail system in the late 1990s.
Other issues arose when the new trail went into place. The spruce bark beetle outbreak had weakened and killed trees for years, so fallen trees had to be cleared every winter. With skate skiing becoming popular, trails needed to be widened – which was hard to do on volunteer time with one snow machine. Pieces of the older trail had to be rerouted because of bad angles, glaciations, and other environmental factors.
The McNeil group joined the Kachemak Nordic Ski Club (KNSC) in the late 1990s. Immediately, funding from the KNSC helped with more snow machines and trail widening.
Each year, the McNeil-Eveline system has improved. In the early 2000s, 80 acres donated by Edmund Schuster and his family became the Eveline SRA. Spearheaded by longtime Nordic advocate Dave Brann, the KNSC took over managing and maintaining Eveline. Land ownership questions were resolved. New trails appeared. A new connector to between McNeil and Eveline got laid down. Even picnic tables, an open pavilion for picnicking and resting, and an outhouse have been added to Eveline.
And a few years ago, groomer Nicki Szarzi got the land permissions to create a new trail – the Wolf Ridge ski trail than covers 6K of the best skiing in Kachemak Bay – complete with the views, as well as connections to both McNeil and Eveline.
Today, with over 20K of trails to maintain, the original groomers Flora, Stonorov and Fitzpatrick have been joined by 6 to 8 more groomers. This season, with little snow at the Baycrest ski area, snow machines used there were brought to McNeil-Eveline. With little snow at Baycrest this year, dozens of skiers and their dogs also headed to McNeil-Eveline to ski.
“These days, the groomers are out nearly every single day,” says
Stonorov.To keep up with grooming new
trails like Wolf Ridge, the KNSC has hired Wise Services to bring in a snow cat for grooming. “Before hiring Wise, it took groomers lots of work and several passes to flatten out the trails,” notes Stonorov. “Wise can groom the entire Wolf Ridge trail in one hour.”
And with all this support, what has happened to the original groomers – Flora, Stonorov and Fitzpatrick? They’re still on the trails.
Flora straps on his backcountry skis and goes kite surfing in the hills behind Homer.
Stonorov still heads the groomer group at McNeil, spending countless hours grooming the trails. He also helps with the in-school Nordic program at McNeil Canyon Elementary – a school that decided every child should have a pair of skis. While the KNSC grooms the school trails, the school provides parking for the skiers and other support, as needed.
And what’s John Fitzpatrick doing? He often rides his mountain bike with studded tires in the high backcountry. “This year, there seems to be a new group of groomers,” he says. “So it’s time for me to ride off into the sunset.”
If you see Mike, Derek, and John on the trails, send them a thanks – for being the community that created the McNeil-Eveline trail system.
Nicki Szarzi grooming the trails.
This old school track setter was the early groomer of one Alaska’s most unique trail systems.
Today, Wise Services’ snow cat grooms the trail system with ease.
the AlAskA nordic skier
April 2018 11K A C H E M A K
S T A T E W I D E
Business community gives great support to KNSCFor nearly 40 years, the Kachemak
Nordic Ski Club (KNSC) has enjoyed creating, maintaining, and skiing trails around Homer. And for 40 years, support from Homer’s business community has helped keep the KNSC on track. Some businesses donate cash. Others contribute in-kind goods and/or services. Thanks to these donations (and the volunteer hours contributed by skiers), the KNSC now has:
• Four superb ski areas with great views and over 70K of groomed trails
• Ski programs for every skill level • Social events from October –
April • One of Alaska’s most active and
involved ski communities – especially for a community of this size
The KNSC’s different sponsorship levels and their contributors are included below.
The Banner Club: Businesses that give $1,000 or more cash or in-kind contribution in one ski season. Banners for these sponsors have been hung on the tunnel fencing at the Lookout Mountain Nordic Ski Area. These donors include:
• Ulmer’s Chain Reaction Sports: For years, Ulmer’s has donated auction items and prizes for many of the KNSC events, from races to social gatherings. Last year, Ulmer’s donated $800 in ski equipment to the Women’s Nordic program.
• Fritz Creek General Store: Each year, this eclectic store out East End Road has donated $1,000 in fuel to power the grooming equipment at McNeil Canyon School and Eveline State Recreation Area.
• Homer Saw and Cycle: Sure, you can get your chainsaws fixed with this sponsor. For the KNSC, this store is famous for giving a generous amount of gear for prizes, auction items and donations for all fundraising events.
• Bear Creek Winery: This Homer-based winery gives half cash and half in-kind donations of its local wines. The wine entertains skiers at KNSC’s annual wine and cheese tour and serves as prizes for many ski events.
• Whirling Rainbow Foundation: A non-profit focused on cultivating unity, peace, wisdom and
understanding through the arts, this business is located near the Lookout Mountain State Recreation Area.
• Grog Shop: A longtime patron of many non-profit events in Homer, The Grog Shop donates wine to a total of $1,000 or more for KNSC events.
Skier Level Sponsors: Businesses and often individuals donate at least $200 a year. This season, the KNSC had eight sponsors at this level: Spruce Acre Cabins, Salmon Sisters, Homer Veterinary Clinic, Home Run Oil, Lakeshore Glass, Kachemak Auto Parts, Cozy Cove Inn, and Elizabeth Whitney, LCSW.
Patron Hats: All individual, family and business members receive Patron hats for cash donations of $150 or more. For each $150, the donor(s) get a KNSC hat from Homer Saw and Cycle. For example, an individual member at $150 gets one hat; a patron family membership at $300 gets two hats; and a membership at $1,000 gets three hats. For the 2017-2018 ski season, the KNSC had 45 patron-level sponsors.
APU, USA, AK celebrate season with a golden glow
What a season for Alaska’s Nordic skiers, America’s elite skiers and the APU Nordic Ski Center coaches and skiers!
Alaska-based and -raised skiers, and skiers from the APU program, made up the majority of the U.S. Cross-Country Ski Team that made medal history at the 2018 Olympic Winter Games in PyeongChang, South Korea. APU head coach and director Erik Flora was part of the U.S. coaching squad. And Kikkan Randall, longtime APU member and Alaska’s – and America’s – greatest skiing star, cemented her legacy by winning a historic gold medal with U.S. teammate Jessie Diggins.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF APU NORDIC SKI CENTER
Advertise here and your business can reach
skiers across the state.
12 April 2018
the AlAskA nordic skier
AROUND THE VALLEY
A season and Nordic community to be thankful for
As the final days of the ski season come to a close, the snow will gradually recede back up into the mountains. Government Peak Recreation Area trails will be the first to go, but there should be plenty of trail skiing at Archangel, possibly well into May with all the snow we had this season. Make sure to take advantage of the crust skiing at Independence Mine.
As the snow retreats, our groomers will follow it up into the Pass as they did last year when they groomed Archangel for skiing in May. Those that were groomers become maintenance volunteers in the summer, keeping the trails clear of brush and mowing the trails at GPRA at least once a month. For many of you, this happens under the radar, but without their efforts skiing in the Valley would not happen.
Many of the volunteers have put in extraordinary efforts over the years. But like many clubs, it is the same folks who step up time and again and we have begun to suffer from volunteer burn out. Additionally, we have more projects and trails to maintain as time goes on, which requires more effort.
This coming summer, we will be finishing the new competition trails, readying them for the final step of seeding. Work will commence soon and continue through the end of July. We will need lots of help with this and hope you will be a part of our
efforts. For those of you who have kids in Junior Nordics, this is a great opportunity to teach them community support through action. Watch your emails and social media for calls for help.
As the trail system at GPRA continues to grow, we require more and newer equipment to maintain the trails. The Board of Directors will be considering a larger mower ($15,000) that will decrease the amount of time to mow trails, considering that we now have about twice the total mileage of trails, and the new ones are wider than the older trails. Not only do we need equipment for grooming and maintenance, we also need a place to store the equipment. The Board is now considering a storage building at GPRA to house our equipment. The cost could be greater than $750,000, by far the biggest project that the club has ever attempted. Locating the building at GPRA is problematic and we are getting a lot of help from the Borough for location and design.
I’d like to express the gratitude from the board and myself to all the volunteers over the past season. From groomers to trail workers to Junior Nordic coaches and sweeps to the Junior Nordic Steering Committee to the board of directors, all of you make our skiing community possible.
This season we want to recognize the following folks: Linneae Alverts, Gene Backus, Shane Barber, Shannon Bodolay, Rebecca Buchanan, Rhett Buchanan, Stacie Burkhardt, Caitlin Buxbaum, Gil Carr, David Cheezem, Kathy Christy, Ryan Collins, Megan Danz, Kevin Fagerstrom, Daryl Farrens, Emily Forstner, Dave Freer, Lynn Fuller, Chris Gierymski,
Dan Harrison, Gabriel Henneman, Hans Hill, Tammy Hill, Karen Hopp, Charity House, Tracy Houser, Jeremy Houston, Pete Houston, Jerry Hupp, Faith Itta, Lisa Jaeger, Dan Jenkins, Alex Johnson, Chris Jones, Jeff Kase, Sarah Kelley, Jack Klayum, David Knopp, Aly Kopsack, Lance Kopsack, Ed Kornfield, Robin Kornfield, Nate Kristich, Peggy Kristich, Bailey LaRousse, Stephanie LaRousse, Amanda Lund, James Lynn, Larry Lynn, Lorene Lynn, Ben Marvin, Christy Marvin, David Marvin, Lindy Marvin, Nora Matell, Alan McClain, Josh McKinley, Steven Merrit, Joe Moore, Jillian Morrissey, Sheri Musgrave, John Naylor, Katie Naylor, Jeff Noffke, Mike Norton, Barbara Parker, Harold Parker, Kade Parker, Lucas Parker, Simeon Ramirez, Dylan Saunders, Greg Scully, Manveer Singh, Tom Smayda, Sofija Spaic, Kirby and Aubrey Spangler, Galen Sparks, Joel Stamoolis, Naomi Stamoolis, Anj Steer, Zach Steer, Mark Stigar, Stacie Stigar, Ed Strabel, Glynn Strabel, Mark Strabel, Stacy Strabel, Ava Straub, Lori Straub, Brent Taylor, Kim Taylor, Ocean Tennant, Sydney Thielke, Chris Tomsen, Kevin Tuning, Victoria Vinson, Stan Walker, Dylan Watts, Bill Weiss, Brittyn Werner, Rya Whittington-Evans, Mike Wilson, Ashley Wise, Maritt Youngblood, Chancy Zahrt, Billie’s Dad.
No doubt some of you have dropped off my list and I apologize if your name does not appear here.
— Dave Musgrave, MSNSC president
Spring FlingThere is only one way to end a
season – with a bang! On Saturday April 7, we celebrated the ski season, our volunteers, and raise funds for
Mat-Su Ski ClubWasilla, Alaska
1150 S. Colony Way, Suite 3Palmer, Alaska 99645
(907) 745-SKISwww.matsuski.org
B O A R D O F D I R E C T O R S
PRESIDENTDave Musgrave
VICE PRESIDENTHans Hill
TREASURERMaritt Youngblood
SECRETARY Caitlin Buxbaum
BOARD MEMBERS Ed StrabelDave Freer
Chris TomsenLucas ParkerGene Backus
Jeff KaseMark StrabelJerry Hupp
Chris Gierymski
ADMINISTRATORTammy Hill
our beloved club with live music from Flintlock and fresh malty/hoppy beverages from Arkose Brewery. We also had a live auction for two ski/binding packages from our great sponsor Backcountry Bike and Ski and a silent auction for a myriad of other great items from local establishments. The board members provided a great spread for munchies and members provided the great banter and socializing.
F ind the Nordic Sk i ing As soc ia t ion o f Anchorage
on t w i t te r a t —
twitter.com/ nordicskiclub
the AlAskA nordic skier
April 2018 13
Girdwood Nordic Ski ClubGirdwood, Alaska
P.O. Box 337Girdwood, AK 99587
skigirdwood .org
GIRDWOOD NORDIC SKI CLUB
We sincerely thank all Groomers,Volunteers and Members for your support during the 2017-18 Season.See you on the trails!
Members/Volunteers:Terri AdkinsAlaska Stone CarePaul DenkewalterJohn AmoreRachel BarberLauri & Je� BassettLaura and Dave BeamMark Bell & Dan SeiserEryn BooneKathy Peters & Jim BrahamKaren BrewerThomas BrewerShannon Brockman & Andy ElsbergDan BrokawBud & Carol's Bed & BreakfastJim & Sally BurkholderBrian BurnettIngrid BurtonKate & Brooks ChandlerJody ClingenpeelAngela ColemanJackie Collins & Ruby MoserFrancis & Liam ConnorCindy CowlingCharlie Crangle & Kim BlommelBarbara & Paul CrewsBu�e Cubit
Groomers:Eryn Boone Ethan Tyler Brian Burntski Justin Thomas Peter Zug Je� Samuels Sharon Samuels Tim Charon Shane Bowlin Mary Thomas John Gallup Mike Edgington Jim Braham Deb Essex John Love
GNSC Board Members:Deb EssexBrian BurnettJim BrahamPeter ZugJustin ThomasBriana SullivanAri Stiassny
Members/Volunteers:Crow Creek MineSteven DelatushLaurie DerrickKevin DesmondChuck & Kerry DoriusDorlean ThomasAnn DoughertyLiz & Bud DowEileen DriscollSherry & Bob DuganThe Durtschi FamilyHoward EarlJR EkerLeah EllisKeith & Deb EssexJonas FamilyHilary Fell
Dan KilandColleen KirkpatrickPeter KlingGunner & Alice KnappDonna KnutsonJoseph KurtakMaggie LaufenbergLaurie Lovosek TryckMike & Karen Loso Kari LovettKathy LoweJason LucasNathan Lukes DDSCarol MakarSandy MapesMark & Viktoria ChilkoteLisa MaurerDave and Elaine McCambridgeMcDermott FamilyBob & Sally MessingRichard MizeCatherine Moncrie�Bob MuchaJudy PalmerBrian PekarPhilip PetersonGrace PleasantsEd PopekPat & Betsy PreisCyrus ReadPamela RichterNicholas RiordanJoseph Rowekamp & Amanda SnitzerJe� and Sharon SamuelsJane Sauer & FamilyMark & Kathy SaugstadMegan SchrantzGreg SchumacherCarven & Connie ScottStewart SeabergCamilla & Dave SeifertCarolyn SeramurKaren ShoemakerTim SimpsonMichael SmithToni Sparrow & The Gessner ClanJason StancilEric SteinfortAri & Melanee Stiassny FamilyStinson FamilyBriana SullivanMarc EsslingerRon TennyThe Ice Cream ShopLou Theiss & Kerstin Johansson Justin & Mary ThomasJohn & Kathy TrautnerAlexander TreinenThe Ethan Tyler FamilyJim & Linda WaugamanWedeking SkiersJaime WelfeltDebi WicklerLenny WicksMary WicksPaul & Cindy Wilson and familyJeremy WoodZ ArchitectsPeter Zug & Lin Hinderman
Special Thanks:Alyeska ResortChugach Powder Guides
Mark & Christine FlanumSamuel FloraForget-Me-Not-Nursery LLCFour Valleys Community SchoolJerry & Carol FoxLauren FritzGlenn GellertGeo ContractingBecky GermainGirdwood Brewing CompanyGirdwood Jr. High Ski TeamJacky GrahamGeo� GrossRorie HammelScott & Becky HauserKari HendrichThe Hickox FamilyHolly HillHolly & Darby HobsonLaurie HollandKathy Peters & Jim BrahamJody JenkinsJolie & Krag JohnsenGinger JohnsonJulie & Peter JohnsonKathy Joy-HolmesJanet Kellam & Andy MunterKyle & Stacy Kelley
THANK YOU!
14 April 2018
the AlAskA nordic skier
AROUND THE INTERIOR
NSCF volunteer opportunitiesInterior Alaska is one of the greatest cross-country
ski communities in the country! We have an amazing group of dedicated volunteers who help make Fairbanks skiing great. The NSCF has formed several volunteer committees aimed at developing and maintaining our incredible trails, expanding the sport to new skiers and working on skier development in our community. If you have interest in becoming involved in these opportunities or have any questions about how you might be able to help the local ski community, please contact NSCF president Steven Hansen at [email protected].
FXC Spring Gala on April 28Celebrate the end of an exciting ski season and the
return of warmer weather while supporting the FXC program at the annual Spring Gala. The event will take place 7-11 p.m. Saturday, April 28, at the Birch Hill Ski Center and will include live music by Burnt Orange. Tickets are $20.
Contribute to the Trail FundThe best skiing of the season is yet to come as it warms
up. Trail fund contributions have been great, but we could still use more funding to help keep the awesome grooming going. Consider a donation before the end of the season. Please visit the club’s website (nscfairbanks.org) to donate.
NSCF Calendar keeps you updatedRemember to check the NSCF Calendar for upcoming
club events. You can check competition events, social activities and more. Visit www.nscfairbanks.org for more! You can also “like” the Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks on Facebook to keep up with local events.
S K I I N G U N D E R T H E N O R T H E R N L I G H T S
Who’s Who in the Nordic Ski Club
of FairbanksJ U N I O R N O R D I C H O T L I N E
457-4437
P R E S I D E N TSteven Hansen
V I C E P R E S I D E N TBruce Jamieson
S E C R E T A R YHelena Reuter
T R E A S U R E RAnna Sorenson
A T - L A R G E M E M B E R SEric BeutowKate Carey
Mike DonaldsonMark Winford
A D U L T L E S S O N S C O O R D I N A T O [email protected]
F A I R B A N K S J U N I O R N O R D I C SSally Endestad
F A I R B A N K S C R O S S C O U N T R YPete Leonard
Head Coach, Program [email protected]
R A C E P R O G R A M D I R E C T O RJohn Estle
B I A T H L O NHelena Reuter
T O U R I N [email protected]
Mike Schmoker | [email protected] Troyer | [email protected]
N E W S L E T T E R E D I T O RKate Carey
Nordic Ski Club of FairbanksFairbanks, Alaska
P.O. Box 80111, Fairbanks, AK 99708-0111Competition Office — 907-474-4242
Competition Fax — 907-474-2073Racing Hotline — 907-457-4434
nscfairbanks.org
Q&A with Jennifer Williamson, NSCF Junior Nordics Co-Coordinator
How are you involved with the NSCF?
This is my second year coaching green and yellow groups for the Jr. Nordic Ski Program. Additionally, I have recently started working with Sally Endestad assisting and sharing the responsibility of Junior Nordics Program Coordinator.
How long have you been a cross-country skier? What do you remember about your first time on skis?
This is actually only my third season on cross-country skis! A good family friend, Rob Koenig, whom I home school with, introduced my children and I to the sport. Having never tried skiing before, I don’t think my children and I laughed and fell as much as we did that first day we went out on the snow! Thankfully, they all could not wait to try it again. We skied almost every day of qinter break that year and I signed them up for Jr. Nordics that January.
What do you like about cross-country skiing?
Cross-country skiing is a lifelong sport. No matter what skill level, age, or gender everyone can enjoy the breathtaking scenery, getting out in the darker winter months Alaska brings, and the most friendly, kind and energetic bunch of people I have ever met.
Where do you like to cross-country ski and why?
I have only skied a few places in Alaska but my favorite of those few is Birch Hill. Sunnyside trails are my favorite when the bright sun kisses you on the face in the spring. When you’re feeling frisky and fast, Rollercoaster is a must! Then, for those long endurance rides of solitude or with a friend, White Bear is the way
to go. There is so much appreciated diversity at Birch, it’s hard to imagine a better place to ski.
When and why did you move to Fairbanks? What do you like about living in Fairbanks?
I moved to Fairbanks in early August of 2010 with my husband, Joe, and four adventurous children. We are a military family and are due to retire here next month! We love Fairbanks and have made this our
home. We love the people, the simple living, the awesome beauty all around this state and the opportunity to explore, camp, hike, climb … the list goes on!
What other activities do you enjoy besides skiing?
People ask me all the time what I do for fun. I tell them all the same thing; I do whatever my children are doing! I rock climb and boulder with my 10-year-old, I ski with my two
PHOTO COURTESY OF JENNIFER WILLIAMSON
twin boys, and I run and hike with my oldest daughter. Our whole family loves camping in tents, 4-wheeling, fishing for salmon and hunting grouse. In the summer, I am one of those crazy Alaskan beekeepers with my good friend Dawn. The only thing I enjoy doing on my own is reading about nutrition/health and sewing.
Is there anything more you want to tell us about yourself?
I love baking! Sourdough bread is my specialty. I also roast my own coffee beans and have numerous fermenting “experiments” around the kitchen to include Kefir and Kombucha.
Find the Nordic Skiing Associat ion
of Anchorage on Facebook at —
facebook.com/anchoragenordicski
the AlAskA nordic skier
April 2018 15
NSCF community outreach: 2017-18 season highlightsBY MIKE DONALDSON
This was a busy and fun XC season in Fairbanks. Community events aimed at introducing new skiers to the sport of cross-country skiing is having a favorable impact growing new skiers. Here is the short list of highlights from the 2017-2018 season:
The Go Winter! Expo the Carlson Center: A community event that highlights healthy and fun ways to make the most of Winter in Fairbanks. The NSCF booth stayed pretty busy talking to inquisitive families.
Ski Fest, Birch Hill Cross Country Ski Center: A collaborative event hosted by UAF Ski Team and the Nordic Ski Club Fairbanks. This year we had an exciting addition, with REI including their “All Out” event which included free ski rentals to those interested in trying out the sport. There were several participants that had never been on skis before and the Nanook Ski team members gave free lessons.
Candy Cane Romp at Birch Hill: In this free event, kids were invited to participate in reindeer games, ski with Santa and share some hot cocoa.
Youth Winter Carnival at Birch Hill:
Multiple non-competitive events, sponsored by ConocoPhillips; This long-standing Fairbanks tradition is run by the Fairbanks Cross Country Ski Team (FXC). The young FXC athletes led kids through games and a scavenger hunt.
Birch Hill Candle Light Ski: The community was invited to a mid-winter candle light ski in hopes of seeing many new faces enjoying these beautiful Fairbanks trails and to have those familiar with Birch Hill see it in a different “light.” The turnout was tremendous. Sponsored by Goldstream Sports.
NSCF Interior Youth Festival at Birch Hill: This year’s festival had a new format. Instead of a one-day event, this year it featured two Wednesday evening spring ski events – the first was a short course 100-meter sprint, and the second featured a fun course of twists, turns, jumps and slush! Sponsored by ConocoPhillips.
The Ski 50K Challenge: Youth skiers were invited to accumulate 50 kilometers of skiing over the course of the winter. Youth skiers who completed the challenge were awarded midway (25K) prizes and medals. This was generously sponsored by Beaver Sports and Ear Nose Throat
Clinic of Fairbanks.Mid-day Junior Nordics for Homeschoolers:
Lessons were offered on the Birch Hill and UAF trail systems in consecutive sessions. Over 20 families participated – many of whom had never been on skis before!
Spring Session Junior Nordics: This short-but-popular series of lessons has seen a huge uptick in new skier participants. Whereas in the past when many spring skiers were previously-enrolled students, this year the majority of the skiers were first-timers!
Free Ski Equipment Rental Program: The NSCF is fortunate to receive generous grant dollars from REI since 2014. This season, $5,000 of that grant was used to purchase ski equipment for youth and adults new to the sport. The NSCF has been able to provide equipment free of charge to those wanting to try skiing before investing in skis.
The hope for the upcoming year is to put together a more comprehensive timeline of marketing and event announcements to make next year’s events even more successful.
F A I R B A N K S
S T A T E W I D E
A historic season of success for Alaskans racing around the worldBY LAURI BASSETTCCAK
In early February, on Super Bowl Sunday, the trails of Kincaid Park were shared by costumed women raising money for the Ski For Women and ConocoPhillips Besh Cup race series skiers vying for spots on Team Alaska. The athletes represented Alaska at US Ski & Snowboard Junior Nationals Championships in Soldier Hollow, Utah, and Arctic Winter Games in the Northwest Territories of Canada.
The final races of the Besh Cup race series are traditionally held in Fairbanks; but thanks to a mid-December meltdown in Anchorage, the host clubs traded weekends. Skiers enjoyed a comfortable, sunny ski weekend with excellent trails and tracks and a festive atmosphere on Sunday with all of the Ski For Women festivities.
In addition to team selection for Junior National Championships and Arctic Winter Games teams, the traveling Besh Cup trophy is awarded
to the top female and male skiers who compete in all six Besh Cup races. This year the trophy APU Nordic Ski Club (APUNSC) skiers Aubrey LeClair and Dawson Knopp took home the trophy.
Team Alaska was comprised of 52 skiers and claimed 13 of 24 podium spots; including four national champions. In his final Junior Nationals competition, U20 age group skier Hunter Wonders of APUNSC left with four medals: gold in both the 10K interval start and 15K mass start, bronze in the sprint, and gold in the 3 x 3.3K relay with APUNSC teammates Knopp and Canyon Tobin. Tobin finished the series either on the podium or in the top 10 with a second-place finish in the mass start, first place in the B Final of the sprint (overall seventh) and sixth place in the interval start. ASAA State Skimeisters Gus Schumacher of Alaska Winter Stars (AWS) and Kendall Kramer of Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks – Fairbanks Cross Country (NSCF-FXC) were crowned national champions in their mass start distance races of 15K for U18 age group and 5K for U16 age group, respectively. Kramer also placed second in the opening day interval start 5K race. Luke Jager of APUNSC placed third in the 10K interval start, eighth in the sprint race and tenth in the mass start race. University of Alaska Anchorage skier representing NSCF-FXC, Jenna DiFolco placed tenth in the two U20 age group distance races and took bronze in the sprint race. AWS skier in the U18 age group, Molly Gellert earned two bronze medals: one on opening day in the interval start 5K race and another
in the relay with LeClair and Alaska Nordic Racing (ANR) athlete Heidi Booher. The challenges of racing at altitude were combined with racing in 50-degree weather which posed challenges not only for the racers but also for the wax coaches. All racing was done on man-made snow; which was carefully preserved throughout the week of racing; but athletes were happy that Soldier Hollow was able to keep the championships at the venue as planned. Next year Alaskans will enjoy home-state advantage as the Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage is set to host Junior National Championships on the trails of Kincaid Park.
Arctic Winter Games is a biennial event of 19 different sports including indoor sports such as curling and table tennis to outdoor sports of alpine and cross-country skiing. The 24 skiers from Team Alaska brought home 17 ulus including a podium finish for each relay team. APUNSC athletes Marit Flora and Rowan Morse topped the podium in each of their individual events.
Gold ulus were also earned by Flora with teammates Katey Houser (ANR) and Maria Nedom (APU); and Morse worked with Travis Kulp (NSCF-FXC) and APUNSC team mate Ethan Eski to take the top of the podium for the 3x3K relays. Once again, the entire Team Alaska took home the Hodgson Trophy which is awarded to the contingent whose athletes best exemplify the ideals of fair play and team spirit. This is the fifth time since 1978 that Alaska has been awarded this prestigious trophy. Congratulations to all of Team Alaska for your efforts, result and sportsmanship!
Cross Country Alaska will close out the season with the annual CCAK Summit on Sunday, April 22, from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. in Anchorage at the ConocoPhillips conference room. The Board of Directors and the Competition Committee convenes to review the season and plan for the upcoming season. If you are interested in attending, please contact Lauri Bassett ([email protected]) for details.
PHOTO BY LAURI BASSETT
The 2017-18 April Besh Trophy winners Dawson Knopp and Aubrey LeClair.
PHOTO BY JIM JAGER
Alaskans shined in the U20 men’s event at Junior Nationals. Skate Mass Hunter Wonders finished first in the skate, with Canyon Tobin second
