Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage
9170 JEWEL LAKE RD
ANCHORAGE, AK 99502
(907) 276-7609
NSAA 2023 Ski Train
Enter for your chance to win! Take your chance guessing when Anchorage will receive it’s first significant snowfall of at least 3 inches for the 2022-2023 season. Snowfall to be measured at the NOAA headquarters on Sand Lake Rd.
Backcountry Tours
a:8:{s:8:”location”;a:1:{i:0;a:1:{i:0;a:3:{s:5:”param”;s:9:”post_type”;s:8:”operator”;s:2:”==”;s:5:”value”;s:17:”backcountry_tours”;}}}s:8:”position”;s:15:”acf_after_title”;s:5:”style”;s:7:”default”;s:15:”label_placement”;s:3:”top”;s:21:”instruction_placement”;s:5:”label”;s:14:”hide_on_screen”;a:0:{}s:11:”description”;s:0:””;s:12:”show_in_rest”;b:0;}
Board Members
a:8:{s:8:”location”;a:2:{i:0;a:1:{i:0;a:3:{s:5:”param”;s:9:”post_type”;s:8:”operator”;s:2:”==”;s:5:”value”;s:12:”board_member”;}}i:1;a:1:{i:0;a:3:{s:5:”param”;s:9:”post_type”;s:8:”operator”;s:2:”==”;s:5:”value”;s:10:”nsaa_staff”;}}}s:8:”position”;s:15:”acf_after_title”;s:5:”style”;s:8:”seamless”;s:15:”label_placement”;s:3:”top”;s:21:”instruction_placement”;s:5:”label”;s:14:”hide_on_screen”;s:0:””;s:11:”description”;s:0:””;s:12:”show_in_rest”;i:0;}
2022-23 Trail Work Parties
Mother Nature has fueled a summer of heavy foliage growth alongside many of our favorite trails. This fall we are looking for NSAA members to join in a series of volunteer trail work parties to help us clear back all that brush!
The next trail work party will be this Wednesday, September 21, 2022 from 6:00 PM-8:00 PM. Meet at the Hilltop gasline trail parking lot. Volunteers do not need to bring any power tools or chain saws but are encouraged to bring their own loppers, hand saws or battery powered sawzall.
More trail work party dates are as follows:
- Sunday, September 25th, 9-12am, planning on meeting at the Service Little Gym
- Wednesday October 5th 6-8pm – location TBD
- Wednesday October 19th 6-8pm – location TBD
- Sunday October 9th 9a-12p – location TBD
- Sunday September 25th 9a-12pm – location TBD
- Sunday October 23rd 9a – 12pm – location TBD
Backcountry “Crust” Skate Skiing, location TBD
Meet up location: TBD
Meet up time: 7:00 AM
There is nothing quite like gliding efficiently through backcountry terrain on skinny little skate skis. In most years, early spring in Alaska offers a “unicorn” ski experience for those willing to get up early and search for “CRUST”. For the unfamiliar, crust is a perfect layer of supportable snow/ice that forms at the surface during the spring freeze and thaw cycle. Crust can provide skate skiers access to some truly amazing backcountry settings, ranging from broad flat valley bottoms, rolling tree spotted meadows, and steep mountain ridgelines.
This tour will seek out low angle backcountry crust in a location like Turnagain Pass, Hatcher Pass, or the Chugach front range. The location will be determined on Wednesday April 19 based on crust reports and weather forecasts. Skate ski techniques are highly recommended for the conditions and to help maintain similar ski speeds within the group. Fat-tire bikes may be a suitable alternative to skate skis. Crust skiers need to prepare for being a “hot sweaty mess” while actively skiing and also staying warm during the numerous “I gotta catch my breath snack and photo” breaks. Be sure to dress in layers, bring plenty of water and snacks, and don’t forget the sunscreen.
Registration will open Saturday, April 8th at 10am. All day tours are $25/person.
SPECIAL NOTICE: Crust skiing requires very specific snow conditions that are typically found during the morning hours and best suited for skate skiers. This tour will likely end before noon.
All NSAA tours are accompanied by the Anchorage Nordic Ski Patrol. If needed, they provide first aid and safety for tour participants. We thank them for their valuable help.
Denali View Chalet, two overnights, Peters Hills
Enjoy the weekend at a rustic Alaskan lodge on Kroto Lake south of Mt. McKinley. Ski 8 miles into the lodge with just a day pack. Your gear and food will be brought in by the chalet owner on a snowmachine. Enjoy awesome views of Denali, fantastic company, wonderful group cuisine, sauna and more skiing on various trails in the area. Because the weather is often variable, bring clothing for wind, cold and snow. Space is limited. Dogs are not allowed on this tour and children must be 12 years old to participate. Proof of COVID-19 vaccinations are required. Cost is $120/person. For more information, contact Karlene Leeper at 907-440-0049.
Registration opens Saturday, April 1st at 10am. Cost is $120/person
All NSAA tours are accompanied by the Anchorage Nordic Ski Patrol. If needed, they provide first aid and safety for tour participants. We thank them for their valuable help.
Reed Creek Overnight Backcountry Camping, Talkeetna Mountains
Travel under the rugged and beautiful peaks of Archangel Valley and up Reed Creek for a spectacular weekend of skiing and winter camping. Expect to ski about 3 ¾ miles before we set up camp, gaining about 500 feet of altitude in that distance. Camp will be set up between Goodhope Creek and the former mine buildings near Snowbird Creek. We’ll dig a pit for a common area for cooking and set up tents near the pit. Bring your own camping gear and food. A parts list is on the website for suggestions. Be prepared for the elements, wind, cold and precipitation, including rain. For those skiing with their dogs, porcupines are in the area.
Registration opens Saturday, March 25th at 10am. All day tours are $25/person.
Please check the weather forecast to prepare for this trip:
All NSAA tours are accompanied by the Anchorage Nordic Ski Patrol. If needed, they provide first aid and safety for tour participants. We thank them for their valuable help.
Skookum Glacier, Kenai Mountains
This will be a kick and glide tour up to the Skookum Glacier. On a sunny day, we’ll enjoy incredible views of the glacier, Byron and Carpathian Peaks. Because it’s spring, we have to worry about the warmth instead of the cold. Depending on snow conditions, we may need to negotiate some snow bridge crossings. The ski is flat until the last two miles as we approach the glacier. There are beautiful views of the glacier from ~mile 4. To get to the toe of the glacier, we will need to continue on, ski down and up Skookum Creek valley and up the glacier moraine.
Registration opens Saturday, February 25th at 10am. All day tours are $25/person.
Please check the following weather information to prepare for this ski tour.
ADOT&PF Road Weather Information System (look for Seward Highway, Portage Glacier Road)
All NSAA tours are accompanied by the Anchorage Nordic Ski Patrol. If needed, they provide first aid and safety for tour participants. We thank them for their valuable help.
Hidden Lake OR Gold Mint OR SOMEWHERE ELSE (location TBD based on snow conditions)
We’ll ski somewhere fun, depending on snow conditions. Hidden Lakes/Ship Pass are off of Powerline Pass, and Nancy Lakes State Park has a fun loop with rolling hills. Meeting location TBD, depending on skiing conditions.
Be prepared for cold, wind, and good times. You’ll need warm clothes, including some for breaks, food for a lunch stop and plenty of water.
Registration opens Saturday, February 11th at 10am. All day tours are $25/person.
All NSAA tours are accompanied by the Anchorage Nordic Ski Patrol. If needed, they provide first aid and safety for tour participants. We thank them for their valuable help.