Alaska Ski for Women

Dates & Times

February 5, 2023

Registration Opens

January 1, 2023

The Alaska Ski for Women is North America’s largest women-only cross-country ski event, with close to 1,000 Alaska women coming together to ski at Kincaid. On the first Sunday in February, women of all ages and abilities come out to ski approximately 4 km (2.4 miles), many in colorful costumes. The event supports the Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage and non-profits working to stop domestic violence in Alaska.

Saturday, February 4th: Friends and Family Ski

The course at Kincaid will be decorated and open to anyone who would prefer to avoid the crowds and ski independently. The whole family is invited to ski the course – including men.

Sunday, February 5th: Main Event

Our timed events, costume contest, and party wave are back this year. Timed events are for girls and women only; all youth under age 12 are welcome to register and participate in the party wave. Men are encouraged to volunteer and cheer on Sunday.

Donate to Ski For Women

ABOUT THE CAUSE

Why participate in the Alaska Ski for Women? This is not only a FUN event, it is a FUNdraising event! The Alaska Ski for Women supports the Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage and Alaska non-profits working to end the cycle of domestic violence in our community. Proceeds from the event are granted to local nonprofits working to help stop domestic violence in Alaska. See the grants section for information about current grant awards and application information.
History: The Alaska Ski for Women (ASFW) was started in 1997 by the Event’s Founding Mothers Ann Mize and Sally Burkholder, both of whom are very accomplished skiers. Ann and Sally noticed a lot of women skied on the wonderful Anchorage ski trails but did not come out to join in the local ski races. They set forth to create a fun event that would eliminate all of the excuses women often come up with to not participate in ski races; for example, not having a partner to ski with, the men are too aggressive in races and my skis aren’t waxed. The ASFW is just for women, free ski waxing is provided and it is a fun and relaxing atmosphere in which to participate. The event is also an important fundraiser in the community, with all proceeds supporting a good cause.

DATES & TIMES

Event

Timed events include a 4 km skate race and 4 km classic race. Prizes will be awarded to the top three skiers in each timed event.
Following the timed event and costume parade will be the party wave, which is an untimed fun ski along the 4 km course.
Costume Contest: The costume contest will be happening in person on Sunday, February 5th, so start planning your costumes!
Chalet Activities: warm up and enjoy the festivities inside the Kincaid chalet on Sunday. We will have vendor booths, giveaways, merchandise, and the return of the mimosa reception.

Registration

Registration opens January 1st, 2023

Minimum Donation: $35 Adults 13+, $15 Youth 0-12

The first 100 who register and donate $75 will receive a limited edition Alaska Ski for Women waist pack

Bib pick up

Bib pickup will be Thursday, February 2nd; details forthcoming

Silent Auction

Silent Auction – Bid on items and help support the cause. The silent auction will be conducted virtually, although items will be on display at the chalet during the day of the event. Want to donate an item to the auction? Contact Julie at bladeljulie@gmail.com

Grants

Overview – Over the past several years, the Alaska Ski for Women has donated over $1,200,000 to the local community, non-profit organizations helping to stop the cycle of domestic abuse against women and children in Alaska. This strong, financial support is made possible by Alaska Ski for Women donors, participants, merchandise, and silent auction sales.
Where do the event proceeds go? – Through the generous donations of ASFW participants, and the hard work of our all-volunteer committee, the race is able to make an impact in the community by contributing to groups that actively work to improve women’s lives. A special focus is ending the cycle of violence against women and their families, supporting their recovery after crisis, and helping women in crisis find positive solutions to a healthier life. In addition, proceeds from the event support the Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage, with 20% of net proceeds going to NSAA.
Who is eligible to apply for a grant? All grant proposals must meet the following criteria:
- The recipient is an Alaska-based non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
- Provides services to survivors of domestic violence and their families or provides a program that is working to stop the cycle of domestic violence in Alaska.
- Provides services that promote physical and emotional well-being through a healthy lifestyle.
What are the anticipated grant amounts and timeline? Total grants awarded each year depending on the success of the ASFW event. Total grant funds typically range from $25,000 – $30,000. The grant application period usually opens mid April and is open for one month. Applications are reviewed by a grants committee, with final recommendations approved by the NSAA board in June.
How does my organization apply? The grant application will be posted to this webpage. If you would like to be notified when the application packet is available, please email alaskaskiforwomengrants@gmail.com

Contacts

Director

Molly Mylius
alaskaskiforwomen@gmail.com

Molly was raised cross-country skiing on the trails in Anchorage. She’s been involved in Ski for Women for over a decade as both a participant and a volunteer. Some of her favorite costumes have included a Hershey bar, polar bear and Tetris piece. In addition to her role as Director for the Ski for Women, she is a race official for the Anchorage high school ski races (aka a “Green Grunt”). Molly works as a community planner for a small firm in Anchorage. In addition to skiing, Molly enjoys traveling, gardening and singing a cappella with both Rewind Quartet and Alaska Sound Celebration.

Looking to Volunteer?

Contact Molly at alaskaskiforwomen@gmail.com

Committee

Thank you to all the Committee Members for their hours and enthusiasm:

Jenny Di Grappa
Greg Dubois
Kelly Fehrman
Marcella Dent
Elizabeth Knapp
Diane Moxness
Julie Bladel
Sophie Wallace
Celia Rozen
Julie Truskowski
Juliette Duetz

Triple Patch

The Alaska Ski for Women is designated one of the four Triple Patch women’s sporting events in Alaska. The Triple Patch program provides a distinctive patch awarded to women and girls who complete three of the four designated sporting events in one calendar year. Participation in the Party Wave is counted towards the patch, but participants must ensure that the tear-off portion of their bib is taken at the finish line. Complete all four events in the same year and receive a special pin for your patch!
What are the four events?
- The Alaska Ski For Women
- The Alaska Women’s Gold Nugget Triathlon
- The Run For Women
- The Bike For Women
Details: triplefinish.com
Questions? triplefinisher@gmail.com