Ski Train - Nordic Ski Association of Anchorage

Enjoy Alaska’s beauty on the Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage’s Ski Train! This is a bucket list experience that is sure to make you smile! Ride the rails with a train full of fellow skiers for a full day of awesome fun with friends old and new in Alaska’s remote backcountry. The four hour ride is a great time to relax and enjoy the scenery, share games and picnic with friends and family or pass the time dancing in the Polka Car with the Alaska Blaskapelle Band. Please remember this is a family friendly event and safety is our priority!

Date Information

Saturday, March 18, 2023

Approximate time frame

6-7 am – Boarding in Anchorage

7 am – Doors close – 7:30 train leaves station

11 am – Arrival in Curry

11-4 pm – Skiing in Curry (train stays on site for warmup)

4 pm – Train departs Curry. Let the polka dancing begin!

8 pm – Arrival in Anchorage.

What to expect

What to expect for loading gear:

Load your equipment on the baggage car (in ski bags or securely bundled and labeled)

Gear can be loaded the night before (Friday, March 17th) from 5pm-7pm

What to expect when boarding the train :

Park in lot on Ship Creek Ave, across from the Comfort Inn

Know which car you are assigned to and check in at that car

Sign-in with photo id and board the train

What to expect on the train:

Assigned seats

Storage for your personal gear and food ONLY. All skis, poles, snowboots, and snowshoes in baggage car please!

Commemorative Ski Train merchandise for sale in CAR 351

Dance your way home with live music by the Alaska Blaskapelle Band.

Please help out and clean up around your area before you leave the train

What to expect in Curry:

Curry Weather

Mild temperatures, beautiful backcountry conditions – no groomed trails, but with hundreds of skiers there will be trails to follow

Please follow directions of the Safety Teams

Stay with the safety borders

No skiing on the river or near the train tracks

Snow conditions vary tremendously from year to year, from powder to hard packed to corn snow. Snow is generally too deep and soft to walk, bring snowshoes if you do not ski.

Want a mellow ski? – flat area around the tracks, old town site & north along the tracks

Want a more hard-core ski? – head east from the train and up the quary road, switchbacking up 1000’. Views of Denali and sweet turns coming down.

What to Bring:

Skis or snow shoes in ski bag with your name clearly marked. Please save our volunteer’s back – NO HEAVY SKI BAGS PLEASE, 25 pounds max!

Child-carriers or chariots welcome in baggage car

Dress warmly in layers. Temperatures vary, expect warm, cool or cold weather.

Change of clothes for ride home – shoes must be wore at all times

Food and NA Beverages

Crock pots & blenders: There are limited electrical outlets in some cars, check with the availability in your car on the seating charts

What NOT to bring:

No glass, please do not bring any glass bottles or containers on the train.

Your dog. Only search and rescue dogs from ASARD allowed.

No heavy ski bags, max 25 pounds – our volunteers have to load and unload them.

No large hard-sided coolers – small or soft-sided coolers fit in the limited storage space.

No fuel allowed (AKRR rules). Please leave your cook stoves at home.

Where to Board: