Ski Train

2026 Ski Train Photos

What a fun time we had this year!  Photos captured courtesy of Connor Robinson! If you share on social media, please tag him with photo credit Coho Captures Photography!

March 20, 2027

The Ski Train takes you to Alaska’s roadless backcountry for a day of cross-country skiing, back-country skiing, or snowshoeing. From Anchorage, the train journeys north to Curry, a remote area north of Talkeetna. Curry used to be home to a ski resort, long since lost to a fire; today, the Ski Train is a once-a-year chance to get out and explore this terrain.

On the train, enjoy the scenery, play games, and picnic with friends. Off the train, ski, or snowshoe terrain for all levels of skiers and snowshoers.

The Ski Train is a fundraiser for the Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage.

Ski Train Video

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Loading Gear:

  • Load your equipment on the baggage car (in ski bags or securely bundled and labeled)
  • Gear can be loaded the night before
  • No Drones!!

Boarding the Train:

  • Park in the lot on Ship Creek Ave, across from the hotel
  • Know which car you are seated in and check in at that car
  • Sign in with a PHOTO ID (required) and board the train
  • Directions to Anchorage Depot

On the Train:

  • Find your assigned seat
  • Storage for your personal gear and food ONLY. All skis, poles, and snowshoes in the baggage car please!
  • Commemorative Ski Train merchandise for sale in the Merchandise Car
  • There is NO FOOD for purchase on the train!
  • Travel between cars is allowed until 10 am; once beer starts being served, only 21+ and ticketed are allowed to enter.
  • Beer is served only in train cars sponsored by breweries. If you are ticketed in a beer car, you have access to the Railgate in Curry with the wristband you receive once in your seat.
  • If you are ticked in a non-beer car you can purchase a wristband in the Merchandise Car to access Railgate in Curry and have beer from any of the brewers and a hotdog.
  • Dance your way home with live music by the Alaska Blaskapelle Band.

In Curry:

  • Curry Weather
  • Mild temperatures, and beautiful backcountry conditions – Skiing depends on conditions and varies from year to year in this remote area. It isn’t groomed, so skis with scales or a metal edge binding work best. Once the ski patrol snow machines and other participants make a few tracks, it is easier to get around.
  • Please follow the directions of the Safety Teams
  • No skiing on the river or near the train tracks
  • 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 quarry road, switchbacking up 1000’. Views of Denali and sweet turns coming down.
  • Stay OFF the tower!!

Tickets go On Sale October 2026!!

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE
Ticket sales close March 15, 2027 at 7pm!!
 You must be an NSAA Member to purchase a ticket. 

Car Layout: 

Details

Gear Drop-Off

March 19, 2027: 5-7 pm – Bring your skis and snow shoes to the train depot annex to drop your gear off! Bundle it in a ski bag (if skis), duffle bag (snow shoes), or secure items together with tape. LABEL all gear CLEARLY with your LAST NAME

Ski Train

March 20, 2027- Schedule for the day:

  • 6-7 am – Boarding in Anchorage ~ If you didn’t drop your gear off yesterday bring your gear to the baggage car in the morning and then head to the car you purchased tickets for. Volunteers will be at each train car door checking IDs and helping you find your seat. 
  • 7 am – Doors close – 7:30 train leaves station

7 – 10 am you can walk the train cars to see the themes and decorations of all the cars! Get coffee, and Ski Train Merch in the retail car. At 10 am the beer-sponsored cars start serving beer and anyone not ticketed for these cars is not allowed in.

  • 10 am– Beer tasting starts in the beer-sponsored cars
  • 11:15 am – Arrival in Curry

Allow up to 30 minutes for volunteers to unload skis and equipment. This is a great time to get your ski boots and winter gear on.

  • 1:30-3:00 pm – Open
  • 11:30-3:00 pm – Skiing in Curry ~ the train doesn’t move while we are in Curry. You will have access to your train car and items on the train the entire time we are in Curry. All persons must be back on the train by 3:30 pm as Ski Patrol has to do a head count to ensure we don’t leave anyone behind! Help us make this process easy by being in or near your assigned seat during this time. 
  • 4:30 pm – Train departs Curry. Let the polka dancing begin!
  • 8 pm – Arrival in Anchorage.

We are dedicated to delivering an exceptional Ski Train experience every year!

Please note that All Sales Are Final. This ensures that NSAA can operate this unique and fun winter tradition while covering costs. Before confirming their registration, we urge participants to thoroughly review event details, including dates, locations, and other relevant information.

However, we recognize that plans may change. While sales are final for most aspects of our event, we want to emphasize that event tickets are transferable.

If you find yourself unable to attend, you have the option to transfer your event tickets to another skiing or winter enthusiast. We value your excitement for the event and appreciate your choice to join us on the train. Should you have any inquiries or uncertainties, contact the NSAA office before securing your registration.

How do you transfer tickets?
Identify the individuals to whom you will transfer your tickets. Email events@anchoragenordicski.com with the following information:
1) First and Last name(s) of the original ticket holders.
2) First and Last name(s), DOB, and email address of whom the tickets will be transferred. If the new ticket holders want to be seated with anyone else already registered for the Ski Train, include this as well.

Theme (2027)Car Sponsor (2027)
TBDWild Scoops
TBDMidnight Sun Brewing
ToothStock: A Groovy TimeBroken Tooth
TBDTBD
TBDTBD
TBDDouble Shovel Cider
  • Skis or snow shoes in a ski bag with your name clearly marked. Please save our volunteers’ backs – NO HEAVY SKI BAGS PLEASE. 25 pounds max!
  • Child carriers or chariots are welcome in baggage cars.
  • Dress in layers. Temperatures vary, be prepared for sun, snow, or (gasp) rain.
  • Change of clothes for ride home – shoes must be worn at all times on the train.
  • Cash: The merchandise car will non-alcoholic beverages, and Ski Train commemorative merch for sale!
  • Food and refreshments (no glass!).
    • If you are in a brewery car, adult beverages are provided by servers, so please leave yours at home
    • For all other cars, BYOB, but please leave hard alcohol at home.
  • All riders: drink responsibly please and consider leaving the hard alcohol at home. Help us keep this a family-friendly event, and preserve the adult beverage option for all future Ski Train events.
  • Crock pots & waffle makers if you’d like. There are limited electrical outlets on the train.

What NOT to bring:

  • Your dog or cat. Only search and rescue dogs from ASAR are allowed.
  • Heavy ski bags.  Please limit each bag to 25 pounds max.
  • Large items. No fat bikes, bikes, or large equipment, there’s limited storage.
  • Glass containers 
  • Large, hard-sided coolers.  Limited storage space, bring small or soft-sided coolers only.
  • Gas or propane fuel. Please leave your cook stoves at home.
  • NO DRONES!

Each passenger is assigned a seat and listed on the Rail Road manifest. Ticket sales close six days before the event or when cars are sold out. NSAA staff needs time to build the manifest and assign seats. To help ensure you are seated at a table with all those in your party, purchase your tickets together! The train cars are tables/booths of 4. If you are a party of 4 you will have a table together. If you are a single, double or party of three you will have the opportunity to meet new friends as all seats will be filled.

Seat assignments for 2027 will be posted in March 2027

2027 Seat Assignments can be HERE
* Please NOTE the PDF is organized by train car.

There are no paper tickets, so please know your car and seat and bring your ID on Saturday to check into your car. If you do not have an ID, you will not be allowed to board. Seat assignments will be final.

  • Please Please Please always let staff, security, and other passengers through aisles. A tunnel of hands is the most fun way to do this. It is very important we allow people to move through the walkways.
  • Please drink responsibly and self-police. Be conscientious of other ski train goers, and ask members in your group to act accordingly. It’s okay to let the party wane a little if it means we can continue to have fun in the long run.
  • Do not sit on the backs of the train seats.
  • Everyone must be wearing shoes at all times.
  • The train tracks are active railroad tracks, and there will be several trains passing through Curry during the day. DO NOT SKI ON THE TRACKS.  Stay at least 100 feet away from the tracks.
  • Do not travel south past Milepost 248, as this is an avalanche zone.
  • Please do not go north of the bridge located just past Milepost 252.
  • Please do not ski on the river.
  • Please do not ski past the marker at the beginning of Deadhorse Canyon, as this area is subject to avalanches and cornice collapse.
  • Please stay well away from any equipment in the quarry area.
  • No Drones!
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Sponsors

Thank you to our generous 2027 ski train car sponsors

Wild Scoops Logo

Thank you to our 2027 ski train partners

Nordic Ski Patrol Logo
Alaska Railroad Logo
Kaladis Brothers Coffee Logo