Winter Backcountry Ski Tours 2006-07
By Bob Sutherland
Touring Section Leader (907) 336-1717 funhog@gci.net
Welcome! There are many new fantastic trips planned for this year...check them out! Scroll to the bottom of this page to get a more detailed description of what to expect on your next adventure!
Nov 24th, 2005 ~ Peters Creek
We are going to tempt fate and try an “early” ski. This trip will meet at the Alaska Bagel Company parking lot at 8:30 am, and meet at the Chugach State Park trailhead at 9:30 am for this introductory ski. Bring plenty of food and water to enjoy our ski. For more information contact, Bob at 336-1717 or funhog@gci.net
Dec 17th, 2006 ~ Hanging Valley South Fork Eagle River
This ski turns left at the bridge half way up the South Fork of Eagle River Valley and heads up into what is described in some guidebooks as the Hanging Valley. This trip will meet at the Alaska Bagel Company parking lot at 8:30 am, and meet at the Chugach State Park trailhead at 9:30 am for this intermediate ski. Skins might be needed and bring plenty of food and water to enjoy our ski. For more information contact, Bob at 336-1717 or funhog@gci.net
Dec 31st, 2006 ~ Glen Alps to Middle Fork Trail
Ski from the Chugach State Park Glen Alps trailhead, up to the Middle Fork of Campbell Creek and beyond if we have the gumption. Travel time is 4 or 5 hours depending on how many breaks we take. A Chugach State Park trailhead decal or parking pass is required at either trailhead. Contact Bob Sutherland at 336-1717 or funhog@gci.net
Jan 13th-15th 2006 ~ Mendeltna Creek Lodge
Ski the great trails to Tazlina Glacier Lake. Mendeltna Creek Lodge is 153 miles from Anchorage. Cabins are available along with a bunkhouse and RVs are welcome. We can choose from a menu or go buffet, and they can cook vegan and veggie. Dogs are welcome. Contact Mary at 345-3934 or email her at mvavrik@gci.net. If you think you might go, we’d like a head count by mid-December to help in the planning.
 Dec 31st, 2006 ~ Glen Alps to Middle Fork Trail
Ski from the Chugach State Park Glen Alps trailhead, up to the Middle Fork of Campbell Creek and beyond if we have the gumption. Travel time is 4 or 5 hours depending on how many breaks we take. A Chugach State Park trailhead decal or parking pass is required at either trailhead. Contact Bob Sutherland at 336-1717 or funhog@gci.net
Feb 4th, 2006 ~ Center Ridge
Ski up Center Ridge in Turnagain Pass on the Kenai Peninsula. Great views of surrounding mountains. A short steep climb necessitates skins but great touring abounds. Contact Bob Sutherland at 336-1717 or funhog@gci.net
March 3rd 2006 ~ Williwaw Lakes
Ski up the Middle Fork Campbell Creek to Williwaw Lakes. This 12 mile roundtrip ski will leave from the Glen Alps trailhead meeting first at the Carrs Huffman Bakery. Contact Bob Sutherland at 336-1717 or funhog@gci.net
March 17th and 28th, 2006 Manitoba Mountain Telemark and Tour overnight
Overnight ski-camping on Manitoba and either telemark ski on Manitoba or tour (if there is enough interest). Manitoba is one of the safest places going, but for safety purposes, you’ll need adequate camping gear plus beacon, probe and shovel. The bridge was out over Mills Creek this fall, if it hasn’t been replaced by the Forest Service we’ll ski Glen Alps to Indian. For more information contact, Bob at 336-1717 or funhog@gci.net
April 7th and 8th ,2006 Hatcher Pass Overnight
Join us for a winter camping overnight in Hatcher Pass. Last year we camped off of the Reed Lakes Trail and this year we are thinking of the Gold Mint Trail. Stay tuned for the location, either location is a lot of fun. For more information contact, Bob at 336-1717 or funhog@gci.net
Cheat Sheet for NSAA Back Country Tours
By Bob Sutherland
Touring Section Leader 336-1717 funhog@gci.net
Our plan is to have a fun time on the trail. So a here is a list of things to bring and what to expect to make this as enjoyable and trouble free as possible.
Frequently on our tours there will be stops on the trail for water, food and visiting. And to help re-energize and to enjoy ourselves we’ll also take time to have lunch and visit as well. Bringing good lunch, break food and water are important. At our stops, make sure you have a jacket and other softwear to put on so you can keep the chill off.
Good working gear is essential. If this is your first ski trip of the season, check your skis, boots and poles to make sure they are up to the task. Breakdowns in the backcountry are a real pain in the neck. Of particular importance is appropriately fitting footwear. Long backcountry trips with poorly fitting boots spells disaster for your feet. Nothing spoils any sport like foot gear which does not fit.
Metal edged skis are not essential. Since we’ll use the traditional diagonal stride while skiing, skate skis are probably not appropriate as well.
It’s always good to check the weather and see what gear might be appropriate to bring along. I strongly advise bringing a day pack and loading it with warm comfortable clothes. Obviously warm gloves or mittens and something to keep your head warm are important. You also might want to wear long underwear on colder trips. And bring fleece or other heavier jackets depending on how much added warmth you need for the breaks and lunches. I also advocate bringing something for the wind and if necessary snow (and rain). Being prepared in the backcountry, is always good advice.
Dogs on trips can make them much more pleasurable. And they are welcome on the trips I lead as long as they get along with other dogs. Unfortunately, dog fights are repulsive and are unallowable. We really don’t care who starts the fight, we just don’t want to be there for it. Dogs staying in the confines of the group are welcome but those who might chase animals shouldn’t be brought either.
Feel free to contact your trip leader if you have any questions. Asking questions can clear up confusion and assist you in your preparations for your ski trip. Questions are good.
Anchorage weather forecasts and observations
The observations hypertext on the left frame includes Glen Alps.
Temperature and snow levels for Turnagain Arm and Pass
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