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     EVENTS & PROGRAMS :: Backcountry Touring  

 

NSAA Winter Backcountry Ski Tours - 2008-09

By Bob Sutherland
Touring Section Leader
(907) 336-1717
AnchorageNordiSkiTours@gmail.com

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!

PRINT SCHEDULE (see below tours for most updated tour details)

NSAA Release Form - PDF - must be completed if taking a NSAA Tour

Cheat Sheet about our Tours - PDF

Gear List for Tours - PDF


Note:  This is our initial list of 2008-09 Tours.  We anticipate adding more.  Check back to the newsletter and this Tour page often for the latest information. Up to date information regarding specific information about tours immediately before they are held can be found by calling the Tour Hotline at:  566-3048.  If you don't see a tour here and would like to see one, contact us about leading the tour.   We can make is easy and provide assistance to help you.

November 28, Friday - Turkey Day Shakeoff,  Hatcher Pass

Travel under the rugged and beautiful peaks of the Little Susitna Valley in Hatcher Pass for a spectacular day of skiing on the Gold Mint trail. Plan on meeting at the Carrs Muldoon parking lot near the bakery at 9 am on Friday, Nov 28th,.. From there we'll car pool to the Gold Mint trailhead near the Motherlode lodge. If you'd rather meet us at the trailhead, expect to see us about 10:30 am.

We intend on skiing about 5 miles up the valley (10 miles round trip) with an overall elevation gain of 800 feet over the 5 miles. The trail is relatively steady with just a few fast downhills. While the terrain is suitable for a beginner the length of the ski may not be.

Be prepared for the elements: wind, cold and precipitation. Bring adequate water and food. For those skiing with their dogs, porcupines are in the area.

Expect to arrive back to the cars about 3:30 or 4 pm on Friday depending on how much fun we are having.

The weather forecast for the Palmer—Wasilla area is located at:
http://pafc.arh.noaa.gov/pubfcst.php?fcst=FPAK51PAFC#AKZ111

A weather station which reports snow depth and temperature is located at the Independence Mine which is several miles away from our trailhead is found at:
http://ambcs.org/cgi-bin/siteCurrent.cgi?site=INDEPENDENCE_M

The latest Hatcher Pass snow report might be available for viewing at this website:
http://www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/asp/hpsnowreport.pdf

If you have more questions email us at anchoragenordicskitours@gmail.com or call 336-1717.


Click for larger viewDecember 14, Sunday - South Fork Eagle River

Ski with views of spectacular Harp Mountain and Cantata Peak along the South Fork of Eagle River. We'll ski out towards the Hanging Valley with our final destination depending on weather, snow, our speed and daylight. Please meet at the Carrs Muldoon bakery located at Muldoon and Northern Lights at 9:00 am, and convene at the Chugach State Park trailhead at 10:00 am for this ski. Expect to return to the trailhead about 3:30 or 4:00 pm.

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. The ski has two relatively steep short portion, both at the start near the trailhead and about 3 miles in which can be skied or skinned possibly hiked. We recommend bringing skins to make travel on those portions of the trail easier. Otherwise the trail is relatively flat and easy to ski. Feel free to bring your dog.

For weather, the zone forecast can be found on the web at:
http://pafc.arh.noaa.gov/pubfcst.php?fcst=FPAK51PAFC#AKZ101
Current conditions at the Eagle River Nature Center, while not at the trailhead but close, can be found at:
http://www.wunderground.com/weatherstation/WXDailyHistory.asp?ID=KAKEAGLE7

If you have any questions contact Bob Sutherland at AnchorageNordicSkiTours@gmail.com or call 336-1717. See you Sunday for this fun ski!


January 4, 2009, Sunday - Glen Alps

Ski with views of spectacular Ptarmigan Peak, Avalanche Peak and Powerline Pass along the South Fork of Campbell Creek and the backside of O'Malley, the Wedge and the Ramp as we travel out the Powerline Trail with the Nordic Ski Club on Sunday January 4th. We'll meet at the bakery at Carrs Huffman at 9am and at the Glen Alps trailhead about 9:45 am. Expect to return to the trailhead about 4 pm.

Be prepared for cold, wind, and good times. We anticipate skiing 6 to 10 miles round trip. The trail is relatively flat and easy to ski. You'll need warm clothes including some for breaks, food for a lunch stop and plenty of water. To park at the trailhead you'll need either a Alaska State Parks season pass or pay 5 bucks for a day pass at the trailhead, day passes can be obtained at the trailhead.

If the wind kicks up we will probably switch this ski to the trails to the Northeast of the intersection of the Glen Alps and Powerline trails (Blueberry Hollow, South Rim and Powerline Trails). If snowmachines are allowed at the Upper Huffman trailhead we'll ski out the Middle Fork Trailhead. Feel free to contact your trip leader for more information.

For the latest in temperature and wind at Glen Alps visit the following website:
http://pafc.arh.noaa.gov/obs.php?stnid=GAHA2&phours=6
A zone forecast for the Anchorage vicinity can be found at:
http://pafc.arh.noaa.gov/pubfcst.php?fcst=FPAK51PAFC#AKZ101

If you have any questions contact Bob Sutherland at anchoragenordicskitours@gmail.com or call 336-1717. See you Sunday!

PHOTOS OF TOUR

Faces that only a mother could love LOL
http://www.funhog.us/NSAA/20082009/DaveEnd.jpg
http://www.funhog.us/NSAA/20082009/NeilEnd.jpg
http://www.funhog.us/NSAA/20082009/Kristen.jpg
http://www.funhog.us/NSAA/20082009/Tracey2.jpg
http://www.funhog.us/NSAA/20082009/Kellen2.jpg

route photos
http://www.funhog.us/NSAA/20082009/FirstBreak.jpg
http://www.funhog.us/NSAA/20082009/HeadingBack.jpg
http://www.funhog.us/NSAA/20082009/HeadingBack2.jpg
http://www.funhog.us/NSAA/20082009/GermanClubBridge.jpg
http://www.funhog.us/NSAA/20082009/AlmostBack.jpg


January 17-19, 2009 - "Pupsicle" near Mendeltna Creek

Ski the great trails around Mendeltna Creek. Our lodging, the Mendeltna Creek Lodge is 153 miles from Anchorage. Cabins and a bunkhouse are available and RVs are welcome. A tremendous cuisine with plenty of food is provided. Dogs are a welcome guest while skiing and in your room. There is a nice lodge to hang out at and enjoy a relaxing  afternoon or evening after skiing. This is a perfect ski trip for folks who like to ski, then relax and enjoy themselves.  Its a great trip for beginner skiers. 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.


February 7, 2009, Saturday - Exploratory Trip Center Creek
(North Johnson Pass Trail, Kenai Peninsula)

Notice dated February 1, 2009:

Ski to an overlook of scenic Center Creek Valley off the north Johnson Pass trail. Ski with spectacular views of the Kenai Mountains looking up Center and Bench Creeks. Ski from the trailhead near the Granite Creek Campground to the bridge over Center Creek. This 6 mile round trip ski is on relatively flat terrain suitable for skiers who can handle short rolling hills on a medium width trail. We recommend climbing skins for our skis as well. If you have avalanche gear bring it.
We'll meet at 9:00 am at the Chugach State Park Headquarters near Potter's Marsh, This is the parking lot on the right towards the Inlet, with the train and bathrooms. Anticipate arriving at the north Johnson Pass Trailhead (mile 64 of the Seward Highway) about at 10:15 or 10:30 am. We expect to return to the vehicles about 4:30 pm.

Since we ski about 2 miles an hour and take plenty of breaks, you'll want adequate food, water and warm clothes. Check the zone forecast and weather conditions and dress appropriately. You can exam current meterologic conditions at the trailhead at:
http://www.met.utah.edu/cgi-bin/droman/meso_base.cgi?stn=GRAA2
and the zone forecast at:
http://pafc.arh.noaa.gov/pubfcst.php?fcst=FPAK51PAFC#AKZ125

Redoubt Volcano: If there is an eruption and conditions are not safe we'll cancel. We may move the ski depending on conditions and forecasts. Please call the tour hotline at 566-3048 or trip leader if you have questions.

If you have any questions, contact Bob Sutherland at 336-1717 or anchoragenordicskitours@gmail.com


February 28, 2009, Saturday - Hatcher to Willow Bus

We are resurrecting an old favorite.  Meet in Anchorage for a bus transport  from Hatcher Pass, ski over the pass and down the creek to Willow where we'll meet the bus for a trip back to Anchorage.  Space is limited.  Tickets cost $45 per seat for NSAA members and $55 for non-members.  Tickets will be sold starting November 1st at the annual meeting and thereafter at the NSAA office on 15th Avenue , phone 276-7609.  Contact Bob Sutherland at 336-1717 or AnchorageNordicSkiTours@gmail.com for logistic information regarding the tour.  Contact the NSAA office to purchase tickets.

Download Bus Ticket Form - PDF

NSAA Release Form - PDF - must be completed if taking a NSAA Tour

2/27/09 Update:

RECENT PHOTOS AND UPDATES

Not too much wind effect from the last storm.  The groomer was out making its way up from Gold Mint trail when we were leaving.

Here are some pictures:

Heading to the Pass
http://www.funhog.us/NSAA/HeadingToThePass.jpg
The last bit before the pass
http://www.funhog.us/NSAA/HatcherPassApproach.jpg
At the pass, the orange markers are designating the cornice
http://www.funhog.us/NSAA/AtThePass.jpg
now we are in the pass
http://www.funhog.us/NSAA/InThePass.jpg
standing at the edge of the corning looking back
http://www.funhog.us/NSAA/LookingBack.jpg
looking at the cornice drop.  You can see a snowmachine dropped off the edge of the cornice.  It appears eroded from last week.
http://www.funhog.us/NSAA/CorniceDrop.jpg
Looking down the valley
http://www.funhog.us/NSAA/DownThePass.jpg

If it doesn't snow tonight I don't think we need to chain up at the Gold Mint Trailhead

Weather forecast:

AKZ111-281400-
MATANUSKA VALLEY-

INCLUDING...PALMER...WASILLA...SUTTON...CHICKALOON
400 PM AKST FRI FEB 27 2009

.TONIGHT...SNOW BECOMING LIKELY TOWARDS MORNING. LITTLE TO NO SNOW
ACCUMULATION. LOWS 10 TO 15 ABOVE. VARIABLE WIND 10 MPH.
.SATURDAY...SNOW. SNOW ACCUMULATION 2 TO 4 INCHES. HIGHS IN THE MID

20S TO LOWER 30S. VARIABLE WIND TO 10 MPH.
and current conditions at the Independence Mine:
http://ambcs.org/cgi-bin/siteCurrent.cgi?site=INDEPENDENCE_M

and conditions at willow
http://pafc.arh.noaa.gov/obs.php?stnid=PAUO&phours=24

brats start cooking at 11:30

------------------------------------------------------------------

2/25/09 Notice:

Due to Fur Rondy events we are moving the Bus Pickup and Dropoff for the Hatcher to Willow ski to the Carrs Muldoon parking lot located at Northern Lights and Muldoon.  You'll find us near the Northern Lights entrance.

A map of our new meeting place can be found here

Important Information for Ski Bus Participants - PDF

My apologies for this late change but its going to save us alot of problems finding parking spots, loading and unloading and getting home after a great day of skiing.

Pass the word and if you could please respond to this email, I will then know you've gotten the word.  See most of you at Carrs Muldoon!

 


March 14 and 15, 2009, Saturday and Sunday -  Manitoba Mountain Telemark and Tour overnight      

Another NSAA Classic tour!  Overnight ski-camping on Manitoba and either telemark ski  or tour.  Manitoba is one of the safest places going, but for safety purposes, you’ll need adequate camping gear plus beacon, probe and shovel.  This can be done as a camping trip or as a day trip either Saturday or Sunday.  For more information contact,  Bob at 336-1717 or AnchorageNordicSkiTours@gmail.com

Information:
http://www.funhog.us/NSAA/Manitoba/Manitoba2009.doc

List of things you may want to bring with you.
http://www.funhog.us/NSAA/Manitoba/ManitobaPartsList.doc


April 3, 4, and 5, 2009, Friday through Sunday - Denali View Chalet

Enjoy the weekend at an rustic Alaskan lodge on Kroto Lake south of Mt. McKinley. Ski 8 miles into the lodge with just a day pack. Great views, fantastic company, exquisite cuisine, sauna and skiing. Space is limited. For more information contact Bob Sutherland at 336-1717 or via email at anchoragenordicskitours@gmail.com


April 11, 2009, Saturday - Center Ridge

Join us for our last ski tour of the season. Ski tour with fantastic views of Kickstep Mountain, the Real Tincan, and many other beautiful unnamed peaks.

We’ll meet at the Chugach State Park headquarters parking lot at 9:00 am. This is the parking lot with the train and bathrooms south of Potter Marsh on the Seward highway. We anticipate arriving at the trailhead about 10:15 and expect to return back to the trailhead about 4:30 pm.

The climb is about 1,000 feet in 2 miles of skiing with the steepest portion of the climb near the end. The climbing necessitates you bring skins for your skis. You’ll also need adequate clothing for the weather which might be wet snow, wind and cold. Be prepared and bring plenty of water and food because we’ll take breaks and enjoy lunch. It’s not a requirement that you have a telemark turn down (after all this is a tour), but it’ll make returning to the rigs that much easier. There are safe and easy alternatives for returning to the car.

Please check the following weather information before you prepare for this ski tour. For up to date weather forecasts of the area check:
pafc.arh.noaa.gov/pubfcst.php?fcst=FPAK51PAFC#AKZ125
for current weather conditions check, we’ll ski right by this weather station:
ambcs.org/pub/current/TURNAGAIN_ABD
and nearby road conditions (this site is up and down):
www.dot.state.ak.us/iways/roadweather/forms/SiteSum.html?areaId=2&perspectiveId=1&siteId=10

If you have any questions feel free to contact your trip leader, Bob Sutherland, at 336-1717 or via email at anchoragenordicskitours@gmail.com

 



Cheat Sheet for NSAA Back Country Tours
By Bob Sutherland
Touring Section Leader  336-1717   anchoragenordicskitours@gmail.com |  Website

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.

NSAA RELEASE FORM - must be completed

Anchorage weather forecasts and observations
The observations hypertext on the left frame includes Glen Alps.

Temperature and snow levels for Turnagain Arm and Pass

For the latest in temperature and wind at Glen Alps visit the following website:
http://pafc.arh.noaa.gov/obs.php?stnid=GAHA2&phours=6

A zone forecast for the Anchorage vicinity can be found at:
http://pafc.arh.noaa.gov/pubfcst.php?fcst=FPAK51PAFC#AKZ101

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Page Updated 4/1/09

Hatcher to Willow Photos

 

Tour Photos

Tour FAQS

 

NSAA 203 W. 15th Ave. #204, Anchorage Alaska 99501, 907-276-7609, Fax 258-7609, nsaa@alaska.net

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