What is the Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage, Inc. (NSAA)

The Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage, (NSAA) was formed for the purpose of supporting and promoting all forms of Nordic skiing in Anchorage.  The Municipality of Anchorage estimates there are about 60,000 cross-country skiers in Anchorage.  In a typical season, there are over 10,000 participants in a variety of skiing events hosted by NSAA.  Many of the finest racing events in the State of Alaska are sponsored by NSAA each year.  There are many Anchorage School District Races for high school and junior high school students which NSAA supports with officiating and grooming.  The Tour of Anchorage is Alaska’s premier ski marathon, in which participants may select from 25K, 40K or 50K routes across Anchorage.  Johnson’s Tire and NSAA host a series of 5 citizens’ races (Johnson's Tire Anchorage Cup) during the season for skiers of all ages and abilities.

Non racing events include the Anchorage Junior Nordic program which provides coaching and ski lessons for children aged 6 to 14.  NSAA volunteers lead a variety of back country tours from easy treks to overnight camping.  The Alaska Ski for Women, which is the largest women-only ski event in the country, is held on Super Bowl Sunday.  The purpose is twofold; first, to get women skiing and second, to raise funds for abused women’s shelters.  NSAA has built a world class Biathlon range and is able to hold clinics and competitions for athletes of all abilities.  The annual Ski Train takes skiers on a fabulous backcountry trip and the polka bank on board encourages them to dance their way back home.  NSAA provides scholarships for college bound skiers.  A cozy cabin is available for NSAA members to rent  year-round in the historic community of Hope, Alaska.

Since January of 1984, NSAA has funded all cross-country ski trail winter maintenance on the soft surface trails in Anchorage through a voluntary user fee. The Nordic skiing community has also funded the majority of summer maintenance and improvements to trails at Kincaid Park, Hillside Park, Far North Bicentennial Park, Bartlett High School, and Alaska Pacific University.

Each winter (October through April) the Nordic Skiing Association grooms over 100 km of cross-country ski only trails and 20 km of multi use trails. The NSAA currently has in its inventory two Pisten Bully 200 series and three Pisten Bully 100 series snow cats.  Additional snow machine support is available for grooming, race support, and medical needs.