33rd Annual Tour of Anchorage

Sunday, March 7, 2021

 

Click here to see current Registration List

  • Ski registration is full for all races and categories.  For a chance to still get in, you must enter the Waitlist.  You will be contacted if an opening occurs.  Registration caps have been set on the number of racers in order to meet COVID-19 mitigation mandates.  Final start times and waves will be announced a few days before bib pick up. The goal of setting new Start Times is to spread racers at the start, along the course, and at Kincaid to decrease congestion.
  • PLEASE check your registration status on the alphabetic REGISTRATION list (pdf – TOA21 registration alpha list 18feb21).  If changes are needed, or if you want to switch race events (e.g. Classic to Freestyle), you must email  bob.stehn@gmail.com or admin@anchoragenordicski.com.  You are not allowed to change events at bib pickup.  If you cannot race, please contact us.  You get a refund, and it gives someone else a spot.

The Tour of Anchorage is one of the few point-to-point cross-country ski marathons in North America and may be the only one that crosses through an urban environment! There are 6 ski events: freestyle and classic races of 25, 40 and 50 kilometers. In each, participants range from elite ski racers to recreational skiers challenging themselves to finish. There are 3 fat bike events, the 25, 40 and 50km The fat bike race is the only marathon in the U.S. that features skiers and bikers on the same course on the same day! (But not at the same time: skiers start in the morning and bikers begin in the afternoon).

The 40k and 50k races start on the Anchorage Hillside and traverse the city along ski and multi-use trails. Tunnels, bridges and greenbelts make it possible to ski from one end of town to the other without crossing a single road. The 25k starts in midtown (Alaska Pacific University) and ties in to the 50k and 40k courses. All races finish at Kincaid Park Stadium on the westernmost end of the city overlooking the coastline of Cook Inlet.

Read the History of the Tour  |  Race Times History

Fees

Registration Deadlines    
Adult Pricing:  NSAA Member Non-Member
By 2/1/2021 @11:59 p.m. $75 $85
By 3/4/2021 @5p.m.
(NOTE: registration is NOT possible at bib pickup or on race day)
$85 $95
Student Pricing:  13-18 years old $50 $50
     
Youth Pricing:  0-12 years old $35 $35
     
Tour Double: Ski and Bike First Race: full price as shown above Second Race: $50

NOTE ABOUT AGE ON APPLICATION:The age groupings for skiing are listed as a skier’s age as of December 31 in that ski season. So, if a skier has a birthday on January 11, 2021 and turns 56, their age for the 2020 race is 55. This is done so skiers are a constant age throughout the ski season. Also, 50k entrants must be 18 years old by 12/31/20.

Refund Policy for 2021

REFUND POLICY FOR 2021: We have received a high level of interest in the 2021 TOA and want as many skiers as possible to safely participate. Because we have set capacities, we request that entrants who choose not to participate due to concerns over the coronavirus pandemic request a refund no later than February 26,2021 so that another skier can register in your place. Of course, there are situations where a notification by Feb. 26 is not possible. Entrants who are unable to participate due to symptoms of coronavirus, a positive test or quarantine can request a refund or deferral to 2022 by submitting a request in writing to admin@anchoragenordicski.com.

This refund policy will only be in place for 2021; the usual policy of no refunds for any reason — something consistent with other ski races — will resume in 2022. Please keep in mind that the Tour of Anchorage is one of the largest fundraisers for the Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage.

How to Register

There are 3 registration options:

  1. NSAA Member:
    1. Login into the NSAA Member Portal.
    2. Select ‘Current Events’ in the dropdown menu on the top right and search for Tour of Anchorage.
    3. Proceed with the Registration!
  2. Not a Member Yet?
    1. Become a 2020-21 NSAA Member.
    2. Use your Confirmation Email to proceed and login to our Member Portal. (If you don’t receive this immediately, please call the NSAA Office).
    3. Select ‘Current Events’ in the dropdown menu on the top right and search for Tour of Anchorage.
    4. Proceed with the Registration!
  3. Not an NSAA Member:
    1. That’s okay! Click Here to Register!

Thank you for your patience! If you have any questions, give our office a call at (907)276-7609.

COVID-19 Mitigation

The full mitigation plan will be posted here when available. A few details:
Face coverings — Racers will be required to wear face coverings before starting and after finishing (but not while racing). Volunteers and race officials will be required to wear face coverings at all times.
Social distancing — At least 6 feet of distance will be expected except when participants pass each other during the race.
Symptoms waiver — Racers and volunteers must confirm by waiver that they have no COVID-19 symptoms and have not been in close contact to anyone who has recently been sick.
Travel mandate — Racers and volunteers, whether Alaskans or coming from the Lower 48, must follow current State of Alaska and Municipality of Anchorage COVID-19 travel mandates.
Aid stations — Self-serve bottled water and pre-packaged snacks will be placed on tables with a limited number of volunteers present to keep supplies stocked.
Sanitization — Extra care will be taken for sanitization at the start and finish (including additional porta-potties) and at aid stations.

Race Change Requests

The deadline for requesting changes in Race Distance: Monday, March 1st.

The deadline for requesting Ski Partners: Wednesday, March 3rd.

Ski Partners: Skiers in the same bubble that are planning to ride share

 

Requests for changes should be submitted to Bob Stehn at bob.stehn@gmail.com.

See the refund policy section for more information about cancelling your registration. 

Bib Pick Up

When: Friday, March 5, 2021, 3-7pm & Saturday, March 6th from 10am – 2pm.
Where: APU Moseley Center Parking Lot (4400 University Dr.). Due to COVID-19, bib pickup will be outdoors.
NOTE: Due to COVID-19, registration will NOT be possible at bib pickup.

TOA racers are required to pick up their bib (or have someone get it for them) on March 5 or 6.
For out-of-town racers and in cases of emergency, SKI bibs can be picked up on race day March 7 beginning at 8 a.m. outside the APU Moseley Center for the 25K and beginning at 10 a.m. outside the Little Gym behind Service High School for the 50K/40K.
For out-of-town racers and in cases of emergency, BIKE bibs can be picked up on race day beginning at 1:30 p.m. outside the Little Gym behind Service High School for the 50K/40K and beginning at 3 p.m. outside the APU Moseley Center for the 25K.

Course Maps

Note: Some of the maps below will be revised to include the Kincaid stadium finish location and aid station locations for 2021 (once they are determined).

As long as snow depths and conditions allow, classic tracks will be set for the entire 50-kilometer course (except in a few short sections).

Race Officials reserve the right to alter the course due to safety concerns or weather conditions.

 25K Start – Alaska Pacific University (APU)

40K & 50K Start – Service High School 

Ski Course Sections – Detailed

Fat Bike Course Sections – Detailed

Download Tour of Anchorage Overview Ski Map – PDF  Download Tour of Anchorage Overview Fat Bike Map – PDF
Awards

Due to COVID-19, there will be no awards party the day after the race. We will have a simple awards ceremony for the 50k ski and 50k bike podiums shortly after those racers finish. The plan for distributing 40k and 25k ski and bike podium awards and all age-group awards will be announced once it is determined.

Ski Awards:

Award for each age-group winner (Top 3 overall not eligible for age group awards)

  • 50k freestyle:
    • 1st (male and female) — $1,000 + round-trip ticket with Alaska Airlines
    • 2nd (male and female) — $400
    • 3rd (male and female) — $200
      Note: Cash awards may be adjusted or not given if the race needs to be shortened.
  • 50k classic: Awards for Top 3 male and female overall (not cash) and award for each age group winner (Top 3 not eligible for age group awards)
  • 40k freestyle and classic: Awards for Top 3 male and female overall (not cash) and award for each age group winner (Top 3 not eligible for age group awards)
  • 25k freestyle and classic: Awards for Top 3 male and female overall (not cash) and award for each age group winner (Top 3 not eligible for age group awards)

Fat Bike Awards:

Award for each age group winner (Top 3 overall not eligible for age group awards)

  • 50k:
    • 1st (male and female) — $250
    • 2nd (male and female) — $150
    • 3rd (male and female) — $100
  • 40k: Awards for Top 3 male and female overall (not cash) and award for each group winner (Top 3 not eligible for age group awards)
  • 25k: Awards for Top 3 male and female overall (not cash) and award for each group winner (Top 3 not eligible for age group awards)

Tour Double:

50K ski/25K bike: $150 award for male and female with fastest combined times.
Medals for all who complete the Tour Double.

A note on sportsmanship: Poor sportsmanship, including verbal or physical abuse of volunteers or fellow racers, will not be tolerated to any degree. Transgressors will forfeit any awards and be subject to disqualification that year and potentially be barred from future participation.

Tour Double

Due to COVID-19 precautions and the adjustment of start times in the 2021 Tour of Anchorage, the only Tour Double options will be the 50K ski/25K bike and the 25K ski/25K bike

Finish these combinations of 1 ski race AND 1 bike race back-to-back and receive a special award — plus a reduced entry fee for the second race!

Doublers pay full price for the first race and just $50 for the second. Select the Tour Double option at online registration. If you decide to double after having signed up for just one event, simply email the NSAA at admin@anchoragenordicski.com to add the second event.

Those who signed up for the 50/50K or 40/40 doubles before the change in start times necessitated their elimination must transfer to the 50ski/25bike or 25/25 double, or drop one of their races. Do so by emailing registration manager Bob Stehn at bob.stehn@gmail.com 

Before signing up, Doublers should be sure they are physically capable of finishing both events and have enough time (and their own transportation) to get from Kincaid back to Service HS or APU for their bike start.

NOTE: If you miss your bike start for the Double, you may NOT start late.

Ski registration is full for 2021.

As spots become available, we will contact individuals from the waitlist. Please register for the waitlist below:

Thank you to our 2020 photographers!

Start, Wave, and Finish Information

Click on your event below to find the information specific to your event:

  • Current List of Registrants (complete)– Posted when available
  • Wave and Bib Assignments (complete)– Posted when available

Our goal is to make the Tour of Anchorage safe and satisfying for as many skiers as possible.

Read the details about seeding racers here: Seeding Racers.

TOA km distances and expected times at specified locations – helpful for racers, volunteers and spectators – PDF

Ski & Fat Bike Overlap

The start times are designed to limit overlap with skiers while giving bikers adequate time to finish before dark. Skiers and bikers overlapping has not been a problem since the bike races were added in 2019.

START TIME: 11:00am. 

START FORMAT: State and local health mandates will influence the final start format. Tentatively, racers will be in small waves of 10 every 2 minutes. 

START WAVES: To Be Determined

START LOCATION: Behind Service High School near the Little Gym – 5577 Abbott Road

  • Parking: There is plenty of parking at the high school.
  • A designated warmup area will be announced. Porta-potties will be the only bathrooms available. The Little Gym will be closed due to COVID-19.

Finish: Kincaid Stadium Google Map

  • Limited snacks and beverages will be available at the finish line. Porta-potties will be the only bathrooms available. The Kincaid Chalet will be closed.

START TIME: Approximately 11:45am (directly after the 50k Freestyle starts). Exact times will be posted prior to the race.

START FORMAT: State and local health mandates will influence the final start format. Tentatively, racers will be in small waves of 10 every 2 minutes.

START WAVES: To Be Determined

START LOCATION: Behind Service High School near the Little Gym – 5577 Abbott Road

  • Parking: There is plenty of parking at the high school.
  • A designated warmup area will be announced. Porta-potties will be the only bathrooms available. The Little Gym will be closed due to COVID-19.

Finish: Kincaid Stadium Google Map

  • Limited snacks and beverages will be available at the finish line. Porta-potties will be the only bathrooms available. The Kincaid Chalet will be closed.

START TIME: 1:00pm

START FORMAT: State and local health mandates will influence the final start format. Tentatively, racers will be in small waves of 10 every 2 minutes.

START WAVES: To Be Determined

START LOCATION: Behind Service High School near the Little Gym – 5577 Abbott Road

  • Parking: There is plenty of parking at the high school.
  • A designated warmup area will be announced. Porta-potties will be the only bathrooms available. The Little Gym will be closed due to COVID-19.

Finish: Kincaid Stadium Google Map

  • Limited snacks and beverages will be available at the finish line. Porta-potties will be the only bathrooms available. The Kincaid Chalet will be closed.

START TIME: Approximately 1:30pm (directly after the 40k Free group). Exact times are TBD.

START FORMAT: State and local health mandates will influence the final start format. Tentatively, racers will be in small waves of 10 every 2 minutes.

START WAVES: To Be Determined

START LOCATION: Behind Service High School near the Little Gym – 5577 Abbott Road

  • Parking: There is plenty of parking at the high school.
  • A designated warmup area will be announced. Porta-potties will be the only bathrooms available. The Little Gym will be closed due to COVID-19.

Finish: Kincaid Stadium Google Map

  • Limited snacks and beverages will be available at the finish line. Porta-potties will be the only bathrooms available. The Kincaid Chalet will be closed.

START TIME: 10:00am

START FORMAT: State and local health mandates will influence the final start format. Tentatively, racers will be in small waves of 10 every 2 minutes.

START WAVES: To Be Determined

START LOCATION: Alaska Pacific University (APU) Moseley Center – 4400 University Drive

  • Parking: At the Atwood Building and the Spine Institute.
  • A designated warmup area will be announced. Porta-potties will be the only bathrooms available. The Moseley Center will be closed due to COVID-19.
  • Walk to APU Start: From the Moseley Center FOLLOW THE SIGNS for a 10-minute walk down the hill to the start area at the northeast end of University Lake. Google Map

Finish: at Kincaid Stadium Google Map

  • Limited snacks and beverages will be available at the finish line. Porta-potties will be the only bathrooms available. The Kincaid Chalet will be closed.

START TIME: 9:00am

START FORMAT: State and local health mandates will influence the final start format. Tentatively, racers will be in small waves of 10 every 2 minutes.

START WAVES: To Be Determined

START LOCATION: at Alaska Pacific University (APU) – 4400 University Drive

  • Parking: At the Atwood Building and the Spine Institute.
  • A designated warmup area will be announced. Porta-potties will be the only bathrooms available. The Moseley Center will be closed due to COVID-19.
  • Walk to APU Start: From the Moseley Center FOLLOW THE SIGNS for a 10-minute walk down the hill to the start area at the northeast end of University Lake. Google Map

Finish: at Kincaid Stadium Google Map

  • Limited snacks and beverages will be available at the finish line. Porta-potties will be the only bathrooms available. The Kincaid Chalet will be closed.

START TIME: 2:30 p.m. The course includes the challenging Spencer Loop near the start and part of the Sisson Loop near the finish. Both of these trails, along with short sections of the Hillside Lighted Loop and Kincaid Mize Trail, are open to fat bike racers only on March 7 during the race and otherwise closed to bikes.

START FORMAT: To Be Determined

START LOCATION: Behind Service High School near the Little Gym — 5577 Abbott Road

  • Parking: There is plenty of parking at the high school.
  • A designated warmup area will be announced. Porta-potties will be the only bathrooms available. The Little Gym will be closed due to COVID-19.

Finish: Kincaid Stadium Google Map

  • Limited snacks and beverages will be available at the finish line. Porta-potties will be the only bathrooms available. The Kincaid Chalet will be closed.

START TIME: 3:00 p.m. The course skips the Spencer Loop but includes part of the Sisson Loop near the finish. The Sisson, along with short sections of the Hillside Lighted Loop and Kincaid Mize Trail, are open to fat bike racers only on March 7 during the race and otherwise closed to bikes.

START FORMAT: To Be Determined

START LOCATION: Behind Service High School near the Little Gym. — 5577 Abbott Road

  • Parking: There is plenty of parking at the high school.
  • A designated warmup area will be announced. Porta-potties will be the only bathrooms available. The Little Gym will be closed due to COVID-19.

Finish: Kincaid Stadium Google Map

  • Limited snacks and beverages will be available at the finish line. Porta-potties will be the only bathrooms available. The Kincaid Chalet will be closed.

START TIME: 4:00p.m. The course follows the ski route until the turnoff at the Sisson Trail, where it will instead continue STRAIGHT on the Coastal Trail multi-use all the way to Kincaid Stadium.

START FORMAT: To Be Determined

START LOCATION: Alaska Pacific University (APU) Moseley Sports Center – 4400 University Drive

  • Parking: At the Atwood Building and the Spine Institute.
  • A designated warmup area will be announced. Porta-potties will be the only bathrooms available. The Moseley Center will be closed due to COVID-19.
  • Walk to APU Start: From the Moseley Center FOLLOW THE SIGNS for a 5-minute walk or ride down the hill to the start area at the northeast end of University Lake. Google Map

Finish: Kincaid Stadium Google Map

  • Limited snacks and beverages will be available at the finish line. Porta-potties will be the only bathrooms available. The Kincaid Chalet will be closed.

Are you riding the Fat Bike Tour of Anchorage?

  • Helmets are required.
  • A minimum tire width of 3.7 inches is required. There is no maximum or minimum tire pressure. Adjust PSI appropriate for the trail conditions.
  • A noisemaker such as a bell to alert other trail users of your approach is strongly recommended.
  • Pass skiers and other trail users in single file whenever possible.
  • Avoid riding in the classic ski tracks.
  • The winner is determined by the first front wheel to cross the finish line.
  • Be equipped with lights if there is a chance you will finish in the dark.

There is only one division: Open.

Awards will be given for Top 3 overall, plus winners of the following age groups: 29&under, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+ years old.

  • 50K: Cash Prizes for Top 3 men and women overall ($250 for 1st, $150 for 2nd and $100 for 3rd) and an award for each group winner (Top 3 not eligible for age group awards).
  • 40K: Awards for Top 3 (no cash) and an award for each group winner (Top 3 not eligible for age group awards).
  • 25K: Awards for Top 3 (no cash) and an award for each group winner (Top 3 not eligible for age group awards).
  • Tour Double: 50K ski/25K bike: $150 for male and female with fastest combined times; medals for all who complete a ski/bike double.
 

Race Logistics

Most years the Dimond High School Nordic Ski Team waxes skis for a donation in the Kincaid Bunker the day before the race. This service will NOT be possible in 2021 due to COVID-19.
Alaska Mountaineering & Hiking (2633 Spenard Rd.) provides a TOA wax recommendation before the race and will also wax skis for a fee.

In typical years, drop bags are transported for racers to the Kincaid Bunker from Service High School or APU. This service will be NOT be available in 2021 due to COVID-19.

Due to COVID-19, the free shuttle bus service from Kincaid with Premier Alaska Tours will unfortunately NOT be available in 2021. 

    The number of aid stations has been reduced to 3 for both the bike and ski races in 2021. Aid stations in 2021 will have self-service tables with bottled water and pre-packaged snacks. These are designed as supplementary fuel and hydration and are not sufficient for the entire race distance. Racers will need to bring enough food and drink for the duration of the race. Racers are also permitted to have a support person supply them with food and drink anywhere on the course except at aid stations.
    Exact locations for the aid stations will be listed here once determined. 


    Merchandise

    Tour of Anchorage merchandise is available to purchase online! Click the picture below to jump to your favorite item.

    Thank You to Our Generous 2021 Sponsors!

    Please join us in thanking and supporting our 2021 Tour of Anchorage sponsors listed below. This quality event is made possible by their generous support.

    Interested in becoming a 2021 sponsor? There are many levels and ways to support the event and the mission. Click here to review sponsorship opportunities and levels, we would be honored if you join our team! If you have questions, feel free to email Sara at program@anchoragenordicski.com.

    Thank you to Anchorage Nordic Ski Patrol for support on the trail!
    Learn more about the Anchorage Nordic Ski Patrol at: https://www.anchoragenordic.com.

    Contacts

    Questions or comments about the Tour of Anchorage?

    Race Director Matias Saari tourofanchorage@gmail.com 
    Registration (Pre-Race) Heather Liller admin@anchoragenordicski.com
    Race & Course Matias Saari tourofanchorage@gmail.com 
    Registration Changes Bob Stehn bob.stehn@gmail.com