33rd Annual Tour of Anchorage

Sunday, March 7, 2021

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

Dear Tour of Anchorage enthusiasts,

The Tour of Anchorage in on for 2021! However, due to COVID-19, it’s going to look a lot different than last year, when more than 800 skiers and bikers participated just before the pandemic began shutting down events all over the country. The health and safety of racers, volunteers, organizers, sponsors and spectators is our highest priority. We ask that participants be flexible to the changes we are making to ensure everyone’s safety and be more self-sufficient than has previously been necessary. Many specifics are still being determined, but know that we will share our COVID-19 mitigation plan with you and announce details as they become available. 

Here are some of the most substantial changes:

— The finish will be moved to the Kincaid Stadium for 2021 only and Kincaid Chalet will be closed.
— Shuttle buses from Kincaid will NOT be available.
— Each race will have a limited number of entrants (click on each race’s details below for capacities)
— Feed stations will be fewer in number and self-serve.
— Full refunds, for any reason, will be granted (by request) to those who register but do not participate.
— Racers 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.
— Racers will be required to wear face coverings before starting and after finishing (but not while racing)
— There will be awards but no day-after awards party.
— New for 2021: 50k and 40k classic-technique races! Classic skiers of 40 & 50k now have their own divisions and don’t have to compete against skate skiers!
— New for 2021: a TOA t-shirt designed by Sarah Glaser to each participant!  

We hope you’ve been enjoying the great skiing and biking conditions so far this season and we look forward to seeing you at the 33rd Tour of Anchorage on March 7!
Sincerely,

NSAA, the TOA Race Committee and race director Matias Saari

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

REFUND POLICY FOR 2021 — Due to the coronavirus pandemic, racers who choose not to participate or are unable to participate — regardless of reason — can request a FULL refund or deferral to 2022 (their choice).
NSAA expects compliance with the COVID-19 symptoms waiver and travel policy and therefore is giving refunds for those who cannot participate because they don’t meet its requirements. 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.

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.

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. 

Tour Double

Finish any combination of 1 ski race AND 1 bike race back-to-back and receive a special award — plus a reduced entry fee!

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.

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. 

Register

 

  • ALL DIVISIONS ARE CURRENTLY OPEN FOR REGISTRATION! This could change due to COVID-19 considerations.  
Registration Waitlist
2020 Results (and prior)
Sponsorship

Thank you to our 2020 photographers!

COVID-19 mitigation plan and protocols

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 — They will be self-serve (drink and snacks) 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.

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
  • Alphabetic list of ALL tabulated PACE times – TOA pace table ALL v1
  • Alphabetic list of last 3 years PACE times – Posted when available
  • Rank Order of Freestyle pace times – Posted when available
  • Rank Order of Classic pace times – 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: 9-10 a.m.

START FORMAT: To be determined. State and local health mandates will influence how many skiers can be in each wave and the duration between waves. If a wave start is not possible then an individual interval-start format will be implemented.

START WAVES: To Be Determined

RACE CAPACITY: 120 

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: 10-10:30 a.m.

START FORMAT: To be determined. State and local health mandates will influence how many skiers can be in each wave and the duration between waves. If a wave start is not possible then an individual interval-start format will be implemented.

START WAVES: To Be Determined

RACE CAPACITY: 60

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: 10:30-11:30 a.m.

START FORMAT: To be determined. State and local health mandates will influence how many skiers can be in each wave and the duration between waves. If a wave start is not possible then an individual interval-start format will be implemented.

START WAVES: To Be Determined

RACE CAPACITY: 120 

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: 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

    START FORMAT: To be determined. State and local health mandates will influence how many skiers can be in each wave and the duration between waves. If a wave start is not possible then an individual interval-start format will be implemented.

    START WAVES: To Be Determined

    RACE CAPACITY: 60

    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: 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

    START FORMAT: To be determined. State and local health mandates will influence how many skiers can be in each wave and the duration between waves. If a wave start is not possible then an individual interval-start format will be implemented.

    START WAVES: To Be Determined

    RACE CAPACITY: 120

    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: 12-1:15 p.m.

    START FORMAT: To be determined. State and local health mandates will influence how many skiers can be in each wave and the duration between waves. If a wave start is not possible then an individual interval-start format will be implemented.

    START WAVES: To Be Determined

    RACE CAPACITY: 150

    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 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 8 during the race and otherwise closed to bikes.

      START FORMAT: To Be Determined

      50K RACE CAPACITY: 75

      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 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 8 during the race and otherwise closed to bikes.

      START FORMAT: To Be Determined

      40K RACE CAPACITY: 75

      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 p.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

        25K RACE CAPACITY: 75

        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.

          Race Bib Pick Up 

          When: Friday, March 5, 2021, 3-7 p.m. 
          Where: APU Moseley Center Parking Lot (4400 University Dr.). Due to COVID-19, bib pickup will be outdoors in 2021 and limited to one day instead of two. NOTE: Due to COVID-19, registration will NOT be possible at bib pickup. 

          Please pick up your bib (or have someone get it for you) on March 5.  
          If that is not possible, ski bibs can be picked up on race day March 7 beginning at 8 a.m. outside the Little Gym behind Service High School for the 50K/40K, and beginning at 10 a.m. outside the APU Moseley Center for the 25K.
          If necessary, bike bibs can be picked up on race day beginning at 1 p.m. outside the Little Gym behind Service High School and 2:45 p.m. outside the APU Moseley Center. 

          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

           

          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.
          Click here for Fat Bike Tour of Anchorage Frequently Asked Questions.

          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/50K bike: $150 for male and female with fastest combined times; medals for all who complete a ski/bike double regardless of distance.
           

          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. It has not yet been determined whether this service will be available in 2021. Please check back for updates.

          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 and locations has not yet been determined for 2021. However, there will be fewer stations and racers will need to be more self-sufficient than in typical years. Feed stations in 2021 will have tables set up for self-service drinks and snacks. Racers who want to avoiding stopping to resupply should carry enough of their own food and drink. Racers are also permitted to have an independent support person supply them with food and drink anywhere on the course except at aid stations.
            Check back for updates on the 2021 aid station plan. 


            Merchandise

            There’s new art in the works by Sarah Glaser – check back for details!

            Awards & Post Race Party

            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. 

            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.  

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

            Bike Awards:
            50k: 1st (male and female) — $250
            2nd (male and female) — $150
            3rd (male and female) — $100
            – Award for each age group winner (Top 3 overall not eligible for age group awards)
            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/50k bike: $150 award for male and female with fastest combined times
            — Medals for all who complete a ski/bike double, regardless of distance.

            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.

            Gold Level Sponsor

            Silver Level Sponsor

            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