Winter Trails®

EVENTS — ALASKA

(Updated 1/2/10) All of these areas are great places to try snowshoeing or cross country skiing during Winter Trails 2010. For more information on what these areas have to offer, please consult the venue's web site, send e-mail or make a phone call.

Date: January 9, 2010
Time: Register Noon to 1 pm.  
Demonstrations and tours at 1 pm.
Alaska Backcountry Access & Alyeska Resort
Alyeska Mountain Shop located in the Hotel Alyeska
1000 Arlberg Ave
Girdwood, AK  99587
Phone: 907/783-3600
E-mail: andy@akback.com
Web: http://www.alyeskaresort.com/

Program: Explore the snowy meadows, rainforests and trails of Girdwood's Glacier Valley.  Learn to cross-country ski on groomed trails, or snowshoe backcountry single-track.  Our fun filled day will introduce you and your family to easy-to-learn winter sports for FREE.

Alyeska Resort is providing FREE cross-country ski and snowshoe rentals.  Pick them up at the Alyeska Mountain Shop located on the second floor of the Hotel Alyeska from Noon to 1 pm on Winter Trails day January 10th, 2009.

Join Alaska Backcountry Access on a FREE tour of nearby trails, meadows and attractions at 1 pm.  Maps, skis, Atlas snowshoes and information provided noon to 1 PM at the Alyeska Mountain Shop.  Attractions may include gold panning, an igloo visit and more.  Bring cameras and warm layers for this active adventure.

Date: January 9, 2010
Time: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Hatcher Pass / Matanuska-Susitna Borough Parks and Outdoor Recreation
Lower Mountain – Mile 10.6 / 350 E. Dahlia Avenue
Palmer, Alaska 99645
Phone: (907) 745-9690
E-mail: warren.templin@matsugov.us
Web: http://www.matsugov.us/

Program: Equipment is provided by REI and basis instruction will be available at the  Hatcher Pass Sledding Hill parking lot located at mile 10.6 (look for the Winter Trails signs) on Hatcher Pass Road. MSB Winter Trail maps can be downloaded from the MSB web site at:  http://www.matsugov.us/ For a Winter Trails experience at the Hatcher Pass Ski Area sledding hill call 745-9690.

10:00 AM –  3 :00 PM

• X-C Skis and Snowshoes provided by REI will be available for use at general area  
• Staff will be available to instruct and lead group lessons for Cross Country Track Skiing, Skate Skiing, Snowshoeing, snow boarding, & alpine skiing.  Demonstrations are scheduled to cover Ski Joring and avalanche beacon searches.  
• The Sledding Hill on site will be packed and groomed for winter sledding activities for the family.
  

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

• X-C Track skiing – volunteers will lead beginner group X-C Skiing class.
  
• Volunteers will lead group around a 1 Km beginner loop
  

11:30AM – 12:30 PM

• Snowshoeing –  volunteers will  lead Beginner group snowshoeing class
• Volunteers will  lead group on 30 minute hike.
  

12:30 to 1:30 PM

• Beginner snowboarder instruction on sledding hill
  

1:30 PM   to 2 PM  

• Avalanche Rescue Beacon Demonstration – Pioneer Ski Patrol –Dave Hendrickson – Instructor – Bring your new beacons and learn how to use them.   
• Pioneer Ski Patrol will demonstrate simulated beacon rescue
  

2:00 PM to 2:30 PM

• Ski Jouring Demonstration on trails around parking lot led by volunteers – come and see how much fun it is.
  

2:30 PM to 3:00 PM

• Beginner Alpine Instruction on the sledding hill
  

Sponsors: MSB Parks, Winter Trails, Alaska Trails, REI, Pioneer Ski Patrol, Mat Su Trails Council, Alaska State Parks, & Mat Su Ski Club

January 16, 2010
Time: 11am – 3pm
Alaskans for Palmer Hay Flats
P. O. Box 877701
Wasilla, AK 99687
Phone: (907) 373-7484
Web: www.PalmerHayFlats.org

Winter Family Fun Day on Reflections Lake

Come and enjoy a quintessential Alaskan winter day at beautiful Reflections Lake on the Palmer Hay Flats State Game Refuge!  Cross-country ski, snowshoe, ice skate, or walk the circular path around the lake.  Skis and snowshoes for adults & kids will be provided by R.E.I., and skates by Mat-Su Borough Parks & Recreation.  Assistance & instruction will be available for everyone. Warming fires, hot cocoa, treats & coffee will keep you toasty as we revel in the beauty of this picturesque lake.

Take the Knik River exit, mile 30.6 on the Glenn Highway.

What a wonderful place to enjoy the great Alaskan outdoors!  

Sponsored by Alaskans for Palmer Hay Flats State Game Refuge.