Ski Club’s Luminary Ski Night Finally Arrives
THE STORM FINISHED COLD WITH A LITTLE MORE SNOW AT DIVIDE SKI AREA, AND SNOW AND WEATHER CONDITIONS LOOK FAVORABLE FOR A GREAT NIGHT. HERB WOTTLIN IS ALSO GROOMING THIS MORNING IN PREPARATION FOR OUR MIDDLE SCHOOL RACE, SO PRETTY GOOD SKIING IS EXPECTED. SEE YOU TONIGHT!
SKI CLUB LUMINARY SKI POSTPONED TO FEBRUARY 13
LUMINARY SKI, DIVIDE SKI AREA
ROAD CREWS ARE BUSY TRYING TO KEEP THE ROAD OPEN. WE HAVE BEEN INFORMED THAT THE DIVIDE PARKING LOT WILL LIKELY NOT GET PLOWED UNTIL AT LEAST SUNDAY, AND IT WILL TAKE A FEW DAYS TO GROOM. THIS EVENT WILL BE POSTPONED UNTIL SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13. SORRY FOR THE CHANGE!
http://sewardnordicskiclub.org
Learn to Cross Country Ski for Fun and Fitness
Learn to X-C Ski Class set for this Saturday at 10:30am
Local physical therapist and ski enthusiast Natalie Sook is offering a “Learn to Cross-Country Ski” clinic on Saturday, January 30 at 10:30am. Please arrive early so that you are ready to start by 10:30. The likely location will be Bear Lake at the public access on Old Sawmill Road, but it may change based on conditions. Watch our website Friday for a final announcement on the location:
http://www.sewardnordicskiclub.org
The course is $15 for the general public and $10 for Ski Club members (free for Trail User and Trail Meister member levels). Please bring cash or check in the exact amount on the day of the clinic. The course is for adults and children over age 10.
We recommend bringing waxless classic skis (scaly on the bottom).
This event is sponsored by the Seward Nordic Ski Club, a nonprofit, all-volunteer group that promotes Cross Country Skiing as a safe and healthy winter activity. You can support our groomed ski trails and community activities through a tax-deductible, annual ski club membership. Check out our website at the above link for details.
Learn to X-C Ski Clinic- POSTPONED TO JAN. 30
DUE TO LACK OF GOOD SNOW LOCALLY ON SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR BEGINNERS, THIS EVENT IS POSTPONED TO SATURDAY, JANUARY 30.
Local physical therapist and ski enthusiast Natalie Sook is offering a “Learn to Cross-Country Ski” clinic on Saturday, January 30 at 10:30am.
The course is $15 for the general public and $10 for Ski Club members (free for Trail User and Trail Meister member levels). The course is for adults and children over age 10.
We recommend bringing waxless classic skis (scaly on the bottom).
Learn to Cross Country Ski for Fitness and Fun
Are you looking for a way to lose weight or stay fit in the winter? Does getting some fresh air and winter daylight boost your mood? Would you like to find an activity that refreshes you without aggravating arthritis or injuries? If the answer is yes to any of the above, then look no further than your local cross-country (X-C) ski trail.
Local physical therapist and ski enthusiast Natalie Sook is offering a “Learn to Cross-Country Ski” clinic on Saturday, January 9th at 10:30am. The location is dependent on conditions and will be announced a few days before the event on the Seward Nordic Ski Club website: http://sewardnordicskiclub.org . The course is $15 for the general public and $10 for Ski Club members (free for Trail User and Trail Meister member levels). The course is for adults and children over age 10. Please bring exact payment in cash or check to the event.
If you don’t have gear, consider borrowing from a friend and come on out! Used gear can also be purchased at Play It Again Sports in Anchorage. We recommend waxless skis (scaly on the bottom).
Anyone that can walk on a flat surface while maintaining balance is capable of doing some basic X-C skiing. As a physician, I recommend X-C skiing in particular for several reasons:
1) X-C skiing burns calories. In fact, on average cross-country skiers and rowers expend more calories per hour than do participants of any other sport.
2) X-C skiing is low impact. While walking on pavement can be hard on joints, the fluid motion of skiing on softer surfaces is easier on our orthopedic “weak spots”. In some cases, this type of low impact activity even improves joint function and reduces pain.
3) Outdoor exercise is especially enjoyable. Have you noticed that it is difficult to stick with an exercise program that involves gym routines, exercise equipment, or forced mileage? The most successful exercise is an activity that is relaxing and fun. This means different things to different people, but the combination of fresh air, natural light, and Alaskan scenery can’t be beat! Most of the weather that Alaska can deliver can be overcome by the proper combination of clothing.
4) X-C skiing is a lifetime sport. I am grateful that my parents started me on skis at age two. We have similarly watched enthusiasm growing in our 3-year-old as he skis in his second season. On the other end of the spectrum, I have seen 70- and 80-year old skiers that can run circles around their middle-aged counterparts after enjoying the sport over the years.
5) X-C skiing is a social sport. It is easy to include your family, your dog, or a group of friends. What better way to stay motivated to be fit?
See you on the trails!
Ray Robinson MD
Holiday Luminary Ski Postponed
The Seward Nordic Ski Club regrets to announce that we are postponing the Holiday Luminary Ski scheduled for this evening due to wind and rain. Stay tuned for an announcement for an alternate event date some time in January or February! Happy Holidays.
Ski Club Greets January Full Moon
Progressive Blue Moon Ski Party, Saturday Jan. 2 at 6pm
This much-anticipated “hut-to hut” ski event will begin in the early evening in Questa Woods and finish at Bear Lake. Skiers will meet at Ray and Julie Robinson’s, then ski to Bear Lake, making stops for tasty food and drink along the way. No charge, although donations are welcome. This event is for Seward Nordic Ski Club members only and space is limited to the first 30 people who RSVP. To reserve a spot, send an email to Jennifer Bell at jjrun@hotmail.com. Shuttle rides back to the start point will be provided. Details are still being finalized, so watch our website for the latest information. Join us for this first progressive ski, an event that is destined to become a popular tradition!
If you are interested in supporting our groomed ski trails and community activities through ski club membership, a membership application can be found online at:
http://sewardnordicskiclub.org
Ski Club Hosts Outdoor Holiday Festivities
Holiday Luminary Ski and Snowshoe, Divide Ski Area
Saturday, December 26 at 7pm
Join us for an evening of outdoor holiday cheer with illuminated skiing and snowshoeing! The easy loops (warmup loop and Sitzmark) will be lighted with ice and paper luminaria (candle lanterns). We’ll have a bonfire in the parking lot with hot chocolate and and holiday drinks. Bring ski or snowshoe gear, headlamps if you have them, and your holiday spirit. Optional items to bring include holiday deserts, hot drinks, egg nog, etc. to share. This event is family friendly and open to the public. If you would like to help with luminaria setup, please arrive right at 7pm and bring a lighter!
This event is sponsored by the Seward Nordic Ski Club, a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization. Find us on the web at http://sewardnordicskiclub.org
Avalanche Awareness and Rescue Presentation Saturday
The beacon practice and field day for the Seward Nordic Ski Club’s Weekend Avalanche course are now full. However, the classroom portion this Saturday is open for attendance by residents of Seward, Moose Pass, and Cooper Landing.
If you go into the backcountry on slopes steeper than about 25 degrees, then this education is a big part of staying safe, regardless of your mode of travel. Our education series is presented by Forest Service Ranger and Avalanche Forecaster, Alex Mclain. The topics include avalanche statistics, weather and snowpack, terrain analysis, safe travel tips, and an introduction to rescue techniques.
The classroom series is this Saturday, December 12, from 9:30am to about 2pm at AVTEC auditorium, 419 5th avenue, 2nd floor. Thanks to Dano Michaud and AVTEC for their generous event support!
This free event is offered by the Seward Nordic Ski Club, a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization. Find us on the web at http://sewardnordicskiclub.org
Avalanche Awareness and Rescue Weekend
Avalanche Awareness and Rescue Weekend
Saturday and Sunday, December 12 and 13
FREE to the public! Commercial courses covering the same depth cost over $300.
6 hours of workshops and beacon practice in Seward on Saturday.
Full day in the field at Summit Lake on Sunday.
Avalanche beacons will be loaned to those who do not own one (supplies are limited).
The course is for both new beacon users and experienced users wishing to refresh their skills.
On Saturday, December 12 at AVTEC auditorium there will be a day of lectures and beacon practice directed by Forest Service Ranger Alex Mclain. On Sunday, December 13 we will have a field session at the Summit Lake Area covering terrain analysis, snow pits, safe travel in avalanche country, and avalanche rescue. The field day will include several beacon searches and rescue scenarios. Our Sunday session is limited, so sign up ASAP to reserve your spot.
Please RSVP if you wish to attend so we can plan for the event.
Send an email to sewardnordicski@gmail.com with your name, mode of travel (ski or snowboard), level of experience with beacons, and whether or not you have an avalanche beacon.
This free event is sponsored by the Seward Nordic Ski Club.
http://sewardnordicskiclub.org
Seward Nordic Ski Club thanks its event supporters
The Seward Nordic Ski Club wishes to extend a hearty “thank you” to all of its supporters during the last week of events.
Our annual Member Social at the Resurrect Art Coffeehouse and Gallery was a great success. We wish to thank to Raylene and Mike O’Connor for their generous offering of RezArt for the event. We received donations of great crafted beer from Midnight Sun Brewery. We would also like to thank all of the donors that contributed to our silent auction: AMH, Exit Glacier Guides, Alaska Wildland Adventures, Jeannie Shirk, Dyan Ferren, Irvin Pottery, Michelle Keagle, and Resurrection Bodyworks.
This year’s Ski Swap had a huge turnout. It simply would not have happened without all of the community volunteers sharing their hard work, knowledge, and chili and baked goods. Thanks to all of you out there! You deserve a season of great snow conditions and a pat on the back. We thank Barney’s Sports Chalet for making the big trip to Seward and keeping their traditional presence. We also wish a successful season to our new sponsor, Storm Chasers Marine Services, who also had a booth this year as the local Arctic Cat Snowmachine Dealer.
Thank you to AVTEC for hosting our Warren Miller ski movie this year, and to Dano Michaud for being our facilities coordinator. Moose’s Tooth Pizzeria donated gift cards that were given away at the event. Richard Hocking was the lucky winner of our raffle and received a pair of waxless touring skis, courtesy of Barney’s Sports Chalet.
Have a snowy and safe winter! Learn more about the Seward Nordic Ski Club at our website: http://sewardnordicskiclub.org. We are a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization that promotes Nordic and backcountry skiing as a healthy winter activity.
Seward Nordic Ski Club ~ Membership Social at Yoly’s
The Seward Nordic Ski Club will host its annual membership social at Yoly’s Bistro on Saturday, Nov. 1, 6-9pm. Live music provided by David Edward Smith. Yoly will give members a free dessert. Come join or renew your membership with the Ski Club! For those already signed up for the year, we’ll have your free dessert coupon waiting for you at Yoly’s. This year there will be a raffle with many great prizes. Raffle tickets $5 each or 5 for $20. Raffle items generously donated by Kayaker’s Cove, Resurrect Art, Chugach Mountain Massage, Flyin’ Skein, Irvin Pottery, Moose’s Tooth, World Cup, Sheila Morrow, Smoke Shack, Sunny Cove Sea Kayaking, Jeannie Shirk, Christo’s, and Brown & Hawkins. Must be present to win. There will also be a sign-up for the Ski Wax Clinic to be offered Sat. Nov. 29. See you at Yoly’s!
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