WELCOMEWelcome to skiing in Seward!
On this site you'll find updated ski conditions for the most popular trails in the area. These reports are provided by members of the Seward Nordic Ski Club by way of blog comments on this site and emails sent to the website administrator. Please participate! Send us your report! Its super easy and beneficial to everyone. You'll also find links to information about waxing, local events, other Alaska ski areas, the history of skiing in Alaska, how to buy skis and more.
WHO WE AREThe Seward Nordic Ski Club is a non-profit organization dedicated to the sport of Nordic skiing and to its devotees. We are made up of cross-country skiers from all walks of life and we welcome new members and visitors. Seward is relatively unknown in the XC world, but we aim to change that. The Eastern Kenai Peninsula – the Seward area in particular – is rich with trails that suit all skill levels and styles, from beginner to advanced, groomed to backcountry, skate to classical. Browse through the options on this site to find out more, or contact us for more information on Seward area trails or on the Seward Nordic Ski Club.
We sponsor occasional moonlight ski tours, an annual luminaria outing, grooming updates on our local ski conditions page, area maps, ski clinics for all levels and techniques, races, socials, and an annual ski swap.
Mission Statement:
The Seward Nordic Ski Club is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting Nordic
and backcountry skiing for all ages, developing and maintaining a network of groomed trails, and
sponsoring community ski activities and educational opportunities
Why skiing is so cool here?
As a physician, I see the amazing physical and psychological health benefits that cross country skiing can offer to people of all ages and abilities during our long winter. As an outdoor enthusiast, I see the enormous, largely untapped potential for groomed and backcountry skiing right in our backyard. As a naturalist, I see how cross-country skiing can enhance appreciation for, and stewardship of, nature. And, as a community member, I see an endless variety of ways that skiing can bring people together in the name of healthy winter activities.
- Ray Robinson (former SNSC membership coordinator)
NEWS
Pee wee Ski Outing on Monday January 8Come join us tomorrow, Monday Jan. 8th, at 11am for the first Pee Wee ski outing of the season. We'll meet at Divide Ski Area at Mile 12. This group is geared towards ages 2-5 with the focus on having fun on skis with activities and games. First year skiers are welcome. A parent is required to be with their children during the sessions. If you're interested but don't have skis, come on out anyway and we'll try and get your child on skis for a bit.
We usually do a short ski, enjoy some sledding or playing in the snow, and then have hot cocoa. Conditions at Mile 12 are usually great.
We plan to meet weekly at the same time, although location may vary based on conditions. If you would like to get on the Pee Wee Ski email list, please email me at hmq@seward.net.
Hope to see you for some wintertime fun!
Heather Shank
Seward Nordic Ski Club
Lost cell phone at DivideMy daughter lost her Samsung cell phone last night, Thursday Jan 5 at Mile 12 ski trails. She looked hard in the most likely places, the Meadows and parking lot, without success. If found, please let me know.
Thanks!
Carol Griswold
c_griz@yahoo.com
Need your skis waxed?
Austin Gillespie is in town over Christmas break and will be waxing skis and snowboards for $10 a pair. Give him a call at 362-2400 if you're interested!
Our Newest Newsletter
Third Annual Luminary Ski at Divide (Mile 12)
High School ski teams competed in Homer.
The girls and boys nordic ski teams competed under the expert guidance of coach Marc Swanson in Homer in early December. There are now 14 team members and they are a great group to work with - loads of enthusiasm and good character. Hopefully the snow will provide more opportunity for getting ready for the Seward Invitational on January 7 at the Divide Ski Area. Be there to cheer on the home team!
Its trapping season. Be careful where you ski! Watch your dog.
Its trapping season. There are reports of traps set in the Trail Lake area, at the Carter Lake trail head only a few feet from the trail) and along the trail to Grant Lake. Releasing a trap - conibear (body crushing type) or leghold - is extremely difficult. Learn how to release one and be prepared. Email us if you want more information on how to protect your dog from these wildland hazards.
Annual Gear Swap was a huge success!
NEWS
SNSC is on Facebook.
Thanks to members Hernan and Deb Scarnichia, the Club can be followed on Facebook. We hope this will provide a quicker and more "real time" involvement for members who want trail condition updates, possible ride sharing and gear need/sell.
Wilderness First Responder & Recert Classes in April 2012 !!
Once again Kayak Adventures will be sponsoring a Wilderness First Responder class, and a WFR recert class, in Seward next April. Here are the details for the classes. We’re already getting registrations… so make sure you sign up soon!
If you’re interested in either of these classes, please be sure to visit our website at www.KayakAK.com/wildernessmedicineclasses/ for more information.
You can also contact WENDY DOUGHTY for more information.
Cell phone: 406.980.0762
Email: wee@KayakAK.com
We hope to hear from you soon, and to see you in class in April!!
WILDERNESS FIRST RESPONDER CLASS
WHEN : April 14 – 22, 2012
WHERE : Resurrection Roadhouse (Part of the Seward Windsong Lodge) in Seward, Alaska
WHO SHOULD SIGN UP? : Anyone who spends time in the outdoors or in remote areas of Alaska. Whether you’re outside for work or recreation, this class will give you the knowledge and skills you need to deal with medical problems that may arise. The class is open to the public, and runs from 8am – 8pm every day… except for April 18, which is a day off.
COST : $625 / person
WFR RECERT CLASS
WHEN : April 28 – 30, 2012
WHERE : Resurrection Roadhouse (Part of the Seward Windsong Lodge) in Seward, Alaska
WHO SHOULD SIGN UP? : Anyone who holds a current Wilderness First Responder already, and needs to recertify to keep the certification valid.
COST : $275 / person
Substantial trail improvements made at Divide
On October 8 and 9, a lot of diesel energy went into dressing the ground surface of the Divide Ski Area. Tom Gillespie and John Shank operated an excavator and a bulldozer to install culverts at troublesome wet spots on the trails and to groom the ground surface of the trail system in preparation for winter. Others came by and tidied up with chain saws and loppers. Tight corners created by obstacle trees and stumps have been smoothed out, high spots have been shaved off and low spots will drain better and freeze up faster than in years past. The work not only improves out winter experience but it also finishes our effort to comply with the requirements of the State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Early Entry Permit. Next administrative step is an easement.
Three solid gates were installed in the spring which will keep out rogue trucks and four wheelers which damage the trail surface. Those gates and October's trail work will enhance our world-class ski area.
Our November 2011 newsletter is available
Check it out here.
Five new board members appointed
When you get the chance, congratulate these folks for their willingness to advance winter opportunities: Heather Shank, Marc Swanson, Alan Heavirland, Allison Heavirland, and Linda Lasota.