Troopers identified them as Wasilla residents Eric J. Zehnder, 23, and Kimber L. Velasquez, 22.
They were on a 2007 Ski-Doo Summit 800 riding from a cabin to the Kroto Creek parking lot. At around mile 17 of Petersville Road, the snowmachine left the main trail area. Zehnder and Velasquez were ejected and struck several trees, troopers said.
Troopers were notified around 1:26 a.m. that there had been a crash and CPR was in progress. Troopers and medics from Willow and Talkeetna got to the scene on a LifeMed helicopter and snowmobile. Zehnder and Velasquez were pronounced dead at 2:40 a.m.
Both appear to have been wearing their helmets. Alcohol appears to have been a factor, troopers said.
Reach Lisa Demer at ldemer@adn.com or 257-4390.
Important warning about e-mails purporting to be from the adn.com staff.