Alaska News

Outdoors hotline (2/14/12)

Registration for the 26th annual Buckwheat Ski Classic is now open. The 2012 race will be March 24 and includes 50-kilometer, 25K, 10K and kids 5K divisions. The Buckwheat is skied along sections of the historic Trail of '98 off the Klondike Highway north of Skagway. It is a traditional classic cross-country ski race. It will not be tracked for skating. Competitors of all ages and abilities are welcome. To register, go to buckwheatskiclassic.com and click on the Race Entry tab.

TODAY

Sweetheart Ski, 4-7 p.m., Lidia Selkregg Chalet, Lidia Selkregg Lane. Grab your sweetie and your skis and enjoy a beautiful trip around Russian Jack Springs Park. This self-guided tour includes a scenic view of the Chugach Mountains and the park. Lovers' loop trails maps and free hot cocoa available in the chalet. $10 per couple or family. (343-4495, www.muni.org/Departments/parks/Pages/SweetHeartSki.aspx)

WEDNESDAY

SnowFilm Series: Ski Channel's Film Fest, 7-10 p.m., Sitzmark Bar & Grill, 100 Olympic Circle. "The Story" and "Winter" are extraordinary tales of winter time adventure. All ages show, under 21 must be accompanied by parent or legal guardian. $5. (754-2275, AlyeskaResort.com)

Anchorage Snowmobile Club, 7 p.m., IBEW Local 1547 Meeting Hall, 3333 Denali St. The family oriented club sponsors rides to locations throughout Alaska. Meetings are open to the public and are free. (www.anchoragesnowmobileclub.com/index.htm)

THURSDAY

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Alaska outdoors weekly hiking, 6:30 p.m., Potter Trailhead, Turnagain Arm Trail, Old Seward Highway and Potter Valley Road . Join other outdoor enthusiasts for a challenging hike. Meeting location changes each week. $1 for non-members. (770-0440, www.alaska-outdoors.org)

"20 Trips in 60 Minutes" and live auction, 8-11 p.m., Beartooth Theater, 1230 W. 27th Ave. Watch "20 Trips in 60 Minutes" with Will Gadd, with trips ranging from setting world records in paragliding, climbing icebergs, caves, mountains and more. Showing in conjunction with the Alaska Ice Climbing Festival. After the movie there will be a live auction of outdoor gear and trips. A portion of the proceeds benefits local ice climbing access. $10. (783.0505, www.akicefest.com)

FRIDAY

Junior World Championship Sled Dog Race, 11 a.m. Friday-Sunday, Tozier Track, 3400 E. Tudor Road. Mushers ages 4-17 compete in divisions ranging from one-dog class on a quarter-mile trail to the seven-dog class on an eight-mile trail. Spectators are welcome at this free, family-friendly event. Leave pets at home. Free. (562-2235, www.asdra.org)

Ice Fest Comp & Clinics, 2-10 p.m., Alaska Rock Gym, 4840 Fairbanks St. The annual Alaska Ice Climbing Festival will be partly held at Alaska Rock Gym on Friday, with ice climbing mini-skill-builders, gear demonstrations and a dry-tool comps. Spectators free. Outdoor climbing clinics will be held Saturday. Space fills quickly at this popular event. $80. (783-0505, www.akicefest.com)

SATURDAY

Speed skating, 8:45 -10:15 a.m., McDonald Center, 13701 Harry McDonald Road. A fast, fun, family activity. Great cross-training for hockey players, cross-country skiers and bikers. All ages and abilities welcome. First time free. $15 thereafter. (522-2838, alaskaspeedskating.com)

Alaska Sports Car Lions Club Ice Racing Championship 2011-2012, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., ASCLC Ice Racing Track, Big Lake South State Recreation Site. Any street legal car can enter the race. $60. (www.aksportscarclub.org)

USASA Boardercross, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Alyeska Resort, Girdwood. Must have USASA membership. $85 daily, plus $20 per event. (240-0357, bigalaska.com)

Westchester Lagoon family skate, 1-3 p.m., Westchester Lagoon, U Street and West 15th Avenue. Strap on your skates and join the Wild, Wild West Skate. Free hot chocolate, music and games. Free. (343-4495, www.muni.org/Departments/parks/Pages/WestchesterLagoonFamilySkate.aspx)

Alaska's Three Bears, 2 p.m., Eagle River Nature Center, 32750 Eagle River Road. Junior naturalists will explore the unique world of Alaska's bears: the black, brown and polar bear. Free program, $5 parking for non-members. (694-2108, www.ernc.org)

Alaska Outdoor Council Banquet and Auction, 4:30 p.m., Egan Center, 555 W. Fifth Ave. Fundraising dinner with live and silent auctions, "wall of guns" raffles, dessert auction, general raffles, ladies "fur rose" raffle, and door prizes. $65. (229-4710, www.alaskaoutdoorcouncil.org)

SUNDAY

Owling in Anchorage, 2 p.m., Eagle River Nature Center, 32750 Eagle River Road. Liza Sanden will discuss spring owl activities and give tips on where to listen for owls in the Anchorage bowl. Indoor presentation. Free program, $5 parking for non-members. (694-2108, www.ernc.org)

MONDAY

Alaska outdoors weekly hiking, 6:30 p.m., Bicentennial Park: Smoke Jumper Trailhead, Elmore Road. Monday outings are for beginners and families. Meeting location changes each week. $1 for non-members. (770-0440, www.alaska-outdoors.org)

COMING UP

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Free survival kit building, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Feb. 22, LTR Training Systems, 5761 Silverado Way. Learn to build a survival kit with the experts and increase your knowledge on what you need and don't need when in a survival situation. (563-4463, www.survivaltraining.com)

Winterfest!, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily, Feb. 24-26, Denali National Park and Preserve and the Denali, McKinley Park Community Center. A community-wide event that features an array of activities, with something for all ages, interests, and abilities. Festivities kick off with a dessert potluck followed by a square dance. Other festival activities include dog sled rides, ice carving demonstration, ranger-guided snowshoe walk, snow sculpting contest, and a 5K family fun run/walk/ski/bike. Hot drinks and light refreshments are provided. The complete schedule is posted at www.nps.gov/dena. (907- 683-9532)

Gettin Jiggy kids ice fishing derby, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 25, Palmer Elks Lodge #1842, 2600 N. Barrys Resort Drive. Lots of prizes, including a guided fishing trip, ice auger and more. All proceeds go to "Alaska Make A Wish Foundation." $10. (715-4438, www.themasterangler.com)

To submit an event, go to events.adn.com and click on "add to our listings." To view a full listing of all available events, go to events.adn.com.

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