Alaska News

Spring fever? Here are things Alaskans can do to pretend warm weather is near

In Alaska we don't ever really get "spring". We get vast puddles as everything melts, eventually revealing mushy, fragrant ground that's been trapped under snow for months. Typically, break up happens in April and Alaskans like me, normally outdoorsy, seriously consider signing up for a gym or moving to Hawaii.

This year's different. Break up seems to be happening in fits and starts. This means the snow conditions are poor in most places in and around Southcentral Alaska. Many people I know consider March to be one of the best months of the year since the sun is out later, but this year it's harder to figure out exactly what to do with the extra daylight.

Cross-country skiing? Not much. Ice skating? Yes, but I'm kind of sick of that. Running? I am very sick of that.

I've been looking for ways to 'push' spring despite the weird conditions, kind of like a March scavenger hunt. Here's what I've found.

Turnagain Arm

Here's two delightful things about this time of year: Bears aren't awake yet and mosquitos haven't hatched.

Come summer, all we'll hear about is bear sightings near McHugh, scat on the Bird-to-Gird trail. Right now, that's not the case. Of course, it's still good to be aware, especially during this bizarre winter. However, by and large they're asleep. And you won't find a single mosquito.

The paved Bird-to Gird Trail along the Seward highway is 99.99 percent ice-free. This may change day to day with rain or snow, but I've run the trail the past two weekends and seen several other runners and cyclists with normal-sized tires out there too. If you're feeling adventurous, throw your bike in the car, park at Bird Creek, and plan on riding the 12 or so miles into Girdwood for lunch. Hang out with the locals while you're there -- if you think you've had a rough winter, theirs was probably worse. The snow seems to have bypassed Girdwood in favor of Massachusetts, where nobody even likes it.

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The Bird Ridge hike is also doable, if you're into putting your legs through the wringer this early in the season. The hike is straight uphill and then right back down, but you can't argue with the view and much of it is dry. To be safe, you'll probably need spikes that are a bit more heavy duty than Yaktrax or Ice Bugs. I recommend Kahtoola Microspikes, which run about $70.

A mellow day hike or run on the Turnagain Arm Trail is always rewarding. With the trail head so close to town, it's a great quick adventure or Sunday afternoon outing. Pack a lunch and hang out on the bench overlooking the Turnagain Arm that's 20-30 minutes from the Potter trailhead and a good short trek with kids.

The views along any of these trails are even better than they will be in the summer, because the foliage hasn't grown in yet.

Road trip to Homer

In the beautiful town of Homer, Alaska, it felt like spring much of this winter. There is no snow. The sun gleams off the water and mountains across the bay. Bishop's Beach is great for a stroll, as is the Homer Spit. I was recently there for work, and delighted in being on a conference call as I paced smooth, shiny rocks and took in some sunshine. I felt like I was getting away with something. I also felt really warm in the sun.

If you need more of a reason to head to Homer, why not put the annual Winter King Salmon Tournament on your calendar? It's on Saturday, March 21. According to the website, "Anglers from all over Alaska and other states come to fight for that winning salmon in this one day fishing extravaganza." Even if you are not one of the 900 or so participants (it's $100 to participate), the buzz around town is lively enough that you'll still have fun.

Some March days are balmy enough that you could pitch a tent and call it winter camping.

Homer is also a great spot to bring a bike for riding up and down the Spit and taking in the views.

Hatcher Pass

Okay, but what about the spring skiing? This is our birthright as Alaskans, you might argue.

It's still out there. You just might need to go a little farther. Every backcountry skier I know has been hanging out at Hatcher Pass and delighting in the fact that there are, in fact, turns to be had somewhere. As someone not yet rained in avalanche safety, I enjoy their photos from the avalanche-free comfort of social media.

Not a backcountry skier? Got kids or guests in tow? Bring a sled or some cross-country skis.

Reserve one of the cabins at Hatcher Pass Lodge or just hang out in the cozy lodge between outdoor stints. Bonus: If you do stay overnight, check out the aurora forecast. The lights have even been visible over Anchorage recently and are expected to continue. Increased aurora activity is a definite perk of the shoulder season.

Get ready for ‘real’ spring...indoors

If you're like me and took a break from riding your bike for practically the entire winter, you probably know in the back of your mind that getting back on the saddle is never as easy as you'd wish. To put it bluntly, after riding a bike for the first time in a season I spend a solid week being a pain in the rear about the pain in mine. I whine to anyone who will listen.

To avoid this, and also to begin training for bike races, I set my bike up on a trainer. These are essentially heavy bike braces you set up on the floor, attach the rear wheel of your bike, adjust the resistance, and then "ride" while going nowhere. The beauty of this setup in my house as opposed to the gym is I can watch as much bad Amazon Prime TV as I want, and when I am done my shower is right there, followed by my kitchen, followed by my couch.

This makes it easier for me to ignore the fact that I just spent an hour spinning my wheels.

You and I both know it's been a rough winter. Spring, supposedly our reward for actually making it through, is a weird thing in Alaska. It certainly doesn't resemble the Pleasantville-like spring other places seem to have, and this year is even stranger.

Still, trying to find spring and succeeding feels a bit like cheating the system. I have to admit: this year, when I feel jilted by winter, that feels good.

Alli Harvey lives, works and plays in Anchorage.

Alli Harvey

Alli Harvey lives in Palmer and plays in Southcentral Alaska.

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