Outdoors/Adventure

Outdoors Calendar

THURSDAY

Mount Alyeska Opening Day — 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. as Alaska's biggest ski mountain opens the 2015-16 season on 1,610 skiable acres with 76 named trails. Lift tickets $75 for weekends and holiday, $60 midweek, with season or 10-time passes still available. (www.alyeskaresort.com)

Turkey Trot — Thanksgiving Day run with 5-K at 11 a.m. and 3-K at 11:15 a.m. from Anchorage Dena'ina Convention Center. $25 age 10 and under, $40 all others. Sponsor Skinny Raven is collecting food and cash donations. Register online or 9:30-10:30 at Dena'ina Center. (skinnyraven.com/races/turkey-trot)

FRIDAY

#OptOutside with Anchorage and Mat-Su Tiny Trekkers for a family-friendly hike — 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Black Friday, Eagle River Nature Center. We will meet in front of the chalet and do introductions. The first part of the trail is on a downslope so wear ice cleats. Glow sticks will be provided to light the way and keep the kids entertained. Start on the Rodak trail and then go past Dew Mound to the bridge before turning around. It is about 3 miles round-trip. If your kiddos aren't walking yet or may be happier with breaks, this trail is off road stroller (may be challenging), carrier- and sled-friendly. To see more free events check out facebook.com/groups/tinytrekkers. Free. (854-0225)

Zoo Lights — Lighted parade of bright and beautiful animal displays take over the zoo each winter. 5 p.m. opening tonight, continuing Thursdays through Sundays 5-8 p.m. until Jan. 31. Children 2-and-under free; zoo pass holders $6, non-pass holders $8 (alaskazoo.org)

SUNDAY

Wooden Ski Classic — Noon to 2 p.m., Russian Jack Park. A 5-K race for adults and a 2.5-K race for ages 12 and younger. First wave of racers should wear an old-school cross-country costume and use wooden skis. All others go in the second wave. Break out your wool knickers and sweaters. Stay for a traditional Scandinavian breakfast afterwards. Co-sponsors include the Sons of Norway Bernt Balchen Lodge and the Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage. Prizes awarded to the best dressed boy and girl, ages 12 and younger and for best dressed female and male adult. Register online. Volunteers will supply and apply pine tar to your skis 9-11 a.m. Remove all wax before you arrive. Registration is 10-11 a.m. in addition to the online registration. Bib pick up is from 10-11:30 a.m. (276-7609, www.anchoragenordicski.com)

MONDAY

Beginning adult classic ski lessons — Learn to cross-country ski with Anchorage Parks and Recreation. Beginners learn to diagonal stride, stop, turn, use poles, climb hills and move over varied terrain. Other topics include proper clothing and equipment and waxing for conditions. Taught as a four-lesson series for those who would like more practice with an instructor in a small group setting. Series kicks off with the first class 6:30-8 p.m. Monday, Kincaid Outdoor Center. $80. (343-6397)

Speedskating — Cook Inlet Speedskating School offers instruction 5:45-7 p.m. at Cuddy Family Park Oval Mondays and Wednesday through Dec. 21. Free the first time, after that cost is determined upon use. (694-2545, alaskaspeedskating.com)

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Alaska Outdoors weekly evening hike: Chuck Albrecht Park — 6:30 p.m. Monday, 3701 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. The Alaska Outdoors hosts easy to moderate social hikes, every Monday and Thursday, all year, throughout Anchorage. Monday hikes are designed for beginners and families with children, on established wide and mostly flat trails, in 1.5 hours. Thursday hikes are designed for moderate hikers. $1 for nonmembers. (440-9934, alaska-outdoors.org/wordpress)

To submit an event, go to adn.com/events. Submit events at least 10 days in advance.

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