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Crews are applying the final coats of water to the Midtown Speedskating Oval so it can open this weekend. Some skaters have already tested the 400-meter oval in the Cuddy Family Midtown Park. Despite a few cracks and bumps, it's fine for skating.
All you have to do is drive Seward Highway south of Anchorage to see why early-season backcountry skaters need to know where they stand.
For several days earlier this month, Wasilla hunters Lisa and Tom Pelfrey had traipsed the woods of Fort Richardson, desperately seeking a moose but not seeing a single animal.
Notices and listings of upcoming outdoors events
Backcountry hero to receive governor's award
Gregory Nappi, whose heroic efforts led to the rescue of a friend injured in the Alaska backcountry, is among the recipients of the Governor's Annual Awards for Emergency Medical Services, which were announced Friday at the State Emergency Medical Services Symposium in Anchorage.
Skiers will carve turns at Arctic Valley soon
The board of directors of the Anchorage Ski Club, which runs the area 15 miles from downtown, unanimously voted Wednesday night to keep the 320-acre area open this winter.
Iron Dog winners to claim $50,000
The top prize in the world's longest and toughest snowmachine race will double to a record $50,000, Iron Dog organizers said Wednesday.
Come December, Alyeska Resort expects to open the Alyeska Pipeline Superpipe midway up Chair 7. At 300 feet long, 55 feet wide, with 18-foot walls, it is essentially what casual fans see on television during the Winter X Games or the Olympics.
Notices and listings of upcoming outdoors events
Help wanted: Denali needs a dog musher
In the world of dog mushing, there aren't many jobs with a steady paycheck. Professional mushers live off the bounty of their race earnings, dog breeding skills and marketing savvy. And within a federal government that employs 19.7 million people, there is one -- exactly one -- dog mushing job.
Two-wheeled light for days of darkness
Most Southcentral bikers who pedal through winter for transportation or recreation know that during the Dark Season, their very survival is linked to the lights and reflective tape that signal their presence.
Cyclists take a star turn at film fest
One hundred percent success is the sort of record even the most acclaimed movie directors would love -- and one that Anchorage videographer Carl Batrell now owns after his 26-minute documentary on winter riding in Alaska, "Fat Bikes," won first place at the Boston Bike Film Festival last month. It was Batrell's first film.
Notices and listings of upcoming outdoors events
Arctic Valley gets vote of confidence
Skiing fans who turned out Wednesday night for a meeting about the future of the Arctic Valley ski area voted overwhelmingly to keep the area open and operating as it has in the past.
Arctic Valley may not open this winter
Arctic Valley's long, tortured history of teetering on the brink of closure inched closer to the edge this week.
Open houses set on Denali park trails plan
The state will hold three open houses to discuss the first trails plan for Denali State Park.
Musk ox success: Striking a bullish balance
They're slow-footed and bull-headed. When threatened, they huddle up. During breeding season, males charge one another and crack heads with such force the sound can sometimes be heard up to a mile away.
Video: Wolves attack musk oxen
OUTDOOR BRIEFS
Homer fisherman wins diehard derby
Gary Lyon of Homer boated a 22.5-pound king salmon Oct. 11 to capture the Homer Elks Lodge's Winter King Salmon Derby.
Notices and listings of upcoming outdoors events
'Yuppie 911': Beacons make calls for help too easy
Technology has made calling for help instantaneous even in the most remote places. Because would-be adventurers can send GPS coordinates to rescuers with the touch of a button, some are exploring terrain they do not have the experience, knowledge, endurance or equipment to tackle.
Reflections Lake sports new boardwalk
State Fish and Game Department employees and Alaskans for Palmer Hay Flats volunteers last month banged out a big portion of a project aimed at transforming Reflections Lake, a small lake next to the Knik River on the Glenn Highway.
STORY
Within a federal government that employs 19.7 million people, there is one dog mushing job. It's in Denali, and it's currently vacant.
STORY
Most winter bikes know that during the Dark Season, survival is linked to the lights and reflective tape.
PHOTOS
Moose gather each autumn in Chugach State Park for the fall rut.
READER PHOTOS
Summertime is bear time, and the black and browns running around town make your sightings fascinating and important.
READER VIDEO
Renae Thomas posted video of Anchorage's fabled three-legged moose, seemingly healthy and with calf in tow.
VIDEO
Get an up-close look at going over Powerline Pass with the view of a camera mounted on top of the handlebars.
Legally blind musher finds new challenge
Team rescues Sitka hiker after fall down 'extreme slope'
Palmer man featured in film named pro skier of year
City reopens Bicentennial Park trail frequented by bears
Hunter bags bull moose from wheelchair
Rowing draws Alaskans of all ages
Heavy flatfish nets hefty purse
Deer hunter fends off brown bear attack near Sitka
Steelhead or rainbow: The great fish debate
Struggling Alaska Railroad cancels popular Ski Train
Plans for shooting range rile Butte residents
Cameras reveal fault in Eagle River trail plan
Crab fishermen surprised by deep-dwelling mystery fish
Little-known Alaska parks offer history, scenery, adventure
Spectacular six-pack of seldom-seen parklands in Alaska
Pixee lures: Alaska favorite endures
Alaskans dominate two derbies in Valdez
State invites input on new Chugach Park trail plan
Woman swims across Sitka Sound without wetsuit
Film inspires US parks to connect with students
King will run Fur Rondy sprint dog races for the first time
Take advantage of the gluttonous fall fish
Alyeska opens new North Face Trail
Hunters find caribou near road, quickly exceed quota
Seward is the spot for large flatfish
No bear deaths this season in Kenai-Russian fishing zone
Fishing legend Repine, 76, dies
Two hikers missing along Stampede Trail rescued