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A couple strolls the Jewel Lake ice  Jan. 24, 2009, in south Anchorage.

ERIK HILL / Anchorage Daily New

A couple strolls the Jewel Lake ice Jan. 24, 2009, in south Anchorage.

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BIKING

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'VaMoose 25'

WHEN: 11 a.m. today

WHERE: Willow Community Center

DETAILS: This 25-mile race is in conjunction with the Willow Winter Carnival and will wind along groomed trails from Willow to the Big Su near Deshka Landing, then downriver and back on the Corral Hill or Rolly Creek Trail. Check-in 10 a.m.

COST: $20 for race division (timed); $10 for touring division (not timed)

CONTACT: www.tinyurl.com/vmbahraces

BOATING

Yukon 1000, Yukon 360

WHEN: Registration open for Yukon 1000 (starts July 20) and Yukon 360 (starts Aug. 16).

WHERE: Yukon River

DETAILS: The 1,000-mile race is open to tandem canoes and kayaks, voyageur canoes and teams of two solo canoes or kayaks traveling together. The 360-kilometer race is open to tandem canoes, tandem kayaks and voyageur canoes. Yukon 1000 registration closes June 18; Yukon 360 registration closes July 18.

COST: $212 per person for Yukon 1000; $82 per person for Yukon 360

CONTACT: yukon1000.com; 1-867-668-4630

Hiking/BACKPACKING

Weekly Anchorage hikes

WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Monday and Thursday WHERE: Monday at Goose Lake Park; Thursday at Hilltop Ski Area parking lot.

DETAILS: Alaska Outdoors weekly hikes. Monday hike an easier trail, suitable for kids. Thursday is a mountain trail.

COST: $1

CONTACT: 770-0440, www.alaska-outdoors.org

Guided snowshoe hike

WHEN: 2 p.m. today

WHERE: Eagle River Nature Center

DETAILS: Volunteers Bob and Ann Fisher will lead a two- to three-mile walk on snowshoes for families. The length of the walk will be adjusted to match the ability of the children. Includes brief introduction to snowshoeing inside the Nature Center before heading outside. Snowshoes will be provided for free or you can bring your own. Limited to the first 18 people (adults with children 8 years or older) who register by phone.

COST: Free, $5 parking for nonmembers

CONTACT: 694-2108

Snowshoeing Trek

WHEN: 6:15 p.m. Wednesday

WHERE: Baxter Elementary School

DETAILS: Use snowshoes to explore trails within the city. Bring snowshoes, poles, headlamps and warm clothes. Some snowshoes available.

COST: $7

CONTACT: 343-4260

Winter Trails Day

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: Campbell Creek Science Center

DETAILS: Try out snowshoes, skis, avalanche beacons, Geocaching and more at this event hosted by the Bureau of Land Management and REI.

COST: Free

CONTACT: 267-1247

KIDS

Valentine's Day scavenger hunt

WHEN: 2 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: Eagle River Nature Center

DETAILS: The first half hour in the center focuses on crafts and games covering the color red in nature, then moves onto the trails and ends at the Education Yurt. Dress for the outdoors.

COST: Free; $5 parking for nonmembers

CONTACT: 694-2108

Aurora sprint scholarship race

WHEN: Sign-up at 7 p.m. Friday; race at 10 a.m. Saturday

WHERE: Valley Canine Camp & Training Center; Aurora Dog Mushers Track, Big Lake.

DETAILS: The event is for juniors, ages 4-17, and dog classes 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7.

CONTACT: Larisa Myers-McCoin, 1-907-376-3943, lmyers@mtaonline.net; www.auroradogmushers.com

MEETINGS & CLASSES

Learn the uses of fungi

WHEN: 2 p.m. today

WHERE: Eagle River Nature Center

DETAILS: Did you know that mushrooms can be used to clean up oil spills? Dani Mazzotta introduces the topics of Mycorenewal and Mycofiltration. This will be an indoor presentation.

COST: Free; $5 parking for nonmembers

CONTACT: 694-2108

Mt. Yenlo Fish & Game advisory

WHEN: Noon Wednesday

WHERE: Skwentna Roadhouse

DETAILS: On the agenda are Board of Game proposals and Sportfishing Economic Survey.

CONTACT: Tom Payton, 733-3400

Valentine hike

WHEN: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: Eagle River Nature Center

DETAILS: Volunteers Bob and Ann Fisher will lead a 5.75-mile round trip hike on the Albert Loop and Rapids Camp trails, which are fairly level with only slight elevation gains. Hikers should be in good shape, but may be beginners. Bring a daypack with water, wind and snow clothing, and warm layers. Snowshoes and/or ice cleats may be needed. Call for trail conditions. Limited to the first 15 people (at least 18 years old) who register by phone.

COST: Free; $5 parking for nonmembers

CONTACT: 694-2108

"Becoming an Outdoors-Woman"

WHEN: March 13-15; register by Feb. 15

WHERE: Victory Bible Camp, near Palmer

DETAILS: The program hosted by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game is designed to introduce people to hunting, fishing and other related activities with over 40 hands-on sessions.

COST: $250 for applications postmarked by Feb. 15; $275 after Feb. 15. Fee includes meals and lodging.

CONTACT: Kirk Lingofelt, 267-2534; Mail registration to ADF&G, att: Tracy Smith, Division of Sport Fish, 333 Raspberry Road, Anchorage, Alaska, 99518.

Online hunter education courses

WHEN: Registration open

WHERE: Online

DETAILS: The Alaska Department of Fish and Game's "Hunter Information and Training Program" is now offering Online Hunter Education and Bowhunter Certification courses. When combined with a mandatory field day, students will earn an Alaska certification that does not expire and is accepted in all states.

COST: $20 for the Online Bowhunter Certification Course; $15 for the Online Basic Hunter Education Course.

CONTACT: 267-2241; www.huntereducation.alaska.gov/

MUSHING

AMMC Gold Rush Classic Vintage Sno Go Race

WHEN: 1:30 p.m. today

WHERE: Iron Dog start, Big Lake

DETAILS: In conjunction with the Iron Dog, AMMC will host a Vintage Snowmobile race, showcasing sleds and motors built before 1979.

CONTACT: 1-907-376-2697

RECREATION

Valentines for the animals

WHEN: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: Alaska Zoo

DETAILS: Make a valentine for your favorite animals. Keeper will discuss bear cubs and great horned owls, seal training and feeding. Cake for humans will be available at 1 p.m. in the greenhouse.

COST: Free with admission

CONTACT: 346-2133

SKIING

Hilltop two for Tuesdays

WHEN: 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. every Tuesday in February

WHERE: Hilltop Ski Area

DETAILS: Celebrate Hilltop's 25th anniversary, buy one lift ticket and receive a second ticket of equal or lesser value free.

CONTACT: 346-1446

Sweetheart Ski

WHEN: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: Russian Jack Springs Park

DETAILS: Grab your sweetie and your skis and enjoy this self-guided tour that includes a scenic view of the Chugach Mountains and the Russian Jack Springs. Lover's Loop trail maps and free hot cocoa available.

COST: $3 per couple/family

CONTACT: 343-6992

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