A rollicking Alaska tradition that began in the 1940s is over.

On the same day this week that it announced 127 layoffs, the Alaska Railroad Corp. told the Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage it has canceled next spring's ski train.

The train has carried thousands of skiers into the remote backcountry of Grandview, south of Anchorage, and Curry, near Talkeetna.

"It was going on before the Nordic Skiing Association existed," said NSAA executive director Diane Moxness. "We have pictures of people on the ski train back in the '40s. It is a long, loved Alaska tradition."

The Alaska Railroad, beset by financial hard times, is canceling all charter trains from November through April, with the possible exception of the Holiday Train to Seward, according to Wendy Lindskoog, the rail- road's associate vice president of corporate affairs.

"There is extra cost associated with running charters in the winter," she said. "Weather can throw unexpected hurdles at you, and you often end up not making money. On some charters you make money, but on others you don't."

Not running winter charters will allow the railroad to park some cars for the season, Lindskoog said. Regularly scheduled passenger service to Fairbanks will continue through the winter, she added.

Tickets for the ski train, which normally sell out quickly, had already been printed and were set to go on sale Oct. 1. The charter was scheduled for March, and the ski club was gearing up its sales effort just before the cancellation was announced.

"From our point of view we thought we were bringing them business," Moxness said. "But they have to make their own financial decisions. We really feel for those 127 families that lost their income.

"We have a good relationship with the railroad, and we hope to make this work in the future."

The ski train originally traveled south to Grandview, a remote landscape of soaring peaks and virgin powder. The train often ran three or four times a year.

In recent years, because of avalanche danger on the southern route, the train has headed north to Curry. Last year only one trip was made.

Skiers have come from all over the world to take the ski train.

"I don't have any doubt that the Grandview ski train was the best one-day tour in the world," said Kenny Powers, who has been riding the ski train since 1980. "Nothing can compare to it anywhere for total awesomeness.

"It's not only beautiful, but you have 700 people get off a train and just disappear. It was like you were alone in the wilderness, there was so much room. It was just a wonderful, joyful day."

The trip isn't all about the skiing.

A festive atmosphere, complete with costumed skiers, decorated train cars and a beer car were all part of the experience. Near the back of the train was the polka car, where riders danced to the Krausenspieler Blaskapelle Band.

Mike Lovejoy rode the train three times and has worked as a volunteer on the concession car.

"We picked up all the kegs from the Moose's Tooth and loaded them up in the morning. I'm not sure how many kegs we had, but I don't remember running out of beer," Lovejoy said. "I'd alternate between serving beer and running down to the polka car. It was always a lot of fun, just a riot. It is just one of those quintessential Alaska things."

The polka car had once been a cattle car, with just a chain across the open door. More than a hundred people would fill its dance floor.

"I don't know how nobody fell out," Lovejoy said.

Families with kids, young singles and grandparents mingled on the trips. Hard-core and casual skiers alike sign up for the unique experience.

"It's a great event. I look forward to it every year," said Lauren Gillard, who has volunteered on the ski train since 2005. "Last year we were cowboys. The year before that we had a Mexican theme. Some of the groups really get into it.

"I'm disappointed. It is a challenging time. I have a friend who was just laid off (by the railroad). I hope that they are able to arrange their budget so that we can get up and do this next year, that we only miss one year."

Find Richard Larson online at adn.com/contact/rlarson or call 257-4335.

ADVERTISEMENT