Tickets for the popular Ski Train are on sale

By Alaska Dispatch News

Updated: October 4, 2016 Published: October 3, 2016

Skiers, snowshoers and snowboarders get off the ski train at Curry on March 12, 2016. (Loren Holmes / Alaska Dispatch News file)

The Nordic Ski Association of Anchorage is reminding avid cross-country skiers that it pays to be ready for winter once the calendar flips to October.

Tickets for the association's popular Ski Train to Curry went on sale Oct. 1 for $140, and for the first time this year, NSAA membership is required to purchase a ticket. Memberships run from $35 for a Trail Member to $85 for a Trail User and up to $700 for a Trail Meister family.

A maximum of eight Ski Train tickets can be purchased. They will be mailed in December.

The ski train heads north to Curry on March 11 for a day of skiing, music, eating, drinking and dancing.

Junior Nordic

Also, registration for the popular Junior Nordic program that teaches skiing fundamentals to youngsters ages 6 to 14 is underway. Groups are usually fewer than a dozen skiers, and the program tends to fill up fast.

Kincaid, Hillside and Russian Jack trails are used. Rental skis are available.

Two eight-week sessions are offered, with the first starting Nov. 14, if snowfall is adequate. Sessions cost $180. Typically, about 700 young skiers sign up for Junior Nordic, with the second session beginning Jan. 17 more popular due to the greater likelihood of snow.