Outdoors/Adventure

Avalanche center gets a new snowmachine to aid forecasting efforts

For the fifth consecutive year, Alaska Mining & Diving Supply will donate a new loaner snowmachine to the Friends of Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center in support of its avalanche forecasting work.

The keys to a 2017 Ski-Doo Summit SP 850 will be presented 10:30 a.m. Saturday in the Turnagain Pass motorized parking lot by Ski-Doo/Bombardier Recreational Products and Alaska Mining and Diving. The snowmachine lists for $12,349.

The new machine will allow avalanche forecasters to collect snowpack information farther in the backcountry. Advisories focused on the Turnagain Pass area are posted on the center's website each morning, and the center also provides regular avalanche and avalanche-rescue workshops.

At the session turning over the snowmachine, forecasters will lead a snowpack discussion and offer avalanche safety tips.

Military skis for free at Alyeska

Monday Jan. 9 is Military Monday at Alyeska Resort in Girldwood, when all active duty and retired military get free lift tickets — along with other specials, such as $20 ski and snowboard rentals that include an on-hill introductory lesson.

The resort is offering free skiing the first Monday of every month during ski season. The offer applies to immediate family members with a military ID.

The lifts run 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

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Frosty Bottom race rerouted

One of Alaska's biggest winter fat bike races, the Frosty Bottom, will debut a new course this year at the Jan. 14 event, beginning at 10 a.m.

Starting and finishing at Kincaid Chalet, the 25-mile short course ($60) heads to Goose Lake and back while the 43-mile full course ($80) stays true to the race's history by riding all the way to Hilltop Ski Area before returning.

The final stretch takes riders up the daunting Kincaid Hill to the finish line. The top three men and women in the long race collect cash — $200, $100, and $50. An awards ceremony and potluck in the Kincaid Chalet will follow the race.

Last year, Will Ross edged Jason Lamoreaux and Josh Chelf by a mere second over 43 miles to finish in 2:42:21 and collect top dollar. Megan Chelf handily won the women's long race.

A total of 225 athletes competed in all the races last year, including a handful of runners.

Mike Campbell

Mike Campbell was a longtime editor for Alaska Dispatch News, and before that, the Anchorage Daily News.

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