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News Release

Anchorage Ski Round-up: From black diamond to bunny slopes, fresh powder to groomed tracks, Anchorage is a skier’s paradise.

Anchorage, Alaska – March 20, 2009 – Anchorage boasts all kinds of ski events from family outings to extreme competition. With 140 miles of groomed ski trails in the city, a world class Nordic ski facility, four alpine ski areas and a high oxygen alpine ski resort with a base elevation of only 250 feet above sea level. Skiing isn’t just a pastime here, it’s a way of life.

Below is a list of upcoming ski events in Anchorage. For more information on these and other winter events and activities explore www.anchorage.net.

March 2009

Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage Ski Train
March 21, 2009
(907) 276-7609
www.anchoragenordicski.com
Climb aboard the Alaska Railroad in downtown Anchorage and head north to the historic, now abandoned town of Curry, Alaska, for a day of backcountry touring and snowshoeing. Then join fellow skiers for polka dancing and partying on the train home.

Military Appreciation Day
March 23, 2009
(907) 754-2111
www.alyeskaresort.com
Alyeska Resort salutes the members of our nation’s Armed Forces and their families with Military Appreciation Day. Present a valid Military ID and receive a lift ticket or rental. Special room rates start at $109/night for March 22 and 23. Advance reservations required.

Kim Reichhelm Steep Camp
March 24 – 30, 2009
(907) 754-1111
www.alyeskaresort.com
A steep skiing camp with guided skiing and instruction from two-time World Extreme Champion Kim Reichhelm and Alyeska Resort Ski School Director Garth McPhie. The five-day camp focuses on skiing steeps, powder, crud and off piste terrain. Hosted at the Hotel Alyeska, camp includes guided skiing and instruction, six nights accommodations, three day lift tickets, one day of snow-cat skiing, one day of helicopter skiing, a welcome reception, two dinners and daily après ski parties with video analysis. Heli and cat skiing is provided by Chugach Powder Guides. Options to ski Alyeska Resort rather than cat or heli-skiing are available and will be priced accordingly.

2009 Nature Valley U.S. Alpine National Championships
March 24-31, 2009
(907) 754-1111
www.alyeskaresort.com
Fast edges, carved slopes and extreme speed – Alaska’s world-class Alyeska Resort will play host as United States Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) athletes compete for top honors.

April 2009

Telepalooza 2009 World Telemark Freeskiing Competition
April 1 – 5, 2009
(907) 754-1111
www.alyeskaresort.com
A five-day celebration of the telemark community that includes telemark clinics, races, demonstrations, live music and lots of fun. This event is held in honor of Jeff Nissman, an avid teleskier, mountaineer and avalanche forecaster who died in a work related accident in January 2004. Proceeds from the charity raffle go to benefit Friends of the Chugach Avalanche Information Center. Watch telemark skiers compete in the World Telemark Freeskiing Competition or compete in a fun race.

Events include:
April 1 – World Comp Qualifier
April 2 – World Comp Day One
April 3 – World Comp Final and Superfinal and Dual Slalom Fun Race
April 4 – Classic Telemark Fun Race
April 5 – Uphill/Downhill Fun Race

Subaru Freeskiing World Championships
April 8 – 12, 2009
(907) 754-1111
http://freeskiingworldtour.com/
The Freeskiing World Tour culminates at Alyeska Resort after events in Telluride, CO, Crested Butte, CO, Snowbird, UT and Kirkwood Mountain Resort in Kirkwood, CA. Alyeska has proved to be one of the ultimate big mountain competition venues and attracts some of the best freeskiing athletes in the world.

GCI Arctic Man Ski & Sno-Go Classic
April 8-12, 2009
(907) 456-2626
www.arcticman.com
In this extreme winter race, skiers take a lone descent before grasping their snowmobile partner’s tow rope for an adrenaline-filled climb at speeds ranging from 70 to 90 mph, before a final plummet to a finish line in front of thousands of people.

Alyeska Spring Carnival and Slush Cup
April 23-26, 2009
(907) 754-1111
www.alyeskaresort.com
Usher in spring with great skiing and snowboarding at the Alyeska Spring Carnival. The Slush Cup is the main event and culmination of the festival, where skiers and boarders attempt to cross the 90-foot long man-made lake without getting wet. Participants are judged on style, air, costume, distance, and crowd-pleasing. Event is limited to 40 participants.

June

Alyeska Ski and Ride Summer Camp
June 3-7, 2009
(907) 754-1111
www.alyeskaresort.com
Day camps designed to improve skiing or snowboarding skills. Registration ends Jun 1, 2009.

Five-Day Package
This package includes five camp days, three meals daily, video analysis, evening skate park activities and coaching fees. Overnight accommodations are not included. There will be back-up plans for weather days in the daylodge with an indoor skate park. All participants under 18 years must have a coach/chaperone to participate in the camp.

One-Day Package (with coaching)
This package includes one day of camp with coaching, a sack lunch and BBQ dinner, as well as evening skate park activities. Overnight accommodations are not included. Participants must show up at the Tram Ticket Office by 10:00 am. All participants under 18 must have a coach/chaperone.

One-Day Package (no coaching)
This package includes one day of camp without coaching or meals. Participants must be 18 years or older. Participants may show up at the Tram ticket Office anytime during camp hours to participate.

December 2009

Torchlight Ski Parade
Dec. 31, 2009
(907) 754-1111
Skiers traverse Mount Alyeska with glowing lights in hand, followed by an awesome display of fireworks to ring in the new year.

January 2010

2010 ConocoPhillips U.S. Cross Country Ski Championships
Jan. 2-7, 2010
(907) 276-7609
www.anchoragenordicski.com
The Conoco Phillips U.S. Cross Country Ski Championships return to Anchorage’s Kincaid Park as the top skiers in the U.S. compete for the title of nation’s best.

The Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau’s (ACVB) mission is to attract and serve visitors to the Municipality of Anchorage as a Destination Marketing Organization (DMO). ACVB’s marketing functions are funded by one-third of the bed tax collected by lodging associations. One-third goes to the Municipality’s general fund, a contribution established in 1978, and one-third to service the bond debt and operations of the Anchorage Convention Centers. ACVB receives no state or federal funds. Explore www.Anchorage.net for more information.

Media Contacts:

Jeanette Anderson Moores
Public Relations
Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau
jmoores@anchorage.net
(907) 276-4118
Explore www.Anchorage.net

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