Hans Hill shares his thoughts on nordic skiing in the Valley.
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posted Nov 22, 2011 8:27 PM by Hans Hill
By now I hope you all have had a chance to enjoy the fresh
snow or at least some freshly groomed trails or at the very least waxed your
skis. The early season has been good to
us. Consistent snow storms swept through
the Mat-Su Valley and deposited a good base that should persevere
through the season. But as I write this,
the Witched Wind of the East is knocking at our doors. But here is a little secret: winds rolling through the Valley do not
always equate to winds in our beloved Hatcher Pass. Recent winds of 50-60mph in the flat lands
only resulted to 20-30mph gusts at the top of Marmot. Can you say “wind shadow?” And now we have reached the extent of my meteorological
knowledge.
My wife and I have had our skis initiated to this winter’s
snow. The kick-off to the season went
off with only a few fumbles. Firstly,
when packing a ski bag ensure all parties participating in skiing are aware of
which skis are theirs and which discipline they intend to be participating that
day. This may have not occurred for
us. Fortunately the “combi” boots showed
their only true advantage, their ability to always be the right boot. Secondly, if glide waxing all your skis at
once, go ahead and scrape all of the skis at the same time. This may have not occurred either. Once
again, my patient wife allowed us to conduct a very timely and pertinent
physics experiment; are skis faster with or without the presence of glide
wax. Without spoiling the upcoming issue
of “Obvious Magazine,” let’s just say the results were not shocking.
The good news is the season has begun and most of us have
removed the cobwebs that should result in an efficient, fruitful winter. Hopefully Ullr will bless us with a bountiful
snow year, leading to many kilometers of skiing. And like many of our fellow Alaskan clubs,
the MSSC has much to offer to keep you motivated through the season.
Race to the Outhouse -
Independence Mine
As the unofficial first race of winter, the event is proving
to be a popular preseason barometer of fitness.
Athletes ranging from junior, collegiate, to ,umm, well-aged
participated, accumulated to nearly 70-plus racers. Athletes proved their Alaskan tenacity by
persevering through the limited visibility.
Thanks to all the volunteers and racers for making a great event. For those who missed out, look forward to the
end of season race, Race to the Outhouse #2, TP not included…
Junior Nordics
Do you remember your first time on skis? Most of us recall those childhood
memories. But least we not deny our
young ones these important experiences; first ski-tip caught, first mis-placed
pole plant, first “yard sale.” Enroll
your child in Junior Nordics now! Time
is fast approaching for this years start, January 4th. See the Junior Nordic Page for details. |
posted Nov 16, 2011 11:10 PM by Hans Hill
An Open Letter to Those Opposed to Snow I recently took a drive into our fantastic backyard, Hatcher Pass (Note the lack of the possessive “ ‘s “ in “Hatcher,” for you out-of-towners). The sky had cleared up after a recent rain storm resulted in several inches of snow in the pass. As I drove up Palmer-Fishook Road, I could help but imagine what a great locale the proposed Hatcher Pass Nordic area is. The drive there is empowering knowing that one will be skiing at the base of these beautiful mountains. But the convenience of its location is something all the local schools will love. My drive continued into the pass winding along the Little-Susitna River, ice accumulating on the giant boulders trapped within the flow. I reached the top of the famous “16 Mile” run, known all over the Valley amongst the snowboarding teens and the like. I brought the dogs along to stretch their legs and play in the snow. To be honest, I probably would have done the drive even if the dogs were not in the need. I really wanted to get up there and check out the snow! As I have described in years past, I continually run into family, coworkers, etc., who complain about the first snowfall. “I’m not ready for winter,” is the common response. Let me go on record and say the next “poor soul” who utters this phrase is going to get a snowball to the face. No exceptions. I love snow, all types. Even windblown hard pack has its place and usage. For someone who is borderline obsessive about this white stuff, there is no better place to be in southcentral Alaska than being neighbors with Hatcher Pass. This day reminded me of this, because I know in possibly the next few days I will get to make my first strides on skis for this season. So bugger-off winter haters. We “The Supporters of Snow” areready for winter and Hatcher Pass is our early season haven. Annual Membership Meeting One of the pre-season events I have come to love is our Annual Membership Meeting. The club’s meeting always proves the popularity of our peculiar sport and to see our club continue to grow in numbers never gets old. With over 75 in attendance, it goes to show we have a committed membership base, don’t cha know. MSSC has inducted (or is it abducted) two new board members; Dave Musgrave and Michael Norton. Dave is a familiar face, having been heading the Junior Nordics program and collaborating on the website. A special thanks to Bill Spencer for driving out to the Valley and giving the MSSC an insight in the Hatcher Pass Nordic trail design. Additionally, thanks to all the contributing businesses that make our Meetings such a success; Backcountry Bike and Ski, REI, Alaska Mountain and Hiking, Skinny Ravens, Subway. Chariot Grant The Ski Club has just received a generous grant from the Mat-Su Health Foundation for four new Chariots for Club Members and ultimately the Public to sign out on a daily basis to make it easier and safer to tote the kids with you out speeding down the trails! Watch the website www.matsuski.org for news on how and when the Chariots will become available this season. Sea Hawkers Scholarship Another first for the Ski Club is the Mat-Su Sea Hawkers ( a Sea Hawk Booster Club here in the Valley) has awarded the Ski Club a $500 donation which the club has started a High School skier scholarship to help defray some of the equipment costs. The Wasilla, Colony, and Palmer High School coaches got together and determined the criteria for the Scholarship, which will rotate between the three schools. This year a Wasilla High School skier will be the first to receive the scholarship followed by Colony next year and Palmer the third year. In the next month or so we should know the name of the deserving student. The Club has an active season with many events, clinics and of course Junior Nordic program. The best place to check out the latest information and ski conditions is www.matsuski.org |
posted Mar 2, 2011 3:42 PM by Hans Hill
Black Toes
I’ve always had a hard time with boots. It should not come as a surprise, though,
having two different height arches, wide forefoot and narrow heels; my feet are
like the Michael Phelps of the swimming world, a freak of nature. Unlike MP, my
misshapen feet give no advantage, only wasted time searching for boots/ shoes
that fit and, oh yeah, pain. As was
demonstrated this last weekend…
Continuing with the winter’s theme of cycling between
melting conditions and sub-zero temps that produce hoar frost in inches per
day, this particular weekend brought the latter. Nevertheless, we were blessed with a few
inches of snow and I felt it my duty to explore the backcountry with my newly
purchased alpine touring boots.
Without going into too much detail, these boots have a heat
moldable liners that allows one to utilize a specialty oven to heat the liners
to a consistency of mashed potatoes in a panty hoses and as the liner cools one
is left with a boot interior that is matched to the shape of one’s foot. So me being the cheap guy I am, I chose to
make this a DIY project at home, instead of utilizing the services of a local
shop. The looks from my wife as I
attempted to slip my boot liners in to the oven undetected (attempt failed)
were priceless. After the liners were
thoroughly cooked I placed them in my boots and briefly thought how I would
explain third degree burns on just my feet.
I dismissed my concerns and placed my feet in the boots and stood on a
2x4 to properly seat my heels. After 15
minutes I felt convinced that I had succeeded, removed my boots and rewarded
myself with a hoppy beverage.
The following morning brought the cold temps, but I was not
to be persuaded in testing out my freshly molded boots. When we arrived at the parking area before
the ski, I began dressing and finally slipped on the boots. Fifteen minutes later a few of my toes had
gone numb. I blew it off and promised to
get dressed at home instead of in the parking lot when it is below-zero,
instead of recognizing that I may have botched the mold and the boots were too
tight in the toe area. The skiing was
really good, the sun periodically appeared and my feet didn’t hurt (duh,
they’re numb)! At about 4:30 we retired
to the car and decided to find a place for dinner on the way home. About a half hour in to the return trip,
feeling began to return to my toes, and it wasn’t a good thing. Pain!!!
I pulled of my socks to reveal my two big toes, purple, blue and bright
red in areas.
The proceeding days found me hobbling around like a
penguin. Professional advice suggested
that no permanent damage was done, but some amount of numbness may remain for
weeks/months. So in an attempt to make
my drivel have some purpose, here are a few tips to make your feet a bit happier:
·
Buy boots/footware locally. Not only are you helping support local
business, the ability to try on, walk in, ski in, boots is priceless. Make sure
to take your typical ski socks with you.
·
Consider an aftermarket or custom orthotic/foot
bed. The stock ones are designed for an
average user, few us match this criteria.
·
While there is some truth to “breaking in”
boots, too much pain/numbness will lead to irreparable damage.
·
If you find your toes (or fingers) going cold
while you wait for your ski buddies to catch up (usually not the case for me)
swing your appendages to centrifugally propel blood to the restricting vessels
in your toes/fingers. While this isn’t a
long term fix for being cold, it is enough to keep frost nip at bay while
you’re waiting.
·
Lastly, thicker socks are not always the
solution for warm feet. Too thick of a
sock will cause restriction in circulation to the feet resulting in frost
nip/bite or worse.
Hatcher Pass Nordic
Ski Area – Really!
As mentioned in last month’s article the Hatcher Pass Nordic
Ski Area has traction. The MSSC is
working with the Mat-Su Borough to come to an agreement to assist in the trail
construction. In anticipation of the
forthcoming agreement, over a dozen MSSC members snowshoed the proposed trails
and flagged off the anticipated clearing limits for the trails. Proof of concept; while the majority of the
valley is suffering from lack of snow coverage due to winds, the proposed
trails are flush with snow, requiring snowshoes for passage. This is going to be a great ski area!
Don’t fret, there will be plenty of opportunities to assist
in the construction of the trails. Keep
watching the website for updates and if you’re on the email list, watch your
inbox.
Serenity Falls Hut
Trip, March 12-13
I can only count a handful
of cabins/huts that can be skied to in one day in AK. That number drops quickly if you’re looking
for groomed trails. If this is starting
to interest you, let me sweeten the deal.
Imagine if you didn’t have to carry all your overnight gear and
food. The Serenity Falls trip is a 13km
ski one-way, along Eklutna Lake. The
trail will be groomed and a snowmachine will haul your gear to the hut for the
night. There are a few slots left for
this trip, so email matsuski@gmail.com
if interested.
Race to the Outhouse
#2, April 2
Last race of the season!
On Saturday, April 2 the Archangel Road trail will host the second in
the series, Race to the Outhouse. There
will be both skate and classic division in the 8km race. Check with the MSSC website for times and
updates.
Willow Ho!
Willow Carnival Sven Erickson 17 km race held Sunday
February 5th was well attended by Mat Su Ski Club members. The trails were wider and smoother than ever,
thanks to our trail host Steve Charles (yes the piano tuner Steve!) and his
cohorts. Considering they groom 80 miles
of multi use trails and temperatures on race day at 10 below, skiers were made
to feel most welcome. Greg Walaszek led the pack taking FIRST PLACE overall. Gene Backus stayed on course the entire race
this year but was beat by Karen Hopp due to her perfect wax that day. Next year’s Willow Carnival ski may be a
point to point from Nancy Lake to the Community Center – sounds like a great
tour. Many thanks to our northern
neighbors in Willow. |
posted Jan 20, 2011 4:35 PM by Hans Hill
As I write this the temperature has plummeted to negative
thirteen degrees and I am relieved to have this change in weather. For the past week the Valley has seen steady
35-45 mph winds with gusts to 75 mph.
The wind has been unrelenting causing my drive to work to appear as if I
was driving a slalom course, with gust causing me to veer left then right,
ugh. While the chilly windless weather
patter has reprieved me from the torture of sleepless nights, the snowpack has
taken a beating (and that is putting it lightly). Bombproof would be an adequate
description. Nevertheless our grooming
crew has put up a good fight.
As a last resort to combat depression and as suggested by
Mark Strabel, I’ve been exploring alternative activities to fend off the “Snow
Blown Away Blues.” My first reaction is
to catch-up on my waxing. A few of my
skis are looking a little rough and may be in need of a stone-grinding. Fortunately the entire Valley is covered in a
nice layer of glacial dust and a few kilometers around the trails may be just
right for a free ski tuning.
Another option I have been considering is roller
skiing. Now some may saw that this is
ridiculous, but I just saw vacuum trucks roaming the streets removing the
recent application of sand and gravel (and the aforementioned glacial dust) and
many of the shoulders are looking pretty enticing. It has been quite a few years since the last
time I stood on roller skis; I seem to recall a small piece of granite stopping
my right (roller) ski in mid stride causing my momentum to propel me some five
meters in the air until my knee, shoulder and face were used as a braking
mechanism. But I have a solution in case
the road shoulders are in poor shape, hit the treadmill at the local gym. In fact if I open the doors, drop the
thermostat to twenty-five degrees and have my five throw crushed ice at me
periodically through the workout, I may just get out of this Snow Blown Away
funk.
In all honesty the grooming crew has down a great job in
keeping what little snow is available skiable up in Hatcher Pass. Thanks for providing the goods.
Masters Group
As promised Darryl Farrens (coach / coordinator / mentor)
has begun coaching the masters group on Mondays beginning at 1 PM with classic
technique, 2:15 PM starts the skating portion.
This is a fantastic opportunity for those looking to improve and to
receive coaching from one of the “greats.”
All for the low-wholesale cost, one-time payment of $20 for the entire
season.
Junior Nordics
Good
news, Junior Nordics has started the weekday sessions. Bad news, snow at lower
elevations is absent. More good news,
there is plenty of snow at Mountain Streams B&B and there are lights. Ed Strabel froze his fingers putting up a lighted loop so
that the kids can ski in the evenings. JNs now meets regularly on Tuesday
nights at 6 PM at Mountain Streams and until there is more snow at Mat River
Park and Alcantra, we are holding sessions at 4:30 pm on Wednesdays and
Thursdays.
Some may remember that Coach Ed started Junior
Nordics in the Valley more than 15 years ago (I know I do, “It’s a great day to
be a skier!”). He returns to the new reincarnation of JNs as a coach this year
as does another old-timer JN coach, Joe Nolting. The coaching staff this year
is filled out with Dave Musgrave, Mark Stigar and his daughter Sterling, Tracy
Houser, Rhett Buchanan, and Caroline Daughtery.
The JN skiers from last year have returned with
their skills in tact and are skiing better than ever. There are now four levels
of abilities in JNs: Polar Cubs (new skiers), Government Peak (basic),
Matanuska Peak (intermediate), and Pioneer Peak (advance). All of the
Peak groups have enjoyed their first experience with time trials. The Polar
Cubs mostly stay on top of their skis, but when they don't, they can now right
themselves. And duck walking (herring bone) and pizza slices (snow plows) are
seen on all the hills.
And what club would be complete without matching apparel. We will soon
have our new ski caps with the new Mat-Su Junior Nordics logo on it. Check out the website for a peek at the new logo.
Moonlight Ski, Clinics and More
With
the highly variable conditions the have been present I am hesitant to print any
dates and locations of upcoming events.
So stay tuned to the our website for the latest news.
Pisten Bully Fund
The
Pisten Bully Fund has received some generous donations as of late and the club
recognizes that this is a long term goal.
But maybe not as far off as we think….especially with the new Hatcher
Pass trail construction right around the corner. |
posted Jan 12, 2011 11:32 AM by Dave Musgrave
When I moved back from Flagstaff, Arizona I
brought back a trophy, my wife. No she
isn’t a “trophy wife,” but with most of my family and friends expecting that my
life partner would be something from the canine species, my arrival to Alaska
with a real-life, attractive, smart woman, well, put most in disbelief. (Author’s note: No, this is not a fluff piece
to try to win points with my wife, in fact you will soon see that the remainder
of the article will probably put me in the dog house, pun intended.) She had grown up in Arizona and as such did
not partake in the same winter time activates as I (I had no idea that a sport
called “Frisbee golf” existed).
When our first Alaskan winter together came my
wife was eager to find out what nordic skiing was all about. Now would be the appropriate time to list a
few tips on teaching your Significant Other (SO) how to ski:
·
Do
not go through your old ragged outerwear and dysfunctional ski equipment to
outfit your SO - 215s are meant for someone who is 6’ plus, not a 5’8”
beginner.
·
If
it is colder than -10 °F, it is probably not the best day to start teaching
skiing to your SO.
·
If
your SO is unconfident in descending hills, do not tell her/him to “step in the
tracks and tuck it.”
I
may be guilty of a few (all) of the above mentioned items.
My point being, take advantage of the ski club
and its activities/groups. I made the
mistake of thinking that by knowing how to ski, I could teach my wife. It takes some super-human powers to do
this. No matter what or how one gives
advice there is something about receiving criticism from ones SO that causes
illicit reactions (ski poles hurt). The
better option is to show up to a ski clinic, say “bye” to the SO and go ski 15K
while the SO enjoys the clinic. Then
meet back at the car to enjoy a hot refreshment. One more tip, if the 15km might stretch to 30km,
make sure both parties have car keys. I
might be guilty of this one too.
Hatcher Pass Nordic Ski
Center
This topic probably deserves a whole page to
itself. By printing time, the Environmental Impact
Statement should be approved and the Mat-Su Borough will have a signed
Memorandum of Agreement with the Mat-Su Ski club to construct the Hatcher Pass
Ski Center ski trails. This will be the
largest undertaking the club has engaged in.
Volunteers that we need include chainsaw
operators, laborers, and people with construction management experience. Beginning in February we plan to start
dropping trees. The reason is due to a
tree cutting moratorium from May 1st to July 15th. If you are interested in helping develop the
Valley’s first world-class ski trails contact Ed Strabel, 745-4190. The website will be updated as this project
progresses.
Masters Program
This has been a program we have thought about
for awhile. Daryl Farrens has generously
taken the charge and will be leading the group.
Daryl describes Masters as “an age thing, not ability.” Skiers of all abilities are welcome, where
both techniques will be addressed. The
program begins Monday January 3rd and will continue every Monday up
until February 28th. 1 - 2pm
will be spent on classic technique, 2:15-3:15 will be spent on skate
technique. A $20 Masters fee allows
admission to the group. Contact Daryl if
interested, farrens@mtaonline.net, 376-2169. Get your ski on!
6th Annual
Winter Trails Day(s)
Once again the Winter Trails Day is just around the
corner. For those who are unfamiliar
with the event, this is a chance for those new to skiing and snowshoeing to try
both sports out for free with equipment supplied by REI. January 9th Hatcher Pass will be
hosting the event (Mile 10.6 and Archangel Rd.) at 10am to 3pm. January 15th the event will be
held at the Palmer Hay flats at 11am to 3pm.
Additional details can be found at matsuski.org . Tell your friends and family to get off the
couch!
With an anticipated 500-plus attendees, we will
be in dire need of volunteers to help teach skate and classic techniques. If interested contact Ed Strabel 745-4190;
Karen Hopp 745-4180; or Mark Stigar 746-7350.
Moonlight Ski
This month’s Moonlight Ski will be occurring at
Mud Lake in the Butte area on January 15th at 7pm. The road can be rough and skinny, so it would
be adviseable to carpool with a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Your all-wheel-drive Audi need not apply. Directions:
off the Old Glenn Highway, take Maud road to the end, head right, travel
a quarter-mile and the lake will be on the right. Don’t miss this ski.
Junior Nordic
While it was still pre-season, Dave Musgrave put
on the second annual Candy Cane Cavort.
25 mini-me-s attended and tested their speed and endurance against one
another in a relay and a biathlon. Since
no one was too keen on supplying little ones with fire arms, the target shoot
was substituted with limbo. Competition
was stiff.
Currently 70 kids are registered with the Junior
Nordic program. With the first day of
practice starting January 4th it’s time to get your little ones
registered. Contact Dave Musgrave
982-7553 or check out the Facebook page for details.
We would like to thank Joe Nolting and Mark
Stigar for getting the recently acquired 40 pairs of skis waxed and prepped for
the young ones. Thanks guys, we’ll
contact you when klister season arrives.
Grooming Clinic, Waxing
Clinic, Skiing Clinics…
We will be holding multiple
clinics in the coming months. Be sure to
check out the website for upcoming events. |
posted Jan 12, 2011 11:31 AM by Dave Musgrave
Waxing, some claim it to be a bane of the sport with its chore like
status, but I like it. It is one of the few tasks in the garage where
when I am finished I feel more relaxed, plus I am not covered in grease.
Usually it’s an early morning or late night affair (maybe with a
beverage or two). Plug in the radio, setup the bench, and arrange the
tools and supplies. I usually have plenty of sticks that are ready for a
fresh coat. Nine sets of skis reside in our home and three snowboards,
though the snowboards tend be neglected by me as I am not a fan of
having both feet strapped to one board. Adjusting the base of the skis
to match harmoniously with the current snow type is as much art as it is
science.
The removal of impurities and irregularities at a microscopic level is
like a church and a barbershop all rolled up into one for ones skis.
I’ve even gone so far as to create a sauna for my skis, A.K.A the
hotbox. Don’t go asking your 60 year-old uncle with the VW van to help
build a hotbox, the response will not be what you are looking for. And
then comes the polishing, brushing the ski until there is a deep sheen
until one word pops to mind, FAST! The best part of the process occurs
upon the arrival on the trail when the skis are fastened to my feet and I
realize that my mistake of bringing classic poles instead of skate
poles will be a little less painful because I nailed the wax.
Junior Nordics
The Mat Su Health Foundation has generously awarded a grant for 60 pair
of skis to the at-Su Junior Nordicz program. But wait, there’s more;
Backcountry Bicycles has helped make this possible by providing skis
at-cost for the grant. Both Mat Su Health Foundation and Backcountry
Bicycles have continued to support the Mat Su Ski Club and Junior Nordic
and we cannot thank them enough.
Junior Nordics is slated to start up after the first of the year, January
4, but that shouldn’t stop the family from getting out and skiing.
Every Saturday the Junior Nordic athletes and families are meeting up to
enjoy the early season snow. Check out the Junior Nordics page: Mat-Su Ski Club Junior Nordics.
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