Outdoors/Adventure
Christmas Bird Count collects valuable data for conservation efforts
The first CBC in Anchorage was in 1941. The Anchorage Audubon Society has organized the count in recent decades.
Backcountry avalanche warning issued for much of Southcentral Alaska
A combination of heavy snowfall, strong winds and low-elevation rain Saturday “will overload a weak snowpack, creating widespread areas of unstable snow,” avalanche forecasters said.
He spends hours making art in the snow, then watches it vanish
Simon Beck works alone, using a compass and a pair of snowshoes to create intricate patterns as large as three soccer fields.
Trail running legend Kilian Jornet advises beginners to enjoy the view and go easy
Trail running has exploded in popularity in recent years. The sport encompasses everything from jogs on unpaved coastal paths to alpine ultra-marathons.
Canadian Yukon Quest sled dog race won’t be run this year
The Alaska version of the race is scheduled to start Feb. 7 in Fairbanks, with some competitors set to follow a new 750-mile course.
Iditarod names Corey Hester chief operating officer
Hester, who was born in Alaska, will focus on “growth strategy, operational integration, organizational planning, and cross-functional coordination.”
What will development look like at Anchorage’s newest park?
As master planning continues at the Potter Marsh Watershed Park, an existing conservation easement limits what can be built and where.
Online bookings just opened for a new cabin in Chugach National Forest
The Porcupine Cabin near Hope is part of a Forest Service project to make public-use cabins more accessible.
No snow is no problem at Skeetawk in Hatcher Pass
The nonprofit downhill ski area has high hopes despite challenging winter weather.
Traversing the Alaska wilderness, Dick Griffith revealed its possibilities to future generations of adventurers
Griffith died earlier this month at age 98. He leaves behind a legacy of innovation and inspiration within the outdoors community.
State considers more flexibility in air travel to McNeil bear sanctuary
Only floatplanes are allowed to ferry permitted visitors to enter one of the world’s premier destinations for bear viewing.
Iditarod announces new marshal to oversee race
Dan Carter, who finished the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in 2007, replaces Warren Palfrey in the position.
He set out to walk around the world. After 27 years, his quest is nearly over.
Karl Bushby is expected to finish his globe-walking expedition by September 2026.
Chugach Avalanche Center director remembered as mentor, unwavering advocate for snow safety
Wendy Wagner, 52, died on Nov. 6. She spent much of her career dedicated to efforts that she believed could help keep people safe in the mountains.
Hilltop Ski Area, Alyeska Resort set to open this weekend
Arctic Valley Ski Area is scheduled to open for skiers and snowboarders on Dec. 13, but snow tubing is open starting Saturday.
Backcountry avalanche warning issued from Girdwood to Turnagain Pass
“Heavy snowfall and strong winds will make very dangerous avalanche conditions, and travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended,” the Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center said.
After years of planning, steel arch is installed downtown for Anchorage Mushing District
Local officials hope the arch will be a major downtown attraction.
State plow operator training removes snow from a popular Hatcher Pass ski area
The clearing operation is likely to push Independence Mine trail grooming back at least a month, Mat-Su Ski Club officials said.
Legendary Alaska musher movie returns to big screen in rare Anchorage showing
The 1979 film “Spirit of the Wind” immortalized the life of musher George Attla and played to sold-out Alaska audiences.
Construction crew rescues 2 skaters from plunge through thin ice near Wasilla
The incident Monday afternoon shows most lakes are not yet safe for travel despite a recent spell of cold weather.
Remains of 2nd heli-skier killed in March avalanche near Girdwood identified as Montana man
Alaska State Troopers said a deceased man found in the slide area of the avalanche was 39-year-old Charles Eppard.
Suspension bridge will replace Winner Creek Trail hand tram in Girdwood, years after fatal fall
Construction of the bridge, with funding from grants, local donors and Girdwood Parks and Recreation savings, is expected to begin next summer.
Team recovers remains of another heli-skier buried in March avalanche near Girdwood
Searchers last month found the first of three skiers buried by a massive slide. A third man remains missing.
This woman hiked the entire Appalachian Trail at 80, unaware she’d just made history
“We put all kinds of limitations on ourselves,” said Betty Kellenberger. “Sometimes the biggest one is we don’t get up and try it.”
72 peaks. 31 days. One mountaineering legend: Kilian Jornet’s mind-blowing marathon
Jornet, one of the world’s most accomplished mountaineers and a former record-holder in Alaska’s Mount Marathon race, did something this month that left even other elite athletes gasping.
Body of heli-skier buried in March avalanche near Girdwood recovered as search continues for 2 others
The three men, all with Minnesota connections, were buried at least 40 feet deep in a massive avalanche in the Chugach Mountains.
Alaska climber Balin Miller dies in climbing accident at El Capitan
According to a post from well-known El Cap chronicler Tom Evans, Miller was trying to clear a bag that had gotten stuck and rappelled off the end of the rope.
A hike to pick wild Chugach blueberries offers insights on the passage, and value, of time
Nature writer Bill Sherwonit’s blueberry-picking outing on a fine fall day had him recalling previous trips to the Falls Creek Valley with his beloved dog, and how they’re both adjusting to the passage of time.
Iditarod announces inaugural Hall of Fame class
The class includes five-time champion Rick Swenson; four-time champions Susan Butcher, Martin Buser, Jeff King and Lance Mackey; and Libby Riddles, the first woman to win the race.
Wildlife abounds as Denali National Park opens road to private vehicle traffic until Oct. 15
The Denali Park Road was packed with bears, moose, ptarmigan and curious guests on the first weekend.