Amid gas crunch, Alaska could revoke leases from a company whose drilling has stalled
By Nataniel Herz
Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s administration is threatening to strip a company of oil and gas leases in Cook Inlet outside Anchorage, saying it’s sitting on deposits that could delay an impending shortage of gas needed for heating and power generation in urban Alaska.
The Alaska Department of Natural Resources recently placed in “default” the Cosmopolitan Unit, a block leased by Texas-based BlueCrest Energy, saying it hasn’t met commitments to drill.
The company has held leases at Cosmopolitan for more than a decade. It conducted initial drilling several years ago but has not drilled any new wells since 2019, according to state records.
Company executives say that BlueCrest experienced a cash crunch when, amid a budget crisis beginning in 2014, the state of Alaska chose not to pay tax credits to oil firms that had spent money on drilling. BlueCrest has also had to ask Alaska’s economic development agency to approve delays in paying back a $30 million state loan.
The state’s new notice to BlueCrest, signed in May by Commissioner John Boyle, gives the company until Aug. 21 to show proof that it’s secured investment to drill a $55 million new oil well, as well as to advance development of a new offshore platform that would target natural gas.
That platform could cost $350 million or more, according to BlueCrest officials.
“We want to see aggressive, defined momentum towards putting our resources into active production,” Boyle said in an interview Thursday. “We need to see some drilling. We need to see some action.”
BlueCrest is negotiating with multiple companies about potential investment, Benjy Johnson, its chief executive, said in a phone interview.
“We’re hopeful that we’ll get it done,” he said. “I think we will.”
Johnson said he understands the state’s perspective, but added that defaulting BlueCrest’s leases is “not the solution to the problem.”
“The solution to the problem is helping us get funding to drill these wells, and to get the gas development going,” he said.
Read the entire article at the link below:
https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/k6bmrqyvmh8x4c8m5afzz59ff6rprs-lts2p
Judge: Alaska limits on intoxicating hemp products do not violate the U.S. Constitution
By James Brooks
A federal magistrate judge has ruled that the state of Alaska did not violate the U.S. Constitution when it acted to limit intoxicating hemp products in 2023.
In an order published May 23, Magistrate Judge Kyle Reardon granted summary judgment in favor of the state and against the Alaska Industrial Hemp Association, which sued two years ago in an attempt to overturn regulations imposed by the Alaska Department of Natural Resources.
The court order means intoxicating hemp products, common in many other states, will remain illegal in Alaska unless sold through a licensed marijuana retailer.
“It was rewarding to be part of the process developing the regulations, and I was happy when we successfully defended against the motion for a preliminary injunction in 2023,” said Assistant Attorney General Kevin Higgins, by email. Higgins represented the state in the case.
“I’m not patting myself on the back too hard though,” he said. “The Division of Agriculture was motivated by public safety concerns when it took measured action to regulate an emerging industry. This was an easy case to make, which is probably why the plaintiffs didn’t file an opposition to the motion for summary judgment.”
An attorney representing the plaintiff did not answer a request for comment on Wednesday.
Alaska legalized the sale and use of marijuana for recreational purposes in 2014. The state subsequently created a tightly regulated market in which only licensed businesses may grow, process and sell marijuana.
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Restraining order on Alaska bear cull to be in place until state fixes identified legal flaws
By Yereth Rosen
Superior Court Judge Christina Rankin, in an order issued late Monday, said the department’s decision to shoot bears earlier this month in violation of a previous court ruling justified her decision to keep the temporary restraining order in place beyond the 10 days that is standard in Alaska law.
The department will be prohibited from conducting its planned bear cull in the Mulchatna caribou herd range until it corrects the legal flaws identified in a March 14 ruling issued by a different judge, Rankin said.
She rejected the state’s request to lift the restraining order and its argument that the prohibition was no longer needed.
“Despite the State’s stated intention of discontinuing its bear predator control measures this season, due to its prior position that it would continue bear abatement unless specifically enjoined, this Court thinks it is prudent to specifically state that the TRO will not expire after ten days and extends the TRO until further order of the Court or until the State obtains proper legal authority, consistent with the March 14 Order, and the May 7, 2025 Order,” she said in her order.
It is the latest development in a lawsuit filed in 2023 by the Alaska Wildlife Alliance that challenged the predator control program.
State officials say the program is needed to boost Mulchatna caribou herd numbers, and it must be conducted in spring and early summer, when newborn caribou calves are vulnerable to bear predation. But the Alaska Wildlife Alliance and other critics say the program lacks scientific validity and was put into place without proper public input.
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Annual Parade Honors 14 Graduates
By Soren Wuerth
TNews Editor
Thirteen high school graduates and one UAA grad paraded from the Girdwood Post Office to the fire station Thursday night receiving cheers, honks, bubbles and roses.
About 100 well-wishers lined the route, including family members, former teachers, and yellow-clad Lion's Club members.
Graduates paused before emcee Salita Rios who told memories over a bullhorn of each gowned teenager before they moved to the Lion's table for more gifts. Then, the group took a moment for photos and to toss their square hats aloft.
Later, outside Jack Sprat Restaurant, Jared Moore said he enjoyed being a part of the local tradition. Standing next to him, Asher Cubit smiled in agreement.
Read the story and more pictures at the below link:
https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/annual-parade-honors-14-graduates
Alaska House urges local and state agencies to prepare for a bad wildfire season
By James Brooks (Story and Photo)
Alaska’s wildfire season is shaping up to be especially dangerous this year, and the Alaska House of Representatives is asking local, state and federal officials to prepare ahead of time.
On April 25, the House voted 37-0 to approve a resolution calling for readiness.
House Joint Resolution 15, by Rep. Ky Holland, I-Anchorage, is slated for a hearing on Friday in the Senate Resources Committee.
“House Joint Resolution 15 came about from an early awareness this winter about the very dry conditions that we were witnessing in Southcentral Alaska,” said Holland, speaking to the House.
“A really key part of this resolution is a recognition of how important it is that we do the outreach and we encourage the preparation by residents to be able to be more aware of what they can do to protect their own homes through the Firewise program,” he said.
Read the entire story at the link below:
Local Skiing Sensation Sees Her Line and Gets It
By Soren Wuerth
TNews Editor
Girdwood ski racer Katie Rowekamp was finishing a day of slalom training with her team in Kitzbuhel, Austria when, instead of riding a gondola down the mountain, she and a friend decided to ski back.
A side trail led to a CAT track, which led to a snow path, then a long traverse, shallower and shallower, to patches of concrete and a field and nothing.
"We look across the field to the other side of the canyon and see the gondola we were supposed to take down," she said during an interview in a Girdwood coffeehouse last week.
Rowekamp and her teammate took off their skis and began walking, worried. They were always told to stay on the tracks because ski resorts in Europe don't flag off out-of-bounds perimeters. The mountains are yours.
"All of sudden we found this little tiny cabin out in the middle of nowhere and we were crossing our fingers hoping somebody lived there and not some crazy Euro serial killer. And I walk around and there is this big golden retriever basking in the sunlight on their deck, and this cute old Austrian lady and her husband were there and were, like, AH!"
Read the entire story at the link below:
https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/local-skiing-sensation-sees-her-line-and-gets-it
Locals Gather for Second Weekend in Conjunction With Nationwide Protest
By Soren Wuerth
TNews Editor
Girdwood residents joined with protestors in Anchorage and across 50 states in a local rally under a warm sun Saturday. It's the second demonstration, on the corner of Alyeska Highway and Hightower Road this month.
The protest was in keeping with a "50-50-1" movement—50 States, 50 Protests, One Day—against policies of the Trump Administration.
"We need to use what voice we have," said Susan Carse, a 32-year-resident and retired attorney, who held a sign reading, "No Kings. Save Democracy."
She said she had concerns about a weakened role of the jucidiciary branch of government under the Trump Administration.
"We have three branchs and he's taken over the judicial. He seems to do what he wants," Carse said. She also said Trump seems to be getting away insider trading, an accusation levelled at the Administration following a sudden reversal in stocks and bonds prices.
"He's not honest. He doesn't follow the laws and, the big thing, he blatant ignored a unanimous decision by the U.S. Supreme Court. You just don't do that. It scares the shit out me.
"I think we've crossed over the line," Carse said. "What can we do? We can do this (protesting)."
Andrew Gates, 14, stood with his dog, Cozy, and held a sign, "Hands Off Canada," he'd just made beneath a small canopy.
"There's been an erosion of checks and balances and, if we do nothing, that'll be our undoing," Gates said as cars drove by on Alyeska Highway and honked.
Girdwood demonstrators were joined by a cutout of Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders. Sanders recent swing through western states, on a "Fighting Oligarchy Tour", brought crowds in the tens of thousands.
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Girdwood Residents join Nationwide ‘Hands-Off’ Protest
By Soren Wuerth
TNews Editor
More than two dozen rain-gear clad Girdwoodians poked signs into a stormy afternoon sky Saturday in a local demonstation against policies of Donald Trump's administration.
Residents turned out after being notified via a local Facebook post only the night before.
Organizer Emma Kramer said protesters received many waves and honks from passing cars along with one middle finger and a person who shoved a red MAGA hat from a crack in the window.
Photo: A protester in downtown Anchorage displays her sentiments on the actions of the Trump Administration. (Photo by Soren Wuerth)
Read the entire story at the link below:
https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/girdwood-residents-join-nationwide-hands-off-protest
Avalanche Mitigation enters the Future
By Allison Sayer
Copper River Record
Most of us are familiar with the role of artillery in avalanche risk mitigation. Artillery is fired into avalanche start zones when the runout area is closed to the public, preventing future avalanches that could cause harm. According to Statewide Avalanche and Artillery Program Manager Timothy Glassett, these methods are set to change dramatically over the next two years.
(The story reprinted from the Copper River Record with permission)
Read the entire story at the link below:
https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/avalanche-mitigation-enters-the-future
GBOS Candidates offer to serve Community
By Brooks Chandler
TNews Contributor
Brett Wilbanks and Kellie Okenek are both offering to serve Girdwood as members of the Girdwood Board of Supervisors. TNews chatted with both in separate interviews recently. Their comments below have been edited for length and clarity.
How did you come to live in Girdwood?
BW- Out of college I ended up with the State of Alaska as an engineer working hydroelectric projects. I found myself wanting more out of skiing and I got interested in ski patrol. I started with National Ski patrol as a volunteer and I ended up doing 27 years here at Alyeska as an early volunteer and then as a part time pro patroller.
KO- I always knew I wanted to live in Alaska and live in a ski town. So I took a job in Prudhoe in 2005 and moved to Girdwood.
Read the entire story at the link below:
https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/gbos-candidates-offer-to-serve-community
Assembly Changes Girdwood Plan to Allow Housing in Upper Meadows
By Soren Wuerth
TNews Editor
For the Anchorage Assembly, a plan that could shape Girdwood's destiny faced two competing visions.
One, shaped by years of community consensus, favors keeping the valley's beloved rainforest, trails and areas like Stumpy's Trail protected as open space.
The other vision, promoted by the owners of Alyeska Resort, is to acquire more land for housing developments, to meet, as one Assembly member put it, the town's "dire need for housing."
(Photo: Equipment clears land for a new parking lot near Alyeska Hotel last fall. (Photo by Soren Wuerth)
Read the entire story at the link below:
Neighbors fear helicopters in backyards
By Soren Wuerth
TNews Editor
When Camilla and Dave Seifert moved into their newly built Girdwood home in 1981, there was only one hangar alongside an airstrip, they could hear chum salmon spashing in the creek and there were no trees behind her house.
"Between 1980 and 1983 everything seemed to be built at the same time," Camilla said recently, referring to the neighborhood by her log home on Lake Tahoe Street.
Seifert pointed to a photo in a gallery of pictures lining a stair case.
"This one shows my daughter and Rosie Fletcher (who would become an Olympic snowboarder). They were best friends."
Two parka-clad children stand on an unfinished top floor of the Seifert cabin.
Beyond lies nothing but snowy mountains, Glacier Creek and a shed.
"The cottonwoods weren't even there," she said, looking out a back toward a stand of trees up to 70 feet high.
And the airport has since expanded.
Helicopter chatter is so loud, "when we're talking on the back deck, we need to stop talking," Seifert said.
Now, the Sieferts have learned the state transportation has leased a parcel behind her and her neighbor's houses Silverton Mountain Guides for its heliski operation.
The 55-year lease could mean "helicopter operations will be quite literally ten feet from our back doors," Seifert told the Girdwood Board of Superviors at its recent meeting.
According to the Seiferts and others, Parcel H was never meant to be developed.
Read the entire story at the link below:
https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/neighbors-fear-helicopters-in-backyards
Lack of snow prompts early start to official fire season in Alaska’s southern regions
By Yereth Rosen
Responding to the lack of snow across Southcentral Alaska and other regions, state officials on Thursday ordered an early start to the official fire season.
Instead of the usual start date of April 1, the fire season will be in effect as of March 17 in Southcentral Alaska, Southeast Alaska and much of Western Alaska, the Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection announced. That means that permits will be required for any burns conducted on state, municipal or private lands in the designated areas, which stretch from the Southeast Panhandle to the eastern Aleutians.
The state forester “has determined that weather conditions including warm temperatures and low snowpack across specific areas of Alaska raise the risk of wildland fire ahead of the statutorily designated fire season,” the order said.
The order follows a forecast issued on Monday by the National Interagency Fire Center that warned of “the potential for a busy start to the fire season across much of southern Alaska.”
Alaska’s official fire season start date of April 1 was set in 2006, after the record-high fire season of 2004 and a near-record season the following year. Up to then, the start date was May 1.
As Alaska has warmed over the past four decades, the state’s annual wildfire season has been stretched over a longer period, according to scientists at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Big fire seasons have also become more frequent over the past decades.
The early start to the official fire season does not affect Interior and northern Alaska, which have plenty of snowpack for now. The very large wildfires that are common in places like Interior Alaska generally start with lightning strikes that start around midsummer.
Read the entire story here:
Above Photo: The ground at Anchorage’s Earthquake Park, at the edge of Cook Inlet, is almost entirely snow-free on March 6, 2025. Downtown Anchorage is in the background. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)
(Article courtesy of Alaska Beacon by Creative Commons)
Late January Avalanches were close calls
By Soren Wuerth
TNews Editor
We all live at the mercy of Mother Nature, as on-going ecological catastrophes attest.
For people living below the shadow of a mountain, in the path of an avalanche, the reverberations of this reckoning become particularly poignant.
Centuries ago, the Incas brought young women to the peaks of mountains in sacrifice. They revered the mountain deity "Apus", protector of land and animals. In the Peruvian highlands, folklore still has locals crafting gifts for mountain spirits.
In Nepal prayer flags flutter along ancient trails and pilgrims chant the words, om mani padme hum.
For Norwegians, the Bergrisi, or "mountain giant", guards craggy peaks and could command or prevent an avalanche.
In Chinese mythology, mountains were said to hold up the sky.
Two Girdwood avalanches, one in upper Crow Creek and another on Mt. Alyeska came so close to disaster, it was as if an Apus or Bergrisi had been summoned.
Though the slides were considerable in both locations, no one was hurt and property escaped damage.
An avalanche that shed from Ragged Bowl above a small community along upper Crow Creek Road during a late January evening passed beside one cabin, went over the top of a vacant garage and stopped short of several homes.
Avalanche forecasters had warned of "high" danger during a turbulent storm that brought wind, rain and a half dozen feet of snow in places.
During the storm, one resident thought he'd heard something, an earthquake he thought, but outside he couldn't see much beyond a white-flurried gale.
When another local woke up the next day, he saw the avalanche beside, beneath and above his home. The avalanche sailed over the top of a vacant steel and concrete garage (designed for such events) loading the roof with feet of snow, branches and debris and came to a stop just before a house.
In the end, only an abandoned car and fish smoker were damaged.
Read the entire story at the link below:
https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/late-january-avalanches-were-close-calls
Commentary: Dark against an Oven of Yellow Fire—My Home of 41 Years
By John Gallup
TNews Contributor
I was just another college grad at loose ends.
I didn't have any idea what I wanted to do, and my supervising professor at college said, "If I were you, I'd go to Alaska."
It seemed like a good idea at the time, so here I am, 52 years later.
This story is about where I was born and spent the first 23 years of my life: Altadena, California.
Set up against the San Gabriel Mountains on sloping ground, Altadena was laid out on a basic grid pattern when old haciendas were broken up and Pasadena became built-out and expanded north.
It is divided almost exactly in half by north/south Lake Avenue. East of Lake was more upper-middle class, larger homes and lots, and it was here that Dr. Gallup moved into 1560 Homewood Drive on my sixth birthday in April 1955. I was enrolled in Noyes Elementary school.
The house at 1560 was huge by our standards, it was called a "New Orleans Colonial" and had wide balconies on three sides. In the backyard was a formal garden with a rectangular fish pond which was quickly emptied of its fish and became our summer swimming hole. To the west, down a steep slope, was well over an acre of raw scrubland which we called "The Jungle" and where four young boys could dig for buried treasure and build forts.
Fifteen-sixty was at the end of a cul-de-sac, so the street also was our playground and our football and baseball field. The Baby Boom provided us with lots of other kids to play and make mischief with.
We all had bikes, and our mother would greet us as we came home from school, saying, "I don't want to see you or hear you until dinner." Which was just fine with us. We pedaled off into the afternoon smog in search of adventure.
Elementary school, junior high, high school, then off to college. College was only about a 20 minute drive away, so I was back home a lot, usually with my hand out for spending money.
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A Heating Planet and La Niña add to Colder Spring with Less Precipitation in Southcentral, Scientists Say
By Soren Wuerth
TNews Editor
A series of warm winter storms that have walloped Girdwood and Southcentral Alaska in recent weeks has caused power outages, difficult travel, downed trees, avalanches and mudslides.
Climate change—driven largely by ever-increasing amounts of oil pollution—has increased the severity and unpredictability of weather events, scientists say, so that new monikers have spread, such as the "climate emergency", "climate chaos", and "global heating".
Last year was, globally, the warmest year on record. Alaska has warmed by more than 3 degrees in 50 years with the biggest changes taking place in the winter, according to climate scientists, and, they say, "the frequency of avalanches, landslides, floods and coastal storms is increasing in Alaska."
Are recent storms and warmer temperatures in Southcentral Alaska this winter unusual? Unprecedented?
Record-breaking heat waves, widespread warming and above average precipitation plagued the Arctic last year, according to an "Arctic Report Card" issued in December by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
"The rapid pace and complexity of Arctic change demand new and strengthened Arctic adaptation and global reductions of fossil fuel pollution," the report summarized.
And, despite above-average snowfall in the Arctic, snow melt is occurring 1-2 weeks earlier in the spring, the report said.
Researchers found December to be a warmer than average month at all its data stations and that it was a "relatively dry month" in most of the state, according to the UAF's Alaska Climate Research Center.
Read the entire story and graphics at the link below:
A Personal Tribute to former president Jimmy Carter
By Frans Weits
Jack Sprat Restaurant Owner in Girdwood
In July, 2005, four years after we'd opened Jack Sprat in Girdwood, my two year old son and I were about to go camping on the Kenai Peninsula when Kurt Hoessel, owner of Girdwood-based Alaska Wildland Adventures, contacted us.
Kurt said he could not say what was happening, but that he was bringing a "very important guest" to our restaurant for Sunday brunch.
“Just make sure to be there!" he said.
This was my first time taking my son, Frans Ryker, camping and his mom was getting a much deserved break from child rearing.
What did my wife, Jen Weits, do with her free weekend? Well, she cooked brunch, of course, as she often did.
Jen has a way with making excellent soups, and on this particular weekend, she made a Welsh Rarebit Soup special served in a sourdough bread bowl.
We had only been in business for a few years so I was rarely away from work. Having a baby to care for turns out to be a great reason to take time off and so I was cashing in.
James Dare had invited me to go fishing with him on the Kenai River and it was peak summer in mid- July. James was a chef for us and I have no idea how he had the weekend off. We were open seven days a week back then, so anything was possible, I guess.
I was sure to leave camp earlier than normal so we would not miss whatever surprise was waiting for us.
Meanwhile, Jen's cousin Tom Herrick was visiting from Michigan so he, Ryker and I made it back to the restaurant with time to have a latte before we found out what was happening.
Two secret service men briefed us on the situation: Ex-President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn were coming in for brunch.
Top photo courtesy of Frans Weits. Official photo courtesy Library of Congress.
Read the entire tribute at the below link:
https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/a-personal-tribute-to-former-president-jimmy-carter
Lions give Neighbors a Christmas Boost
By Allison Sayer
TNews Staffwriter
On Thursday, Dec. 19, a group of volunteers from the Girdwood Turnagain Arm Lions Club met at the Girdwood School to prepare holiday boxes for families who, according to longtime Lion Kathy Trautner, “could benefit from a Christmas boost.”
Lion Ally Goens supervised food sorting while taking and making calls regarding the special components of holiday meal boxes.
This year 14 families received a combination of holiday gifts. A gift-wrapped holiday meal box for each family contained traditional foods such as ham and pumpkin pie. Holiday items were purchased with some of the proceeds from fundraisers held throughout the year.
A supplemental box contained nonperishable pantry-stufferscollected by Girdwood School students. The sixth grade was the biggest collector this year, with 214 items. Sixth graders Aria Rice and Reagan Martyn spent one of their free periods helping sort food drive donations.
Families also received gifts from the “Angel Tree” program, which anonymously pairs families in need with local individuals willing to purchase presents on their wish list.
The Girdwood United Methodist Church, the Girdwood School, and the Chapel of Our Lady of the Snows identifies families to ask whether they would like to be included. If the families are interested, they submit information including how many children are in the family and the children’s ages.
A few days before Christmas, families can pick up boxes at the Girdwood School. The pickup occurs after the school has closed for the holiday break.
Trautner expressed her appreciation for the school’s partnership. She appreciates school staff’s efforts to identify families in need, host a food drive, and provide a venue where families can pick up their gifts discreetly.
Read the entire story at the link below:
https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/lions-give-neighbors-a-christmas-boost
Mining for Gold from Alaska to Paris!
By Seth Beaubien
TN News Contributor
Kristen Faulkner, double Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Gold Medal Champion, thank you so much for taking time from your very busy schedule to share your thoughts with the Turnagain News and its readers.
TN: Growing up in Homer, what are your memories of the Arm and Girdwood Valley?
KF: I remember learning to downhill ski at Alyeska. My family spent the whole day on the mountain and would break midday to get cinnamon rolls from the Bake Shop. I also love cross-country skiing in Moose Meadows, which are some trails in Girdwood that my Grandpa Stumpy helped build.
TN: You have been an active athlete your whole life, in Homer, at Phillips Academy then Harvard before getting into the competitive cycling world, what about those experiences helped prepare you for becoming an Olympian?
KF: Sports taught me the importance of discipline and hard work. As a student athlete, I also learned the importance of time management. I used to wake up at 6am for morning practice before school, and so it was an easy transition when I started training on my bike in the mornings before work.
TN: Cycling is both an individual and a team sport, can you describe that and the differences/similarities for our readers?
KF: For each race, the team Director selects a team leader, and the entire team sacrifices themselves to help that leader win the race. Support riders do this by chasing down competitors, distracting the other teams, and allowing the leader to draft off them. Different races suit different riders, and so the team leader changes depending on the race. It's important that we sacrifice ourselves for our teammates, knowing that they will do the same for us when it is our turn to be the leader.
TN: Can you describe what it feels like and means to you to represent America and wear USA kit and jersey? How is it different from the Tour de France Suisse or Giro Donne?
KF: I love representing my country. I am really proud to be American, and donning the Red, White, and Blue is a dream come true. I feel like I am racing for something much greater than myself, and that inspires me and motivates me.
Read the entire story here:
https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/mining-for-gold-from-alaska-to-paris
Enjoying Turnagain Arm’s Winter Wonderland
By Girdwood Parks and Recreation, Girdwood Trails Committee, Girdwood Nordic Ski Club
Girdwood is a magical wonderland in the winter because of the variety of activities available during this special time of the year. Ask any local, and most will say their favorite time of year is winter! Download a Girdwood Trails Winter Map or a map from the Girdwood Nordic Ski Club and get prepared to ski, walk, bike, or snowshoe on some of the best winter trails in Southcentral Alaska.
Starting a couple of years ago, narrow-gauge grooming was initiated around the perimeter of Moose Meadows and upper valley, on Winner Creek Trail, the Lower Iditarod Trail and part of the Beaver Pond Trail. Narrow-gauge grooming provides a great multi-use surface for walking, biking and skiing and is maintained as snow conditions allow.
Cross Country Skiing
The Girdwood Nordic Ski Club and Girdwood Parks and Rec volunteers groom diagonal and skate skiing lanes in Moose Meadow, some upper meadows, and the community’s Nordic 5K Loop. Moose Meadow and the upper valley multi-use trails are groomed once the snow depth measures 16”. The Nordic 5K Loop is groomed once 6” of snow has collected on the trail.
Moose Meadow is the ideal place to go if you are unsure of your ability or have small children who want to cross country ski. This multi-use trail is approximately 2K, slopes gently toward the middle of the valley, and has terrain that is most often soft and forgiving. The ski trail is set wide enough to accommodate diagonal as well as skate skiers, and dogs are welcome. A headlamp can be handy on dark winter nights, but if the night skiing lights are on at Alyeska Mountain, try a lap without your headlamp. You’ll be amazed at how your eyes adjust and how well you can see. Stop for a minute and listen for owls, too!
Connector cross-country trails lead from the northwest end of Moose Meadow to the upper meadows, requiring a thrilling trip down Horror Hill. It is fine to side-step or walk down this hill. Grooming through the upper valley meadows makes a great out-and-back ski, although if you like to go off-trail, you can ski through the trees and discover social trails and quiet meadows.
Read the entire story here:
https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/enjoying-turnagain-arms-winter-wonderland