Eastern Kenai Peninsula Ski Challenge
Saturday, February 22, 2020
The Eastern Kenai Peninsula Ski Challenge is a fun event for all age groups and skill levels. Participants can skate ski, classic ski or snowshoe. Starting together at Bear Lake at 10:00am, participants ski around the lake and then drive themselves to the next venue. At Divide Ski Area, participants ski all loops before going on to the next area, Trail River Campground, and so on. The estimated total ski distance is about 24.5K. Skiers are encouraged to spend no more than 45 minutes (one hour at Bear Lake) at each ski area. People in training for longer events such as the Tour of Anchorage, can ski more laps, while others may ski less or even skip some ski areas.
Ski Area Locations
Start Bear Lake - 8.5K, Old Saw Mill Drive parking area. Skiing is around the perimeter of the lake.
Divide Ski Area - 3K, between mile 11 and 12 of the Seward Highway. Hilly and challenging course. Skiers to complete Luna, Paradise and Sitzmark Loops
Trail River Campground - 5K, mile 25 of the Seward Highway. Park on Trail River Road. Ski down to the campground, around all four loops and back to the parking area.
Quartz Creek Ski area at Crescent Creek Campground - 3K, drive through Moose Pass and towards Cooper Landing. Turn onto Quartz Creek Road and follow to Crescent Creek Campground. The ski trail is an out and back with two loops at the apex.
Lower Russian Lakes Campground - 5K, continue to drive through Cooper Landing and turn into the Lower Russian Lakes Campground area. The ski trail follows the Kenai River down to the Salmon and Grayling Loops before returning.
Participants then drive back towards Quartz Creek and meet at Sunrise Lodge at 5 pm for food, drinks, and an award.
Total Estimated Distance = 24.5K
Total Ski Time = 2 to 4 hours
Total Travel Time = 2 1/2 hours
Sample Timeline
10:00 - START Bear Lake
11:00 - Transition
11:15 - Divide Ski Area
12:00 - Transition
12:30 - Trail River Campground
1:15 - Transition
1:45 - Crescent Creek Campground at Quartz Creek
2:30 - Transition
3:00 - Russian River Campground
5:00 - FINISH Sunrise Lodge for a meal and awarding a prize
Transportation: Skiers transport themselves. Carpooling is highly encouraged.
Award Ceremony and Meal: At the end of the event, participants meet for a meal at Sunrise Lodge. Participants pay for their own meal and drinks.
Prize: At the meal, using tokens, we’ll decide on an Eastern Peninsula Star Skier. Tokens will be given for carpooling, completing all loops, having fun, skiing extra loops, being club members, ect.
More Questions: Call MaryLynn at 907-599-0495
