Over 700 skiers race in Oosik Classic

Skiers across Alaska came to Talkeetna this past weekend to compete in the Oosik Classic. Competitors signed up to race anywhere from fifty to ten kilometers, but most were not trying to get the fastest time. Many in attendance dressed up in costumes, prepared to have fun.

“We have a lot of people that just come up and spend time in Talkeetna for the weekend and just have fun with it,” said Race Director and Volunteer Coordinator Chelsie Valetta.

This is Valetta’s third Oosik Classic. She said the race offers attendees the chance to ski, have fun, and raise money for a good cause. Valetta said the funds from the event go towards the Denali Nordic Ski Club and their JR Nordic Program which teaches kids the ins and outs of cross-country skiing.

When preparing for the Oosik Classic, there are many moving parts, but Valetta said there was one aspect in particular that stood out.

“One of the most stressful things is the weather because there are a lot of things pretty much you can control throughout the whole preparation leading up to race day,” she said, “weather is just that entity that you can’t control.”

The Oosik typically takes skiers over frozen lakes, but low snowfall and warmer temperatures meant that wasn’t possible this year.

Even with changes from a typical year, over 700 skiers competed in the race.