Winter Activities in the Upper Susitna Valley

The fun has begun! Winter activities are happening in the Upper Susitna Valley. Local ice skaters braved the new ice early last week not wanting to miss what can be a brief opportunity. A couple inches of snow fell Thursday night but that did not slow them down. They explored various lakes including Montana Lake, Tigger Lake, and Long Lake.

The additional snow that fell early Saturday allowed for some skiers to get out as well. On Fish Lake Sunday, there was the unusual combination of ice skating, skiing and skijoring. Sun splashed across the mostly pristine snow and frost sparkled in the air. There were fresh tracks from dogs, ice skaters and skiers. The ice skaters were able to push through the few inches of snow with their blades, but there was enough snow to ski without hitting the ice.

Both Wendy Battino and Laura Wright did some skijoring with 2 dogs each pulling them around the perimeter of the lake. The name, skijoring, is derived from the similar Norwegian word meaning “ski driving”. Although skijoring is said to have originated as a mode of winter travel, it is currently primarily a competitive sport. Alaskan huskies are often trained as sled dogs due to their energetic nature, instinct to pull and ability to withstand cold weather. Laura’s huskies are Venus, who is retired, and Soliel. Wendy’s huskies are Moon, Bindi, and Artie.

Holly Stinson, who is part of a group that enjoys kicksledding every winter, did her first kicksled outing of the season on her neighborhood lake. More snow is needed before trail grooming happens, but the lakes are an option for some winter fun for now.

Story and photos by Christie Seay