Spring Break in Alaska

The ski race season is complete.  Overall the season went well, although my last three races were  poor performances.  Some recovery time has certainly been in order.  My ideal recovery this year has been the chance to come home to Minneapolis and have some relaxed time at home.  It has been super nice to spring clean, relax and organize.  Plus, we have had a few home projects on our to do lists for a while.  Thankfully after serval days of easy jogs with Lahti and Caitlin I have been feeling more energetic and antsy.  I flew up to Alaska on Friday evening for a week of teaching skiing in Noorvik, Alaska with NanaNordic.  We departed for the village on Sunday which left Saturday to play.  We hoped in to the Alaska Skimeister race, a local downhill ski, cross country ski, fat bike race.  I had a blast.  Although my body has been tired, I still absolutely love to any kind of race.

Slushy conditions at the start of the bike leg meant that pushing the bike up the big hill was faster than riding.

Twin brother back in Alaska

All smiles as we land in Kotzebue.  Pretty fun to get back to winter 30 miles north of the artic circle

My first trip to teach skiing with NanaNordic was to Kotzebue 3 years ago.  We had a 7 hour layover in town.  Of course we skied all around town.

On snow with the 2nd Graders in Noorvik, Alaska

On my first trip to the artic we finished with a ski from Kotzebue to Noorvik.  About 42 miles and a strong headwind made for a long day.  It is nice to arrive in Noorvik much fresher and to get a chance to spend some time in town and with the kids.

Conditions are perftect for skiing with fresh snow and temperatures just above freezing.

Enjoying the sunny days and blue sky

Skiing through the streets of town.  Who wants to ski to their house?

Stopping in at home for a quick pickle snack. 

We are on skis for over 8 hours each day and even still we have to tell the kids they have to go home at the end of the day.  I love it.  It is great to see that winter, snow and the passion for skiing is still strong up North.  The kids in Noorvik have been skiing now for 4 years and are quite good.  The trails and terrain around town make it an ideal place to ski.  Looking forward to tomorrow, but not before a solid nights sleep.