Alaska Ski Train

The local nordic ski club in Anchorage puts on this event called the ski train each winter. The club rents out the train that takes tourists to Denali or Seward in the summer to take about 300 people to either Grandview Pass south of Girdwood (a pristine Turagain Pass-like backcountry spot with no road, only train tracks) or Curry which is 150 miles north near Denali. Curry has a series of ridges with only about 1500' of vert and a typically rotten snowpack, but a very beuatiful spot, nonetheless. This year, they unfortunately cancelled the train to Grandview and it went to Curry where there is little good bc skiing. Hilary and I went on the ski train this Saturday and it was a blast. Most everyone had given up the idea of great skiing, so a festive attitude and expectations of a booze cruise with a stellar view were had by all. Here are some pics from the mostly debaucherous day:

The polka band makes its way through the train cars. I was particularly impressed by the coronet playe in the foreground playing with one hand and drinking a Guiness.

The train unloading at Curry preparing for a tour in the boreal forest about 60 miles from the Denali Park entrance.
Hilary setting the tone for the ride back!


The Alaska Range looking brilliant in the distance across the Susitna River from the train car.


The train party rolls back towards Anchorage.