Author Archives: Sonot Kkaazoot

Perfect ski on the classic only trails

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Today the temperature was -4 deg F when we left the hut with a major temperature inversion. However, all the classical only trails had been groomed on Wednesday so we didn’t want to miss the opportunity to ski on firm new tracks even if it meant dropping down 10 or 20 deg F.

The trails didn’t disappoint. If you are training for the Sonot Kkaazoot, or even more, if you are training for the Oosik or the Skiathon,  you REALLY should check out the classical only trails at Birch Hill.

The North Classical trails are groomed 5 feet wide making downhill corners easier for skiers with less flexible joints. The really steep downhill on the North Star was just fun today–no fall anxiety at all.

North Classics tracks sm

North Star tracks sm

Skiing past North Star pond sm

The South Classical trails are more technical but with the current snowfall and grooming, this 70 year old, bionic skier managed to easily stay on her skis on the Blackhawk loop.

Bernardo on Black Hawk sm

Trails groomed by Ken Coe and Bill Husby. All photos by Bill Husby.

Enjoy the longer days on the ski trails. If you enjoy skiing, please make sure that you donate to the Birch Hill Trail Fund:

https://nordicskicluboffairbanks.wildapricot.org/Donate/

Chena River groomed for Spring Break

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The Chena River portion of the Sonot Kkaazoot trail has been groomed again today and is ready for skiing. Bad Bob Baker reports that it is 20 feet wide (or more) for the entire length.

What’s holding you back? The river ice is more than 2 feet thick and the trail is groomed 20 feet wide? It’s just a little over three weeks until the Sonot Kkaazoot. Register now and avoid future price increases.

Bad Bob gives Chena River trail a thumbs up

Sonot Kkaazoot Race Director, Bad Bob Baker gives the Chena River trail a thumbs up.

Wide enough to skate side-by-sideChena River 3-5-20

Cold nights, thicker river ice

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Yes, it’s been a cold winter in Interior Alaska. However, the cold nights have thickened the Chena River ice so that the traditional Sonot Kkaazoot start looks VERY promising. With World Masters canceled this year because of the coronavirus, Bad Bob Baker is in town to pack down the abundant new snow so that the river ice will continue to thicken as race day approaches.

From the NWS Fairbanks Facebook page:

March ice thicknesses

Register now for the 33rd Denali State Bank Sonot Kkaazoot. Also, contribute to the Birch Hill trail grooming fund so that we can enjoy skiing on the abundant snow this spring.

https://nordicskicluboffairbanks.wildapricot.org/Donate/

Fresh grooming on Chena River today

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With the cold nights and sunny days, the Chena River portion of the Sonot Kkaazoot is looking awesome. Bad Bob Baker groomed the Chena River today. Here’s a photo that Bad Bob took looking back at the start/finish area of the Sonot Kkaazoot:

View of the Sonot Kkaazoot start on 2-27-20

and here are some close ups of Bad Bob’s grooming equipment and the corduroy after he has groomed.

Bad Bob grooming gear 2-27-20 on ChenaChena River cordoroy 2-27-20

Again, make sure you have your government identification if you ski onto Fort Wainwright from the Chena River.

What is holding you back from signing up for the 33rd Denali State Bank Sonot Kkaazoot? The register tab at the top of this webpage will take you to the secure site for online registration.

 

Sonot trail on Fort Wainwright groomed

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Although the temperature was pretty chilly for late February, the spectacular sun dog gave way to clear blue skies. Bill Husby, Birch Hill deputy groomer, headed out to check the Sonot Kkaazoot trail on Fort Wainwright this morning. Although there are no set classical tracks, the trail along the ditch has been groomed. Make sure that you have your government identification if you venture onto Fort Wainwright.

The Sonot Connector was groomed (and tracked by our NSCF groomers) so we had a pleasant circuit of the Relay, Blue, Outhouse, Sunnyside, and Cliffside trails, up the Sonot Connector and the rest of the White Bear trail. The sun was so bright that I had to dig out my shades.

The entire Sonot Kkaazoot trail is looking close to race ready. What is holding you back from signing up for the 33rd Denali State Bank Sonot Kkaazoot?

FWW ditch sm

Sonot Kkaazoot trail on Fort Wainwright, photo by Bill Husby

Chena River groomed on 2/15/20

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Bad Bob groomed the Chena River portion of the Sonot Kkaazoot trail again today after a week of cold weather. He commented that the trail was “nice.”

If you plan to ski the Chena River, be alert for any changes in the ice, stick to the area groomed, ski with a buddy, and make sure you carry your government identification if you ski onto Fort Wainwright.

Enjoy the sunshine and longer days.

Chena River 2-15-20 sm at Hamilton Acres

Photo by Bad Bob Baker of Sonot Kkaazoot trail on Chena River near Hamilton Acres

Chena River ice thickness downtown

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From: National Weather Service Fairbanks Facebook page:

CaptureCapture2

Ice thickness on the Chenr River downtown is 21″.

We have 2 feet of snow pack at the airport, which provides considerable insulation. The overflow that Bob Baker encountered on Sunday was only 4 to 6 inches deep. This cold spell will solidify that now that he had packed down the snow overlying it. Don’t panic. The Sonot Kkaazoot is still six weeks away and Mother Nature hasn’t revealed all her secrets yet.

However, this is for sure. Early registration ends a week from Friday so sign up now and save money on your entry fee. Just click on the register tab at the top of this page.

Chena River is NOT skiable on 2/9/2020

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IMG_8619

Bruce Jamieson observes as Bad Bob Baker points to the spot where he got stuck in the overflow and chose to stop dragging. Photo by Bill Husby

As of 10 a.m. Sunday, 9 February 2020, from Bad Bob Baker:

The Chena River is NOT skiable. Countless overflow areas.  Only the first 2 to 3 km from the Cushman Street Bridge are skiable.

REPEAT: Sonot Kkaazoot trail on Chena River is not skiable as of Sunday morning,  9 February 2020.

Chena River update, 2/5/2020

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Bad Bob Baker groomed the Chena River portion of the Sonot Kkaazoot course again on Tuesday.  He said “it’s very smooth and quite fast and at least 16′ wide at the narrowest.  The sugar snow has firmed up and the skating is quite nice.”

REMEMBER, before you head out to enjoy Bob’s grooming, if you are skiing onto Fort Wainwright, you must be carrying government identification with you. If you leave the Chena River and venture onto the base where the trail is accessible by road, you can be stopped by military personnel responsible for security protection on Fort Wainwright. Make sure you have your valid government identification with you.