Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage

Results: For over 50 years, Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage has been committed to providing the best cross country skiing opportunities for Anchorage.  Since the early 60s as Anchorage grew, motivated parents prioritized their kids' health and wellness by building trails, and investing time and energy to provide outdoor options for their kids. Dirt, sweat and tears have led to many of Anchorage's trails starting with the design and construction. Today, NSAA’s focus has shifted from developing new trails to taking care of our existing trail system with extensive maintenance that ensures sustainability for years to come. In the early 60s, skiers used trails in Anchorage wherever they could: potato fields, prison farms, camper parks, animal shelter property and the military base. Winter trail grooming prior to 1976 was all voluntary.  It wasn't until 1976 that the city funded a contract to groom ski trails.  Less than 7 years later, the passage of Proposition 23, a tax cap in 1983, eliminated that funding. NSAA assumed the trail maintenance and grooming, supported entirely by individual donations and volunteers. NSAA's community spirit, tenacity and volunteer driven work ethic perfectly reflect Anchorage's "live, work, play" vision, with NSAA having a significant role in the PLAY piece. Today, thousands of enthusiastic trail users frequent the trails year long, but most have no idea who created and is responsible for the trails they love. Many assume taxes cover grooming and maintenance costs, but NSAA is responsible for the soft-surface trails in our community with help of individual contributions, volunteer time and local support. NSAA is committed to healthy living and enhancing the quality of life for Anchorage, one trail at a time.

Target demographics: Sustaining trails and Nordic skiing programs that encourage healthy activities and lifestyles for all Alaskans.

Direct beneficiaries per year: Over 7,400 people participated in 34 events/programs; 87% were 18 & younger; events were fueled by 7,235 volunteer hours. Thousands of users logged 37,000 recreational hours on Anchorage-area trails; faced with some of Anchorage’s worst winter weather, NSAA’s ops team groomed parts of 150 km of trail system on 125 days. Nearly 650 youth learned to ski this past season. NSAA is donating $43,500 to local nonprofits and school programs, provided nearly 5,000 kids with access to Nordic ski gear.

Geographic areas served: Anchorage, Alaska

Programs: learn to ski programs, biathlon, ski jumping, fun community fundraising events such as Ski 4 Kids and Ski For Women that encourage all levels to be active and proceeds go back to the community