Alaska is a Spectacular Winter Wonderland Playground

Contrary to most beliefs, Alaska doesn't close down in winter and the people don't all move away. Nothing could be farther from the truth. If anything, Alaska comes even more alive-and more beautiful. In the morning, the long light of the distant sun spreads its long, golden fingers over meadows of snow and grabs hold of the mounds of white, fluffy powder bending the branches of nearby spruce.

On days like this-which are more the norm than the exception in Alaska-there are outdoor activities in abundance to enjoy. From attitude to gear, winter in Alaska is all about the right approach. If you're ready for fun, you'll have it. And if you're dressed for it, you'll appreciate it even more. Gear can be found throughout Alaska or can be assembled ahead of time. Gloves, hats, a good jacket and proper layering techniques can make even the simplest winter outing much more enjoyable.

For those who want something relatively tame, there are three parks in Anchorage of winding trails and mile upon mile of converted bike trails to get out and ski, run, walk or bike on. In Anchorage's Kincaid Park and Hillside Parks, where the trails are specifically groomed for skiing, there are routes of all distances and difficulties passing through many different types of terrain. For those who want to go north out of Anchorage, there are also groomed trails in Hatcher Pass-which is also a favourite place for snowboarders and snowmachiners-and the Nancy Lakes Recreation Area, both of which are less than a two hour drive north. But then no matter where one goes in Alaska, there will probably be groomed ski trails if there's snow on the ground.

For downhill skiers and snowboarders there is Alyeska Resort approx 50 kms south of Anchorage, Alpenglow ski area less than 16 kms north of Anchorage and the smaller Hillside Ski Area in Anchorage itself. And, for the downhill enthusiast, there's Eaglecrest ski area in Juneau and Fairbanks is host to Mt. Aurora/Skiland, Moose Mountain, and Birch Hill.

For those who don't want to be relegated to pre-established trails, there is all of Alaska to explore. It is in winter that the wet world of ponds, lakes, bogs, rivers and creeks that make up so much of Alaska freeze over and make so much more of the backcountry accessible to travel.

On a brilliant mid-morning in January, skiers, snowshoers and snowmachiners will be seen scattering out across frozen bogs, over snow-covered lakes and up ice-bound rivers.

Farther south, occurs a unique winter event that anyone can take part in annually. Every Superbowl Sunday, the Anchorage Ski Club leads a cross-country ski trip across Portage Lake and up over the pass into Whittier where they pick up a train for the return trip. This is a short, scenic, and quite easy trip. 7-year olds and 60-year olds participate and no body gets really tired or even complains. Or those who want a longer outing may choose to make a multi-day ski trip through Denali National Park or farther north in the White Mountains. Especially in the latter, not only are there cabins for a cozy night's comfort, but when the trip is done, the Chena Hot Springs outside of Fairbanks is a great place to soak the tired bones.

The 1,932-km long Iditarod Trail, much of which is wholly impassable in the other seasons, becomes a major highway into the interior throughout the winter. And one doesn't have to plan to go the whole distance to get on the trail for a sunny morning of skiing, snowmachining or even mountain biking. Guides will also take people on sled dog outings any distance of the way to Nome. It is there for everyone's use as long as the winter lasts. Just imagine sliding silently through the woods all bundled in furs with the mists of the dogs' breaths rising over their rolling backs ahead of you and the mountains steeped in violet Alpenglow above.

Neither does one have to avoid these mountains just because it's winter. All over Alaska, mountaineers are seeking out high, cornice ridges and wind-blown summits that may not be nearly as accessible in the summer. Mount Susitna across the Knik Arm from Anchorage is a wonderfully gentle climb in the winter. Some even climb it on snowmachines. There are even easier ways to get up mountains than that, too.

Whether in Juneau, Valdez or even Anchorage, heli-skiing has become a popular way to get up a mountain just to ski down it. Also in Valdez, considered by some to be the ice-climbing capital of the world, the numerous waterfalls that tumble out of the nearby mountains in the summer, are an ice-climbers' frozen pinnacles in the winter. You can see them dangling hundreds of metres above roadways and valleys, clawing their way up like tiny beetles.

For those who don't want that much excitement, there is Fur Rendezvous, a two week-long festival that takes place in Anchorage in early February. It commemorates the trappers and hunters of the old days coming to town to sell and trade their furs and pelts. Now it is a collage of arts and crafts, shows and music, snowshoe baseball games and even an ice derby. It's highlight, though, are the fireworks and the three day long World Champion Sled Dog Race, whose course winds through city streets and along bike trails on its way in and out of the nearby wilderness. Nor is this only place one can watch instead of participate in a sport in Alaska during the winter.

All over the state there are spectator sports galore, including dog mushing, snowmachine races, ice carving and snow sculpting competitions, downhill skiing races, and even, for those who want to stay inside, the November Great Alaska Shootout basketball tournament. In February, the Iron Dog snowmachine race roars over 3,500 kms up and back the Iditarod Trail. Then in early March the famous Iditarod sled dog race itself starts. For the next two weeks, close to 70 mushers and 1,200 dogs race north along the trail, through crystal forests, up wide, frozen rivers and even out onto the windswept Bering Sea just to see who will cross under the famous big burl arch on Main Street in Nome first.

The Iditarod isn't the only competitive winter sport in Alaska, though. There are also venues where anyone can compete in the great outdoors of Alaska. A truly unique event is the Nome Golf Classic, which is played with orange balls out on the ice pack of the Bering Sea. They even spray-painted greens for that pseudo-summery look. Those who want to work a little harder can take part in a variety of other races, such as cross-country ski races, snowshoe races and even triathlons. Almost every city in Alaska has at least one race like these at some point in the winter. In Anchorage, for instance, there is the 50 kilometre Tour of Anchorage cross-country ski race which takes place in early March on trails that run from one end of the city to the other. Anyone not wishing to race quite that far could ski the 25 and 40 kilometre race routes.

For the downhill skier who wants to go real fast on a real steep mountain, there are the death-defying antics of the Extreme Skiing Championship in Valdez. Those, however, who want to keep their feet more solidly on the ground should try the 100-mile Coldfoot Classic running race. This race, which takes place entirely above the Arctic Circle, begins, appropriately enough, on Halloween. A real winter adventure can be found in the Iditasport. This 161 km running race can be done on skis, snowshoes, bicycle or even just on foot. This is a true wilderness experience that takes place far from any roads in a true wilderness environment. Tracking up frozen rivers and through snow-covered taiga, it is a true Alaskan adventure. Even more ambitious athletes, should try the Extreme Iditasport, a 560 km self-propelled race up the famous Iditarod Trail. In both races expect temperatures of 40-below at night. But also expect to see the Northern Lights glistening in the frozen sky and the sun splashing off distant blue summits. On a clear day, one can even see Mount McKinley rising out of the frigid plains to the north-a view without which no visit to Alaska is ever complete.

So it is that skiers, snowmachiners, snowshoers, snowboarders, walkers, bicyclists and runners continue go out every day and play all winter long. And when the day of play is over, people are at home sipping hot chocolate or wine and soaking their tired muscles in Jacuzzis or a hot tub, or maybe relaxing in front of an old movie or eating out in some bright restaurant downtown.

Alaska Bound offers Iditarod Packages. For details and pricing contact Alaska Bound on 1300 650 481

Alpine World/Ski One offers ski packages to Alyeska Resort. For details and pricing contact Alpine World/Ski One on 1300 138 311.

For FREE travel advice and/or a State Vacation Planner, contact the Sydney office of Alaska Travel Industry Association on telephone: 02 9959 4042 or email, alaska@integra-tm.com.au. Alternatively log onto our website: www.travelalaska.com