Snowshoeing is a cheap and versatile way to get outdoors

By Andy Morrison
Special to the Turnagain Times

Alaska naturally requires some diverse ways to travel in its snowy conditions. We all have our favorites but perhaps the cheapest and most versatile are snowshoes. They are perfect for deep snow, tree well trails, steep terrain, tight trees, alder gullies and snowy streambeds. You can get places that snowmobiles and even skis simply cannot. Here lies the beauty, the versatility and long tradition of snowshoeing.
Girdwood’s’ Glacier Valley is the perfect place to strap on a pair of snowshoes to explore our endless terrain and bottomless snow. Stomping grounds are many and easily accessible. Just up valley from the Hotel Alyeska is a virtual wilderness of “Stumpy’s Trail”, open meadows and winding streams. The quiet of this area is one of its main attractions. Winner Creek Trail is a good choice too. Lesser known and equally scenic is the Iditarod Trail along Crow Creek Road.
Knowledge of snowshoeing equipment, local trails and conditions is key. There are several outlets for snowshoes, information and gear. Girdwood Ski and Cyclery and the Hotel Alyeska offer snowshoe sales and rentals and trail information. World Cup Sports has all the other backcountry gear to complete your outfit. The Glacier Ranger District, Hotel Alyeska Concierge, nightly rental office staff and B&B hosts are resources too.
You will not find the wood and rawhide snowshoes of the past though. Lightweight aluminum tubing, puncture resistant decks, cinch bindings and stainless crampons are found on most models. Adjustable trekking poles add to your stability and agility. Hiking boots and winter boots with ankle support seem to be the best choice in footwear.
If putting an outfit together and finding your way around still seems a little daunting local guides like myself (Alaska Backcountry Access) offer inclusive tours in Glacier Valley and the surrounding Chugach Mountains. We select and provide the right snowshoes for you and the conditions, guide you along the way and offer several unique destinations and activities. Our Sourdough Snow Circuit combines snowshoeing, dog mushing and gold panning into a half day of winter fun. We also offer treks near the remote town of Whittier and beautiful Prince William Sound.
Unique to our operation is exclusive snowshoe access of the Historic Crow Creek Gold Mine. The turn-of-the-century buildings and spectacular setting is a perfect backdrop for photos on the way to the creek. Here, (conditions dependent) we pan for and find real gold. Mining in the winter is popular among recreational gold miners using suction dredges too. Unlike the miners of the past we have a van to get us home.
No Alaskan trapper, miner, hunter or adventurer would go too far without his or her snowshoes. On your Alaskan adventure you shouldn’t either. Pack your safety gear, grab food and water, strap on some snowshoes and get out and enjoy the freedom snowshoeing can offer.

Andy Morrison owns and operates Alaska Backcountry Access LLC. You can contact him at (907)783-3600, andy@akback.com .