Public invited to attend UAF Trails Day

Submitted by Marmian Grimes
Phone: (907) 474-7902
03/02/06

The University of Alaska Fairbanks will celebrate the opening of a new section of ski trail at its annual Trails Day event Saturday, March 4 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Trails Day, held at the ski hut on the West Ridge of the UAF campus, introduces the community to UAF’s public winter trail system. With more than 20 miles of trails, it’s among the most extensive trail systems in the Fairbanks North Star Borough, boasting everything from groomed classic and skate skiing trails to ungroomed dog-walking trails.

The festivities will begin at 10 a.m. at the ski hut, with volunteer instructors offering free classic and skate skiing lessons at regular intervals throughout the day. Bring your own skis or take advantage of free ski rental. Before or after your lesson, enjoy free hot cocoa and watch demonstrations on proper waxing techniques.

At 2:30 p.m., UAF Chancellor Steve Jones will lead a ribbon-cutting ceremony at a 1,000-foot section of new trail completed earlier this year. The new trail is the result of cooperation between trail users and the university to reroute a section of existing trail. The previous trail crossed an access road that needed to be plowed to allow maintenance of a satellite dish. Lighting relocation for the new section was funded through UAF facilities services, the Geophysical Institute and the UAF trails club

Following the ribbon cutting, UAF Outdoor Adventures will host a 1K three-legged ski race and a 3K costume race. All activities and events are free and open to the public.

"So many people are cooped up all winter,"? said Tim Stallard, Outdoor Adventures coordinator. "Skiing is such a good thing to do in the winter. It’s a great form of exercise. I hope this event will get people out and get them participating in more outdoor activities."?

CONTACT: Tim Stallard, UAF Outdoor Adventures coordinator, at (907) 474-6027 or via e-mail at fntws@uaf.edu. UAF Public Information Officer Marmian Grimes at (907) 474-7902 or via e-mail at marmian.grimes@uaf.edu.

ON THE WEB: www.uaf.edu/outdoor/