Alaska Mountain Wilderness Ski Classic
The Alaska Mountain Wilderness Ski Classic (AMWSC) is one of Alaska's
unique, breathtaking and most challenging backcountry treks offered for
cross country ski enthusiasts. The annual traverse through one of
Alaska's major mountain ranges has endured for over 20 years, and the
varying courses have been staged in the Wrangell-St. Elias, Chugach,
Brooks and Alaska mountain ranges. Participants are fully self
sufficient as they ski through the backcountry - there are no food
drops, rest stations, or marked routes. Each route has a set start
point, and when the gun goes off, skiers are free to pick the best route
through the country. The route is typically between 100 and 150 miles
long and most people complete the event in 5-8 days. Teams, rather than
individuals, are encouraged, but groups of skiers who travel at the same
pace typically stay together.
The location changes every three years, giving participants the
opportunity to try new routes with unique challenges. Each location is
chosen to give skiers both non-technical and mountaineering route
options.
The 2012 AMWSC will begin Sunday, April 1, 2012 at 12:00 PM at Galbraith Lake, Alaska, Mile 261 Dalton Highway. A mandatory check in point is required at the National Park Service Office in the Town of Anaktuvuk Pass. The finish of the AMWSC 2012 event is located at Alaska's Arctic Getaway Bed & Breakfast in Wiseman, Alaska. Three route options have been given and are described in full detail in the 2012 AMWS Event Information link below. This is the third year of the three year plan to use the Galbraith Lake to Wiseman Route.
Click on the links below for more information about the history of the AMWSC and this year's event route and application materials:
History of the Alaska Mountain Wilderness Ski Classic
