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 2013 AMWSC will begin Sunday, March 31, 2013 at the McCarthy B & B in McCarthy,
Alaska, Mile 46 of the McCarthy Road. The finish of the AMWSC 2013 event is located
at the Old Log Cabin Wilderness Lodge at Mile 96 of the Old Tok Cutoff Road. Five
route options have been given and are described in full detail in the 2013 AMWSC
Event Information link below. This is the first year of the three year plan to use
the McCarthy to Old Log Cabin Inn 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
