Get out your touring skis for a great and safe ski. You will experience un-groomed trails using fish scales and metal edges with a group of like-minded individuals! Meet future friends, enjoy some sweet powder, bring the dog and thermos full of hot cocoa.  All of our tours feature the Anchorage Nordic Ski Patrol, a valued partner in keeping all skiers safe!

SIGN UP PROCESS FOR 2022-23 SEASON

Based on the results of the past couple of seasons for tour sign up, attendance, and the size of the waitlist, we are trying something different this season. The tour schedule will be listed below for you to read about the tour specifics, dates, descriptions, etc as of October 1st. However; we won’t have the registration open for a tour until two weeks ahead of time. We’ll remind members of the date that a given tour registration will open. Registration will then be on a first come first serve basis. Hopefully, this will help with the issues experienced these last few seasons of tours being pre-booked early in the season before most members know to look at the schedule and then having them fill up with folks who can’t make it later.

By having the tour registration open two weeks before the tour date, the tour leads will have a better idea of weather and snow conditions for the scheduled tour and can make any changes before registration opens. Tour registrants will then be contacted with meet up time and location by the tour leads a few days before the tour. All cabin reservations will need to be paid for at time of registration.

COVID-19 Mitigation Plan

Before You Join a NSAA Backcountry Tour: 

1. Become a NSAA Member

Please note: that you MUST be a current NSAA member to join a tour. Renew or Join today!

Already a member? Login in to the NSAA Member Portal to sign up for a tour.

2. ​Pick a Tour

Find a tour that interests you and mark your calendar to save the date. Feel free to contact the tour leader with questions using the contact information provided in the schedule below.

Ski Tour Classifications

• Easy I: 1 to 3 miles round trip on generally flat terrain. Suitable for beginners
• Easy II: 3 to 6 miles round trip and up to 600 ft. elevation gain
• Easy III: 6 to 8 miles round trip or 600 ft. to 800 ft. elevation gain
• Moderate I: 800 ft. to 1100 ft. elevation gain
• Moderate II: 1100 ft. to 1500 ft. elevation gain
• Moderate III: 1500 ft. to 1800 ft. elevation gain
• Advanced I: 1800 ft. to 2500 ft. elevation gain
• Advanced II: Over 2500 ft. elevation gain

Advanced ski tours are generally on more difficult terrain and participants have developed efficiency and acquired skills for their safe backcountry ski travels. To go on an Advanced ski trip, you must be able to break trail for a period of time and must have excellent nordic/downhill skiing ability. In addition, you should carry a shovel, probe and avalanche beacon and know how to use them, plus any extra items required by the trip leader.