Alaska Ski for Women a highlight for locals

One of the largest ski events of the year takes place in Anchorage on Super Bowl Sunday, and attracts countless Valley skiers every year.

The seventh-annual Alaska Ski for Women will take place Jan. 26, but if you want to participate, you better get busy, because the deadline for registration is Jan. 16.

Each year, the Alaska Ski for Women is one of the biggest recreational ski events of the year, with hundreds of people skiing at Kincaid Park to raise money for the Abused Women's Aid in Crisis (AWAIC) program. Last year alone, more than $80,000 was raised through the one-day event.

"It's the only competitive event that I'll participate in because it's more about getting out and enjoying yourself than pushing it," said Palmer's Ann Kenedy.

There are two races as part of the Alaska Ski for Women day, including a 4-kilometer classical/diagonal race, which starts at 11 a.m. at Kincaid Park, and a 4K skate/freestyle race at 12:30 p.m. The race is a partner event, and the times from both partners will be combined to determine the overall time.

While technically the event is a race, ask any participant, and they'll be quick to point out the name of the game is fun. A majority of participants dress up in costumes for the race, and those taking it seriously are in the minority.

All entries must be postmarked by Jan. 16, or you can print out the registration and take it REI in Anchorage on Jan. 22 and Jan. 23.

For more information about the event, and for registration forms, interested people can visit the Web site www.alaskaskiforwomen.org.