Celebrate winter in Denali

DENALI -- The second annual Winterfest Celebration in Denali National Park and Preserve will be held March 15-17, 2002.

"Winterfest is a great time to discover how you can visit Denali year round. Winter in Alaska can be challenging, but visitors equipped with good information and a healthy dose of respect for the elements can expect an unforgettable experience," said park superintendent Stephen P. Martin.

The three-day event begins at 7 p.m. on March 15 at the McKinley Park Community Center.

An opening reception will be followed by a presentation about the 1932 Cosmic Ray Expedition led by Allen CarpŽ and Theodore Koven.

All of the Saturday and Sunday activities will take place at the Denali National Park Visitor Center.

Saturday's activities include a cross-country skiing clinic, snowshoe skills clinic, a winter ecology walk, snow-shelter building clinic, and an avalanche rescue skills clinic.

Sunday's events expand on Saturday's clinics and include a guided skijoring tour, snowshoe tour, and ski tours -- both classical style and skate style.

Saturday evening activities will take place at the Healy Tri-Valley Community Center. Events include a chili cook-off, hockey game and live music.

On Sunday morning, a community pancake breakfast will be held at the Tri-Valley School Cafeteria, with the public invited to attend and enjoy breakfast.

All Winterfest activities and programs are free. Food and lodging is available in the local area communities of Healy, McKinley Village and Cantwell, and arrangements should be made in advance.

Visitors should remember that it is winter in one of the coldest spots in Alaska, and dress accordingly.

If participating in outdoor activities, people are encouraged to dress in layers, and prepare for the cold. It is easier to remove a layer if the weather is warm than to add layers if the weather is cold.

Riley Creek Campground is open to visitors wishing to camp; however, campers are advised that water and sewer utilities have been shut down for the winter and will not be available for use during Winterfest.

Winterfest is sponsored by the National Park Service, together with the Denali Foundation, the Alaska Natural History Association, Denali Park Resorts, the Denali Institute and the Greater Healy/Denali Chamber or commerce.

The Park Road entrance is located at Mile 237 Parks Hwy. The Visitor Center is located at Mile 0.7 Park Road. The McKinley Park Community Center is located at Mile 230 Parks Hwy.

The Tri-Valley Community Center is located on the Usibelli Spur Road, in Healy Alaska, 12 miles north of the intersection of the Denali Park Road and the Parks Highway.