Prep ski teams stuck in Valdez

VALDEZ - Mat-Su Valley prep cross-country ski teams that traveled to Valdez this weekend will overnight there due to weather conditions, according to Mat-Su Borough School District spokesperson Catherine Esary.

Esary said Saturday rain in the Valdez area has made travel conditions hazardous and the teams will stay over night at the school and attempt to travel again Sunday.

The Palmer, Colony, Su Valley and Wasilla Nordic ski teams were in Valdez to compete in the Mat-Su Borough Championships. Palmer activities director Jeff Thiede said school officials were alerted Saturday afternoon of the change in travel plans.

"The road over the pass has some water on it, not in very good condition," Thiede said of the Richardson Highway, which connects Valdez to the Glenn Highway.

Thiede said school officials always err on the side of caution when it comes to the travel of its students.

"We just wanted to make sure everybody is set up good to stay down there," Thiede said.

Thiede said the plan is to leave Sunday, weather permitting.

This is the second time this season weather has become an issue with a Valdez ski race. The Valdez Invitational earlier this year was cancelled due to too much snow.