February 26, 2026, by the Seward Folly Staff

Outdoor winter fun has been thriving in the area, thanks in large part to local volunteer groups. Recent highlights included SNSC ski lessons for second graders, the High School Nordic Skiing State Championships, the Moose Pass Winter Rendezvous, and the Seward Sports and Recreation Grizzly Glide ski races. After weeks of challenging weather, the return of snow and sunshine drew people back outdoors.

Second-Grade Ski Lessons

Second-graders from Seward Elementary learn to ski. Photos by Seward Folly, 02/17/26.

The Seward Nordic Ski Club, with help from a Seward Community Foundation grant program, provided free Nordic ski lessons for all Seward Elementary second-graders (and a few first-graders) during their regularly scheduled P.E. classes. Seward City Tours volunteered transportation to Divide Ski Area, and seven dedicated volunteers led the lessons, including outfitting the kids with gear.

Skiing not only gave the kids a fun way to exercise but also helped them build balance and confidence. For the last two sessions, the children tried simplified versions of Olympic events: biathlon with snowballs, relay races, slalom, ski jumping, and ski mountaineering.

Here’s what the kids and adults had to say:

“I liked learning to jump. I can stop, shuffle-shuffle-glide, turn a corner, and go down a hill,” said Aurora Klein.

“At first I didn’t want to try it, but when I did, it was a lot of fun,” Camber shared.

“I think it’s a big privilege that we get to do this. I have a lot of fun teaching kids to go downhill, stop, and turn corners,” said Isla Sawyer, who had learned to ski previously.

“I liked the racing. I learned to ski on the hills,” Marco added.

“This has been an extraordinary experience,” said second-grade teacher Eva Sanchez. “For some kids, it was their first time on skis. It’s really broadened their horizons. One student told me today she now thinks skiing is for her.”

Parent Stacy Schaffer agreed: “It’s so good. A lot of us wouldn’t take the kids out to learn on our own because it’s a lot of work. This is a great opportunity. I think my child will learn much better than if I were trying to teach him.”

Thanks to the hard work of local volunteers, agencies, and generous support from the community, more children are discovering the joy of winter sports. 

Alaska High School Nordic Ski Championships

Seward High School made a strong showing at the Alaska School Athletic Association Nordic Skiing Championships last weekend, sending two athletes to compete at the Government Hill Nordic Trails. Racing under clear skies, Indigo Leslie claimed an impressive third place among small school competitors, while teammate Logan Johnson crossed the finish line 19th overall. Both skiers capped off a demanding season of training with determined performances.

High School Nordic Skiers Indigo Leslie, Logan Johnson and Coach J. Leslie at the ASAA Nordic Skiing State Championships, 02/18-19/26. Photos by Kim Leslie.

Moose Pass Winter Rendezvous

Moose Pass Winter Rendezvous Returns with Classic Outdoor Fun

Moose Pass residents gathered on Upper Trail Lake last Saturday for the return of the Winter Rendezvous, a favorite local event celebrating winter sports and community. The weather cooperated, offering sun and a light breeze despite windier conditions in Seward.

Fun in the sun at the Moose Pass Winter Rendezvous. Photos by Carolyn Spencer. Curling photo by Terry Estes.

The day opened with a 4K freestyle ski race, followed by classic technique skiers. Fat tire bikers then took to the course, joined by skijoring racers. Later, snowmachiners raced a short track across the lake, a new event this year. During the races, skiers and bikers paused to collect Scrabble tiles, with the winner scoring the highest word.

A curling arena was open for anyone to try, and an informal ice hockey game drew players of all ages. While there was no ice-skating race, a well-made track allowed skaters to enjoy the ice between events. The popular ice golf course challenged teams with unpredictable, abrupt stops or long slides of the ball.

Organizer Brooke Estes estimated the Rendezvous has run for about 12 years, with occasional cancellations due to thin ice. Last year’s event was called off, but this year Moose Pass volunteers pulled together to make it happen, focusing on fun and connection over fun-loving competition.

Despite forecasts of cold and wind, turnout was strong. For the local crowd, it was a perfect winter day outdoors with friends and neighbors.

Bear Lake Grizzly Glide

On Sunday, a group of local skiers gathered at Bear Lake for the annual Grizzly Glide ski race, organized by Seward Sports and Recreation and the Seward Nordic Ski Club. The weather brought both sunshine and strong winds.

Skiers at the Grizzly Glide, 2026. Photos by Ron Marsh.

“This is the kind of race where you can get frostbite on the way out and a sunburn on the way back,” one participant said.

Spectators watched from the lake’s edge as the event got underway. Five classic skiers started first, heading to the far end of the lake. About half an hour later, eleven freestyle skiers took to the course. Despite the cold north wind, the groomed trail made for good skiing conditions. Skiers made their way out against the wind and returned with it at their backs.

Four or five Bear Creek Volunteer Fire Department members were also on hand, practicing cold-weather snowmachine rescue. No one needed help during the race, but the team was ready just in case.

The Grizzly Glide was a chance for the community to get outside, stay active, and have fun without leaving the Seward area.