Kenai Peninsula Cross Country Skiing
If you’re looking for an exhilarating winter outdoor activity, try cross-country skiing. The Kenai Peninsula features many different kinds of cross-country trail options.
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Cross Country Skiing
In summer, the trails are open to all kinds of foot-powered recreation — walking, running, hiking, biking, photoshoots, wildlife watching and berry-picking. There’s even an 18-hole disc golf course. K‑9 feet are welcome, too. In winter, locals hit the trails for cross-country skiing and fat-tire biking. There are more than 25 kilometers of groomed ski trails, perfect for classic and skate cross-country skiing.
This 10-mile circuit of different loop trails is well-maintained and makes for fun hiking and skiing. Look for access from the parking lot at the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, where there are bathrooms and outdoor port-a-potties. If you come here to ski, warm up inside the center, next to the soapstone masonry heater.
This is a triathalon event (not race) that takes place in Seward every spring. It begins with a 3km section at Mile 12 ski area. For this section participants can either snowshoe, use classic skis or skate skis. Next is a 15 km bicycle ride to Seward from Mile 12, ending with a 6 km run to a specified location on the Waterfront Trail for a picnic.
Bear Lake is a popular destination for cross country skiing (both skate and classic), skijoring, skating, and snowmachining. Groomed entirely by volunteers, the trail follows along the perimeter of the lake and amounts to roughly 5 miles.
The Raven’s Way Loop is accessed from the Sterling Highway. You will see the Trailhead and large parking lot. The trail meanders through open spruce and muskeg terrain and there it is a great chance to see lots of eagles and ravens.
The trail follows the south end of Cooper Lake and ends at Upper Russian Lakes Cabin, 13 miles from the winter trailhead. There is little elevation gain or loss on this forested trail.
An annual New Year’s Eve tradition, the Luminary Ski is a free community event on the Divide Ski Trails (at Mile 12 of the Seward Highway). The trails are lit by candlelight, and you can walk, snowshoe, or ski, depending on your preference. Hot cocoa, cider, and a campfire are provided.
Known to locals as the Divide Ski Area, this trail was built by dedicated community volunteers from the Seward Nordic Ski Club.
Most of the loops in the campground are groomed for cross country skiing. Starting with the main road into the campground and cross the bridge to see beautiful winter views up and down the river. To access the trails, park before the first road closure gate just off of the Seward Highway.
Features: Skiing