Ready, set, GO!

It’s that time of year again!

Between Fur Rendezvous and the Iditarod, there are lots of things to do in this last bit of winter that don’t even require getting out of town.

Reporter Christine Kim has a new post to her video blog about her first time at Fur Rendezvous. I also went down to Rondy for the first time this year (can you believe it? I’d never been in almost 24 years!). I got to see the outhouse races and went up in the blanket toss, which was a pretty cool rush. Check out our coverage of Rondy in KTUU.com’s special Fur Rondy 2010 section.

Saturday kicks of the 38th Iditarod with the ceremonial start in Anchorage, and the re-start Sunday in Willow. Check out our Iditarod section for up-to-date race news, feature stories and extra video. We’ve partnered with the Iditarod to bring you the best coverage there is.

Speaking of mushing, Scott wrapped up his Ididamush adventure in Denali Park with-- you guessed it-- COLD. See what happens when you combine 45 below, a meteorologist and a warm front coming over the horizon.

Will you be at the ceremonial start (or re-start) of Iditarod 38? Share your photos and videos with us in our members’ section.

Happy Trails,
Kortnie Westfall
Web Editor- GoToAK.com/KTUU.com
kwestfall@ktuu.com


Skiers blocked by avalanches charter copter to get to fresh powder
Skiers and snowboarders lined up on the Seward Highway, waiting for the road to be cleared so they could take advantage of fresh powder at Alyeska. Some even chartered a helicopter to get to the resort.
Coast Guard to reassess rescue mission for Haines man
The Coast Guard still has not been able to reach an extreme hiker stranded in the Tongass National Forest east of Haines. Weather has prevented helicopters from getting closer than about three miles to the man, who has been without food for days.
Cops on Top plans to remember fallen trooper with Denali climb
A national climbing group of law-enforcement officers has selected Alaska's highest peak for its annual ascent in May, in memory of Montana Highway Patrol trooper Mike Haynes.
Teen from North Pole rescued after night in Maine ski area
A student from North Pole, Alaska was rescued, along with three others, after getting lost out of bounds at the Sugarloaf ski area in Maine. The four teens spent the night in the woods before rescuers could reach them.
Winter fishing taboo de-iced
Combined with an overnight excursion, some would argue that winter is the best time of year to fish. For as little as $10 you can find all you need to get started and haul in some dinner.
Alaska Ice Festival coming to Anchorage
For experienced ice climbers, those who want to learn and rock climbers who want to enjoy all seasons, the Alaska Ice Festival, scheduled for March 5-7, will bring together the best aspects of the sport.
Couple sets out to climb McKinley, woman first to attempt in winter
Artur Testov and Christine Feret set out on their journey to attempt to summit Mount McKinley this winter. Testov has done it before, but Feret is the first woman to even make an attempt.
Avalanches descend on area, raise safety concerns
After two deadly avalanches last weekend, avalanche experts are warning Alaskans to steer clear of avalanche-prone slopes this weekend. They say the mix of heavy, wet snow, wind and a beautiful weekend could be a deadly combination.
Woman could be first to summit McKinley in winter
Next week, a couple from the Valley will attempt to climb Mt. McKinley. Christine Feret could become the first woman to complete a winter ascent if the couple is successful.
Park Service seek comments on cabin replacement
The National Park Service is accepting public comments for a proposal to replace a deteriorating patrol cabin at Katmai National Park and Preserve.
Avalanche Warnings
Chugach National Forest
The information in this advisory is from the U.S. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. This advisory describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur.
Hatcher Pass
ATTENTION BACKCOUNTRY USERS: The Hatcher Pass area is an AVALANCHE HAZARD AREA. Be sure and take your beacons, shovels and probes with you and be knowledgeable of their use. BE PREPARED!!!
Valdez
Be cautious in avalanche terrain. Natural avalanches are possible and human triggered avalanches are expected. Watch for windslab.
Juneau
There are 5 simple Red Flag Indicators for avalanche conditions: 1) Recent Avalanches 2)New Snow (more than 1 inch per hour or.1" of moisture or 12" of snow or 1" of moisture per day
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