FAIRBANKS, ALASKA
A remarkable place to ride
Fairbanks is the perfect destination for those who live and breath snowmobiling
by KIRSTEN ARMLEDER
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MOUNTAINS OF FUN: Alaska's snow-capped mountain peaks are a big draw for local and out-of-town sledders.
—photo by Eric Cosmutto |
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| A NATURAL-BORN SLEDHEAD: "We have just about any style of riding you can imagine—from beginner trails to extreme expert," said Dean Allen, president of the Fairbanks Snow Travelers. |
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| LONG LIVE ALASKA: Kati Liimatainen, sales and marketing director for Bombardier Recreational Products in Finland, used Dean Allen's favourite riding areas to name the company's 2007 Lynx riding gear line.—photo courtesy Kati Liimatainen |
Fairbanks is home to snow capped mountains, rugged backcountry areas, fantastic scenery and miles upon miles of winter trails. With so much to offer, it is no wonder snowmobiling has become an important part of life for people in Fairbanks.
"Snowmobiles are more than just recreational toys," said Dean Allen, president of the Fairbanks Snow Travelers snowmobile club. "For some, especially those living in remote areas, the snowmobile takes the place of the automobile."
The riding around Fairbanks is virtually endless and can accommodate both novice and intermediate sledders. Many of the areas are even accessible from town.
"We have a tremendous river network to travel as well as hundreds of miles of trails created by trappers and dog mushers," said Allen. "Most people can ride right from their front door and join up with trails all over the area."
Visitors searching for the ultimate Alaskan experience should check out the White Mountain trail system, Cleary Summit/Chatanika Lodge, Tanana Flats, Cantwell/Broad Pass, Summit Lake/Paxson and the Denali Highway—a 120-mile route that has many miles of open backcountry and an abundance of wildlife. Most of these places are unmaintained so it's a good idea to go with someone who is familiar with the area.
Passion for powder
One of the reasons why sledding in Fairbanks is such an amazing experience is because of the local snowmobile club. Formed in the late '80s by a group of residents, the Fairbanks Snow Travelers snowmobile club is a devoted organization of people who love the sport of snowmobiling. They currently have between 150 and 200 members who do an excellent job of promoting sledding in Fairbanks.
"The Fairbanks Snow Travelers was formed primarily to bring riders together," said Allen. "It is involved in trail issues, trail maintenance, organized rides and the Snowmobile Rondy—a one day event held during the first part of March to promote safety and introduce new people to the sport."
In addition to trail work, the club schedules a ride every weekend from mid-October to the end of April. They have also created a website, www.snowtravelers.org, that informs people of recent happenings in the area and within the club.
A fearless leader
Having lived in Fairbanks his whole life, the club's president, Dean Allen, is very familiar with the riding opportunities and knows how important sledding is in Fairbanks.
"Snowmobiles are critical to Fairbanks," said Allen. "They are a mode of transportation, an outlet to help weather the long winter, a working tool and an economic mainstay."
Allen's passion for sledding in Fairbanks even caught the attention of a Bombardier (BRP) marketing representative, Kati Liimatainen, in Finland, who used his favourite riding areas to name BRP's new Lynx line of riding gear.
"I met Kati through the Internet," explained Allen. "She was looking for information about Fairbanks because she was going to attend a semester of college at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. She contacted me because I was the club president."
Shortly after meeting Allen, Liimatainen and her boyfriend Janne Moutka went to Alaska and ended up staying with Allen and his family while Liimatainen attended university. Upon returning to Finland, Liimatainen landed a career with BRP in their marketing division and was put in charge of naming the company's new line of clothing. As soon as she was given this assignment Liimatainen thought of Alaska so she contacted Allen and asked him to list his favourite riding areas. .
Once the list was received, Liimatainen went to work and, in mid-2006, BRP's 2007 Lynx riding gear line was released. It features a new look and feel that is aimed at younger people. The Cantwell T-shirt, Kids' Chena T-shirt, Wasilla Pants and Nome Beenie are just a few of the articles that include an Alaska riding destination in their name. However, the most significant piece for Allen is the Allen Fleece jacket which was named after his family.
"I cannot imagine a nicer compliment than that from a friend," said Allen. "There are no monetary returns for me in this and none wanted. It is enough that Kati named the clothing after Alaska."
Ever since their collaboration, Allen's family and friends have made trips to Finland and have even competed in the King Karcher race—the Finnish Championships of snowmobile racing.
After an experience like this one, Allen is thrilled to see Alaska receive recognition as a snowmobiling destination and looks forward to many more years of riding in North America's last frontier.
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