Alaska public Media has an article about the upcoming Celebration of Native Alaskan culture.
https://www.usskiandsnowboard.org/news/diggins-eighth-olympic-skiathlon
Cross-country skiing results are coming for our Alaskans in the Olympics
The Winter Olympics and Alaska have long been connected by snow, endurance, and distance sports. As the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics approach, Alaska once again plays a quiet but meaningful role in shaping Olympic-level athletes.
Cross-country skiing remains Alaska’s strongest Olympic pathway. Long winters, extensive trail systems, and elite programs like Alaska Pacific University have made Anchorage a training ground for world-class skiers.
One of the most recognizable names is Gus Schumacher, an Anchorage-born Olympian who has already proven he can win at the World Cup level. His rise follows a lineage of Alaska Nordic athletes who have carried local experience onto the global stage.
Not all Alaska Olympians are born in the state. Rosie Brennan competes internationally while representing Alaska Pacific University, reinforcing Alaska’s role as a place elite athletes come to train, not just pass through.
Luke Jager – Olympian in 2022
JC Schoonmaker – Olympian 2022
Behind today’s Olympians are athletes like Zanden McMullen, an Anchorage native moving steadily through the U.S. Ski & Snowboard system. His progress reflects the long-term impact of Alaska’s youth programs and competitive culture.
Cross-country skiing events at Milano Cortina will run from February 7 through February 21, 2026. As qualification races unfold, Alaska-connected athletes are expected to remain part of the U.S. Olympic conversation. It appears that the cross-country team is not yet selected. I’ll be looking at the US Ski and Snowboard XC team site for updates. and here: TeamUSA.com cross country ski team and here: NBC Sports reporting on who is on TeamUSA
For travelers, winter sports fans, and history-minded visitors, Alaska’s Olympic story offers more than medals—it offers a sense of place shaped by snow, effort, and time.
Explore more:
William Gordon, the Episcopal bishop of Alaska, poses at Valdez with his airplane, “The Blue Box”. After taking office as bishop, Gordon spent two seasons following in the footsteps of his predecessors in getting around Alaska mostly by water transportation. After doing the math, he figured he would be better off learning to fly and visiting the church’s outposts by air. His first plane, dubbed “The Canary”, was very small and did not afford him much opportunity to transport passengers and supplies. This plane was given its name in honor of the “Blue Box” offering campaign initiated by the United Thank Offering, a fundraising ministry of women within the Episcopal Church.
source: WikiMedia Commons
Photo by Patrick Federi on Unsplash
AKConcerts.com is a handy resource for planning live music experiences during your Alaska visit. The site features a schedule of upcoming concerts across the state, links to venues in many towns, and information on popular Alaskan bands performing today. It’s a great starting point if you want to add a night of music to your trip.
This week is the semi-finals of Fat Bear week! Follow the links to vote
Source: Made in alaska | Etsy
“And I will tell you, COVID is rough,” he said, “but it will not stop us from carrying out this tradition. It is an honor to do it.”
Source: Pandemic Prompts Scaled Back National Guard Christmas Tradition in Alaska | Military.com
