Last updated August 9, 2024--
As a Nordic skiing enthusiast, few experiences compare to the thrill of participating in Denali State Bank’s Sonot Kkaazoot Nordic Skiing event in Fairbanks, Alaska. This race is more than just a Birkebeiner Qualifier competition —it's a celebration of the return of longer days, faster snow, and the vibrant skiing community that thrives in the heart of Alaska's interior. Organized by the Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks, this annual spring ski marathon has become a beloved tradition, bringing together skiers of all ages and abilities to mark the end of the winter season with a challenging and exhilarating race. Strambecco rates the Sonot Kkaazoot as one of the Best Nordic Ski Races in the Northwest.
Event & Course Info
The Sonot Kkaazoot is a unique event that has been held every year since its inception, with the exception of a few modifications to the route over time. The race offers three different distances—10K, 30K, and 50K—making it accessible to a wide range of skiers, from seasoned marathoners to those looking for a shorter, yet still demanding challenge. What sets this race apart is not just its course, but the spirit of camaraderie and celebration that permeates the event. The Sonot Kkaazoot is a true community effort, with hundreds of volunteers and thousands of skiers coming together each year to celebrate the return of sunshine to Interior Alaska.
The course is a challenging journey through Fairbanks' pristine trails. The race begins in the stadium with all three distances following the same route for the first two kilometers and then the courses diverge. The 10K Course is perfect for those new to the sport or looking for a shorter race experience. After the initial start route, skiers head down the White Bear to the Beacon Cutoff, before finishing with a final loop around the stadium’s Warm-Up Loop and across the finish line. This route offers a great mix of terrain, with gentle climbs and fast descents that will keep you engaged from start to finish.
The 30K Course is a step up in difficulty, taking skiers on a more extensive tour of the area’s trails. After completing the initial start route, skiers proceed down the Competition trail, through the entire North Forty, and the Back Hole, then continues up the Blue Loop, through the Outhouse Loop, and onto the Sunnyside trail. It is a mix of rolling hills and flat trails with stunning views of surrounding landscape.
The 50K Course is the ultimate test of endurance, designed for experienced skiers who are ready to push their limits. This course follows the same route as the 30K for the first lap but adds an additional loop that takes skiers through the North Forty to a second lap on the Sonot Connector and the entire length of White Bear, including the Moilanen Meadows. This course is a true marathon, with challenging climbs, technical descents, and plenty of opportunities to test your stamina and technique.
The Sonot Kkaazoot is a well-organized event, with all the support you need to make your race experience as smooth as possible. Feed stations are strategically located in the stadium and along the White Bear trail at Sonot Junction, staffed by local high school ski team boosters. There are no strict field limits or cutoff times, allowing skiers to focus on enjoying the race at their own pace. Awards are given to top finishers in each category, but the real reward is the experience of skiing through some of Alaska's most beautiful terrain, surrounded by fellow enthusiasts who share your passion for the sport. This is more than just a race—it's a community celebration of Nordic skiing, and a perfect way to cap off the winter season in style.
Area Accommodations & Things to Do
Coming soon!
Related Events
Multi-sport athletes looking for other premier races and events in Alaska and the broader Northwest region can take a peek at all of our related Strambecco Best rated event guides:
