Snowmobiling, dog mushing and cross-country skiing have long been the winter past times for Interior Alaska locals. Skijoring (cross-country skiing while being pulled by dogs) and winter mountain biking are rapidly growing winter sports.

In the White Mountains NRA, there are over 250 miles of maintained winter trails and 11 public recreation cabins surrounded by jagged limestone mountains and cliffs, high mountain passes, and broad rounded valleys.

Public Recreation Cabins

There are 11 public recreation cabins available during the winter to rent in the White Mountains National Recreation Area. Cabins are spaced about a days ski apart and come in two sizes:

• the 10'-by-12' cabins sleep four persons
• the 12'-by-16' cabins have a loft and sleep 4-8 persons

Each cabin has a cook stove and lantern, wood stove, table and benches, bunk beds, and outhouse. Users need to provide white gas fuel for the lantern and cook stove, and firewood.

Winter Trails

BLM maintains over 250 miles of winter trails. These trails access all the public recreation cabins and a wide variety of remote areas in interior Alaska. Be sure you are prepared for any situation before you venture out off the road system.

Snowmobiling

Most of the winter trail system is open to snowmobiles. Please keep in mind that the trails are also used by non-motorized users such as skiers and dog mushers. Some trails are closed to snowmobile use, contact BLM for a map showing those areas open to motorized use.

Skiing

BLM grooms the trails for both motorized and nonmotorized users. Skiing between cabins can be a rewarding and exciting adventure.

The Ski Loop Trail is a five mile loop the begins and ends at the Wickersham Dome Trailhead. For the more adventurous, the Summit Trail offers unparalleled solitude for those who are willing to venture out on their own.

Skijoring

Skijoring, cross-country skiers pulled by dogs, is an increasingly popular winter sport in Alaska. Skijorers are becoming a common sight along the white Mountains trail system.

Dog Sledding

Of course dog sledding is the traditional Alaska sport and teams with up to 15 dogs commonly travel the trails. Slow down when approaching a dog team and give them the right-of-way.