Oosik Classic Race & Tour

The Oosik Classic Ski Race is Denali Nordic Ski Club’s biggest and ONLY fundraiser of the year. It has been held every year, outside of Covid, since 2004. What started off with 200 skiers, is now capped at 750 skiers with the possibility of growing that number into future years to come. And sells out every year!

Skiers come from all over the state, and sometimes out of state, to participate in this celebration of the end of ski season and the beginning of Spring. Most of our participants join for the fun of the event, to dress in costume, and share the love of nordic skiing.

The course consists of 10, 25, and 50 kilometer tracks. We have competitive skiers who participate every year, however, it’s the recreational skiers who make each year better than the last, giving the Oosik its well known reputation.

We have community members and outside volunteers that come in early to help set up “bandit aid stations” along the race route and cheer on skiers!

The event serves as the primary fundraiser for our club, and all proceeds from the race help the club’s volunteers groom, maintain and develop Nordic trails for ALL to enjoy. While our event is specified for our ski lovers, the trail throughout the season is multi-use.

This event also helps support our Talkeetna Junior Nordic program, to help our younger generation evolve from walkers to skiers. We have both dedicated parents and volunteers that assist with this program, and are fueled and appreciated by cocoa and cookies, and the joy of seeing our littles progress.

An afterparty will be held at the Denali Arts Council!