October 6, 2008 (Fairbanks, AK) – Snow is on the ground in Fairbanks, Alaska and while some dread the arrival of the first early snowfall, skiers everywhere smile at the thought – and they’re all smiles in Fairbanks. As of yesterday 20km of trail at Birch Hill had been rolled and packed by skier traffic. Birch Hill most recently hosted the 2008 US Distance Nationals and will do so again in March 2009.

For skiers on the Fairbanks Nordic Ski Club (FXC-NSCF) Sunday marked their 3rd day of skiing this year. Although there isn’t enough snow depth to set a classic track, they are still skiing hard wax. In a few places sticks, grass and leaves are poking through but no one is complaining, as they are skiing in early October and after the long rollerski season, anything is better than pavement.