By Dave Eckwert

Homer Independent Press

Despite the frigid, single digit temperatures and lack of much snow on the ground, a hardy (and hearty) group of dedicated cross country skiers and snow shoe enthusiasts descended on Eveline State Recreation Area ski trail for the annual First Day Ski and Snowshoe. The Friends of Kachemak Bay State Park in association with Alaska State Parks sponsored the New Year’s Day event.

When asked about this year’s trail conditions, Kachemak Nordic Ski Club trail groomer Konrad Schaad said that they weren’t great. With the lack of a good base of snow due to the warm days of rain last month and dearth of new snowfall, Schaad said the trail was icy and patchy.

Upon hearing this, skier, Melisse Reichman said, “Aw heck, we’ve skied worse!”


She proceeded to take off down the trail on her boards accompanied by this writer and their Zimbabwe born dog, Georgina. Fortunately for all, the wind that had been howling at Eveline the previous few days had abated.

The yearly event was started by Willy Dunne about 15 years ago as an effort to enhance ski participation and healthy community involvement. Dunne said there was some skepticism about having an early afternoon outdoor event on New Year’s Day. He said he was told, “no one is going to want to go out in the cold when they could be warm, inside watching football.”

Undaunted, Dunne started the event anyway and was pleasantly surprised by its instant popularity. The annual event initially started at the McNeil Canyon Fire Station, subsequently moving to Eveline. The only year the First Day Ski and Snowshoe did not take place was 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

As is tradition, after skiers and snowshoers completed their chosen course through the Eveline trail system, they returned to the trailhead where they were able to partake in a complimentary meal provided by the Friends of Kachemak Bay State Park. Hotdogs, chicken sausages and brats piping hot from the grill staffed by Dunne, along with chips, cookies and a hot beverage of their choice ,were enjoyed as participants warmed themselves by the campfire and engaged in lively, fun loving conversation with other intrepid lovers of the outdoors. 

It was a great way to begin 2026.