Denali Borough recreation committee backs Healy Nordic ski trail on railroad land

The Denali Borough Community and Outdoor Recreation Committee adopted a resolution Wednesday backing a groomed Nordic ski trail on Alaska Railroad land near Healy's Tri-Valley Subdivision. The Assembly takes it up Nov. 11.

Chair Tina Graham said she believed it was the committee's first official resolution.

The resolution draws on surveys for the borough's Community and Outdoor Recreation Plan, approved in February 2025, which ranked groomed ski trails fourth among residents' top 10 recreation wishes. It notes that groomed trails on Otto Lake were popular last winter, though conditions there may not hold in most years.

The resolution projects a $500 annual railroad entry permit fee, with volunteers grooming the trail through the borough. Its draft said skiers would park at the Tri-Valley Community Center, so no plowing costs were expected. Community Development Director Stephanie Ford said she could not yet promise that parking, and the committee amended the line to say only that no plowing costs are anticipated. Committee member Al Guggisberg said he did not foresee asking the borough for money.

Alaska Railroad permitting rules require a permit for any use of railroad property. Borough staff have applied to the railroad for an entry permit.

A public work session on the ski trail follows Nov. 19 at 7 pm.