Take Your SUV Alaska Rentals to See One of the Toughest Ski Races

If it isn’t extreme it isn’t worth it – at least that’s what some Alaskans think. Every year, Summit Lake is home to one of the toughest, most extreme alpine skiing events and most thrilling snowmobile races – all packed into one. This month, Arctic Man comes back to Alaska from April 3 to 9. If you’re looking for a little last minute winter action before summer hits, take your SUV Alaska rentals up to Summit Lake to catch the Arctic Man races.

About Arctic Man

Arctic Man has been running since 1986 in the Hoo Doo Mountains of Summit Lake, Alaska. It is a combination sport, with teams of one downhill skier and one snowmobile driver.

The skier starts off the race at an elevation of 5,800 feet. They then ski down a 2-mile slope to the bottom of a canyon, so steep that it takes them 1700 feet lower in elevation in that short distance. Once in the canon partners meet up to continue the race. Once joined, the skier takes hold of a towrope attached to the snowmobile to travel the last 2.25 miles at 86 mph. For the last 1200-foot drop, skier and snowmobile separate again for the skier to ski the second mountain.

Book early

Roughly 13,000 spectators attended the 2016 Arctic Man. Clearly, adventure-junkies from around the world are ready to pounce. This means that the small village around this mountain tends to book up quickly.

If you want to attend this year’s event and you haven’t booked a hotel or your SUV Alaska rentals yet, it’s time to get on it quickly. We want to make sure you get the rental you want at the rates you deserve.

If you already have your SUV Alaska rentals, but you’ve decided to extend your trip to see Arctic Man, talk to your rental agency to discuss extension policies and potential fees that will apply.

The schedule

The schedule of Arctic Man will vary based on whether or not you’re partaking in the race or spectating. Spectators won’t have much to do before the actual race day, Thursday, April 6. In the two days before that, the course is open for practice, however. For those who aren’t satisfied with just one day, you may want to take your SUV Alaska rentals up to the mountain to check it out. It can be fun to see the build up of excitement in the days leading up to the race.

The race begins on April 6 at 11 am, though forerunners begin at 10:30 am. Make sure not to book your SUV Alaska rentals and hotels too tight – if in the case of inclement weather or other issues, the race will be postponed until Friday, April 7 or Saturday, April 8 if Friday is cancelled, as well.

Try your luck by taking part in the raffle. Tickets are $60 a piece, or $100 for 2. The draw takes place at 11 pm on April 8, and has a variety of grand and cash prizes, including credit at places like Polaris and to buy a vehicle.

Parking for your SUV Alaska rentals

Taking your SUV Alaska rentals up to the races? Fortunately there’s parking, but you’ll need to register in advance.

The parking pad map can be found here. It’s just off the Richardson Highway and can fit a few hundred vehicles comfortably. This is a good spot to set up camp while you watch the races. Costs of parking can be pricey, but the spots are well-sought after and can be tough to get. After March 1, the price is $160 for a spot plowed spot with security and patrol, outhouses on site, dumpsters, and a nearby medical tent.

Don’t miss out on one of Alaska’s most exciting events. Reserve your SUV Alaska rentals today!