2010 Buckwheat Ski Classic date announced

The 24th annual Buckwheat Ski Classic is on schedule for Saturday, March 27.

The 24th annual Buckwheat Ski Classic is on schedule for Saturday, March 27.

Once again there will be 50-kilometre, 25-km and 10-km cross country ski races, as well as a five-km kids race and snowshoe race. All races take place at Log Cabin on the South Klondike Highway, and there are pre-and post-race events in Skagway, Alaska, including a fabulous awards banquet and dance at the historic Eagles Hall.

The Buckwheat in 2005 was named one of the top 49 things to do in Alaska by the editors of Alaska magazine. The race is a fund-raiser for the Skagway Ski Club and traditionally hosts more than 200 participants from Alaska, the Yukon and elsewhere.
   
For a complete schedule, download the race brochure and entry form at http://www.skagwaynews.com/BSCskirace2010.
   
Race brochures and entry forms are also available at the Mountain Shop in Skagway; Lutak Lumber in Haines; Foggy Mountain in Juneau; and Coast Mountain Sports in Whitehorse. There are separate forms for U.S. adults, Canadian adults, U.S. kids, and Canadian kids. 

Registration forms may be dropped off at the Skagway and Whitehorse locations or mailed directly to Buckwheat Ski Classic, Box 636, Skagway, AK 99840.

Early registration deadline is March 15. Registrations received after that date cost an additional $10.
   
The trails at Log Cabin, B.C. are currently set for the five-km, 10-km and 25-km courses, as well as the kids two-km, thanks to Skagway trail crew volunteers.

Trail condition updates are posted regularly on the website, at the Mountain Shop (907-983-2544), and the Skagway Visitor Center (907-983-2854).
   
Additional volunteers are always welcome. If you can help with race packet prep, dinner serving, race timing, serving breakfast, T-shirt sales, and aid station prep, please call Buckwheat at 907-983-3988 or Su Rappleye at 983-2127.
   
Major sponsors include: FOE and Aux. No. 25, Steve and Salli Reeder, Municipality of Skagway Tourism Dept., Holland America, Alaska Shirt Co., Norcan Sales and Rentals, and The Skagway News. Co.
   
For more information, call Buckwheat at 907-983-2854 (days), 983-3988 (evenings), or e-mail: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Important travel info
   
• FERRIES - There is just one ferry coming north to Skagway on Friday, March 26. The Leconte leaves Juneau at 7 a.m. with a stop in Haines and arrives in Skagway at 1:30 p.m. After the race, the Leconte sails south on Sunday to Haines and Juneau at 2:30 p.m. To book space on these ferries, go directly to the state’s Alaska Marine Highway site at http://www.ferryalaska.com.
   
• PASSPORTS - Skiers are also reminded of the new document requirements for crossing the U.S.-Canada border that went into effect in 2009. You must have a passport or passport card to cross the border. If you have questions, contact the Skagway Port of Entry at 907-983-2325.