About the Alaska Ski for Women
History
The Alaska Ski for Women (ASFW) was started in 1997 by the Event’s Founding Mothers Ann Mize and Sally Burkholder, both of whom are very accomplished skiers. Ann and Sally noticed a lot of women skied on the wonderful Anchorage ski trails but did not come out to join in the local ski races.
They set forth to create a fun event that would eliminate all of the excuses women often come up with to not participate in ski races; for example, not having a partner to ski with, the men are too aggressive in races and my skis aren’t waxed. The ASFW therefore requires a partner to ski with, it is just for women, free ski waxing is provided and it is a fun and relaxing atmosphere in which to participate.
Why Super Bowl Sunday?
Believe it or not the Founding Mothers did not intentionally select Super Bowl Sunday for the first year's event date. Anchorage is blessed with many wonderful Nordic ski races so when they reviewed the racing calendar they simply picked the only available date – Super Bowl Sunday. It wasn't until well after the event was planned that the Founding Mothers realized what date their new event was on. After the inaugural year, it is now tradition to always hold the event on that famous football date.