Brutal winter extends the challenge

The Fairbanks North Star Borough has extended the deadline for its annual Winter Trails Challenge as below freezing temperatures continue longer than expected across Alaska's Interior. The challenge, designed to get residents outside before spring, now runs through May 15th instead of the usual end of April cutoff.

Participants in the Winter Trails Challenge track time spent on borough trails, including popular spots like Birch Hill and Chena Lake. Skiing, walking, fat biking, and snowshoeing all count toward completing the challenge, giving residents multiple ways to log their miles.

The program is meant to keep people active through the long Interior winter while highlighting the trail systems that locals rely on for recreation throughout the season. The extended deadline gives residents more time to explore different trails and finish the challenge at their own pace.