About APU Nordic Ski Center
APU Nordic Ski Center promotes the development of cross-country skiing in Anchorage, Alaska through community based athletic programs and education. APU Nordic Ski Center is also a training center for skiers pursuing a competitive race career.
Located on Alaska Pacific University, APU Nordic Ski Center offers year-round programs for all ages and abilities. Stemming from the Groms program (elementary school age) through our Adult Masters programs (adult – 80+ years old!), we work with program members to improve ski technique, fitness and foster a life-long love for the sport.
APU Nordic Ski Center also offers the ability for college aged students to obtain an undergraduate or graduate level education with Alaska Pacific University while pursuing a competitive race career with the University & Elite Team.
APU Nordic Ski Center has a talented and professional group of coaches and staff who are committed to offering a supportive and positive experience for all of our athletes and skiers.
Jim Mahaffey
History
APU Nordic Ski Center is located on the campus of Alaska Pacific University in Anchorage, Alaska. The ski center was established in the 1960’s under the leadership of Jim Mahaffey when Alaska Pacific University was Alaska Methodist University (1960-1978). The AMU era placed the ski team on the map as a nationally recognized program and it’s accolades and impacts are many, which includes starting the very first Women’s Intercollegiate Ski Program for the United States. History on the development of the AMU Ski Team can be found here. The APU Nordic Ski Center program has evolved since as a new model for creating international success in American Nordic skiing. The model supports long term development and is structured to help athletes prepare for a long and successful career.
The club is made up of a multi-tiered system. The program encompasses an elite team which focuses on competitive ski racing, a University ski team that is a stepping stone to the elite team and focuses on development of college-aged student athletes, and finally a youth-masters program, which focuses on promotion of skiing in the Anchorage, Alaska community.
Mission & Vision
The vision of the APU Nordic Ski Center is to develop world-class cross-country skiers and to promote the participation in the sport of cross-country skiing in the community.
The mission of the APUNSC is to promote the development of cross-country skiing in Anchorage through community based athletic programs and education. APUNSC will provide a high level of coaching, training, and support for junior, senior and masters level skiers who aspire to competitive success at the regional, national and international levels.
