Learn about local climbing, cameras & what’s up with bears lately?
KSKA: Thursday, December 14, at 2:00 p.m. 2017 will be remembered in part as the "Year of the Bear" in Southcentral Alaska. On the next Outdoor Explorer, we’ll talk about why we had scary and tragic incidents, and why far more bears were killed in Anchorage than usual. For something a bit more fun, we also have a segment on rock and ice climbing, a sports that is exploding in popularity, with great opportunities to learn inside and out.
LISTEN HERE
Historic Alaska Expeditions
This week we revisit a conversation from 2014. Alaska’s outdoors people may think they’re tough, but how about paddling 40 days in a dugout canoe in the rains of Southeast Alaska in October and November, dressed in wool, without modern gear? On the next Outdoor Explorer, join host Charles Wohlforth and guests to talk about historic expeditions. What these guys did will amaze you. KSKA: Thursday, Jan 14, at 2:00 and Thursday, Jan 21, at 8:00 p.m. LISTEN NOW
Bristol Bay
KSKA: Thursday, March 23, at 2:00 p.m. In the whole world, there are just a few places where a confluence of environmental factors creates incredible abundance. One of those is Bristol Bay. On the next Outdoor Explorer, we’ll talk about the bay’s fisheries, the richest for commercial salmon and the regions' angling for enormous trout.
LISTEN NOW
Surfing and hiking
When most of us think of the outdoor activities that Alaskans love, we tend to think of hiking, biking, skiing, and skating. On the next Outdoor Explorer, we talk about one not so common Alaskan outdoor activity, surfing - we talk about where to do it and how to get started as a beginner. We also talk about a more common outdoor activity, hiking, and how one woman prepared for her trek up Mt. Kilimanjaro by hiking in Southcentral Alaska.
Thanks for listening!
Revisiting getting your own piece of Alaska
KSKA: Thursday, August 10, at 2:00 p.m. The dream of getting your own piece of Alaska is as old as the North, the idea of staking land, proving up, and ending up with a big homestead that is your own estate. We’ll talk about how you can buy a remote piece of Alaska, too, and hear the story of a real Alaskan pioneer who lived alone in the wilderness years ago.
LISTEN HERE
Gold Mining
It’s a fair bet that the stampeders who flowed north during the Klondike Gold Rush never thought of mining as recreational, but the hunt for gold is something people do for fun, as well as profit. We’ll find out how and why modern recreational miners persist in sifting Alaska’s streams with pans and other obsolete equipment, going after glittering flakes of gold, and hoping for something much richer. It's a hobby that gets them outdoors, and it's a treasure hunt.
KSKA: Thursday 9/5 at 2:00 pm and 9:00 pm
Listen Now
Dead Reckoning: Learning from Accidents in the Outdoors
Most accidents occur for similar reasons: not being prepared, poor equipment, being in a rush, or a lack of skill. Some accidents, however, are unpredictable. Learning from others is a great way to avoid the perils of being outdoors. Emma Walker, author of Dead Reckoning, will share her stories.
Wildlife Hazards in Context
The terror of being attacked by a bear is a nightmare for many outdoors people, and a lot of time is spent worrying and planning for it. We’ll put wildlife hazards in context. What should you know to be safe, how can you improve your chances, and why aren’t you thinking about all the other things that could get you, and that are a lot more common. Join us for an opinionated discussion.
KSKA: Thursday, May 1, at 2:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
Listen now:
Trapping in Alaska
When Russians first came to Alaska in the 1740s, they were seeking fur, and fur-bearing animals were an important element of Alaska's economy for more than 200 years. Today, Alaska still has thousands of trappers, both those who make a living at it and those who do it for fun. On the next Outdoor Explorer, we'll hear more about an activity as old as Alaska itself.
KSKA: Thursday, Feb. 5, at 2:00 and 9:00 p.m.
Listen Now:
LISTEN: Exploring the fascinating (and sometimes restricted) wild areas on Anchorage’s eastern border
On the northeast side of Anchorage, at the base of the Chugach, is a heavily restricted area that requires a pass to enter. The residents of Scenic Foothills have long considered this area to be their playground, with access to trails and peaks
and an abundance of charismatic wildlife.
Polar bear science and culture
KSKA: Thursday, Feb. 2, at 2:00 p.m. The next Outdoor Explorer focuses on polar bears. Polar bears are a unique symbol of the Arctic and their ability to thrive on the sea ice is a testament to the power of nature.
LISTEN NOW
Cause-Driven Events
Athletic events in Alaska often have a purpose. The heart run, the ski for women. We look at cause-driven events, and why they’re important to the people involved and to the entire community. Host Charles Wohlforth is joined by a bicyclist who lives with diabetes and rides to help raise money to fight the disease, and a runner who got inspired by Leukemia survivors to help get others involved.
KSKA: Thursday, May 15, at 2:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
Listen now:
Solstice trees and holiday wishes from Anchorage
As the year of 2021 comes to a close we feature two traditions in Anchorage: The Nordic Ski Association of Anchorage's Solstice Tree Tour at Kincaid Park and the Alaska Botanical Garden's Holiday Lights. This week's Outdoor Explorer features these winter festivities, plus some holiday wishes with co-host Lisa Keller and others.
Epic Alaskans: Mountaineering and sea kayaking with John Bauman
Alaska has thousands of unheard of world class outdoor men and women. On this show we'll hear from one, John Bauman, who completed numerous first winter ascents and sea kayaking routes.
Lee Bolling & Singletrack Advocates
Do you like mountain biking? If so, you’ll want to join Adam Varrier, your host for this Outdoor Explorer, where we’ll be speaking with the president of Singletrack Advocates, Lee Bolling. We’ll talk about all the best riding spots in town, and how they got to be there.
Outdoor Explorer: Author Don Rearden on writing about Alaska
Alaska author Don Rearden grew up in Southwest Alaska living and observing rural life. His books "Raven's Gift," a novel, and "Without A Paddle," a collection of poems, reflect his Alaska experiences and life. Don also co-authored books featuring two of Alaska's professional military rescuers. Don joins host Paul Twardock to discuss Alaska's culture, history and environment and how they influenced his writing.
Ice skating on Solstice in Southcentral Alaska | Outdoor Explorer
Host Paul Twardock visited the Anchorage Solstice Festival at the Cuddy Family Midtown Park interviewing organizers, politicians and the events and ice rink founders.
The downhill ski areas of Alaska
Ski areas around Alaska are opening with the motto "Ski Well, Be Well." This show features ski areas around Alaska in this year of COVID.
Mountain biking in Eagle River and the Mat-Su
KSKA: Thursday, April 13, at 2:00 p.m. Probably, like a lot of cyclists in Anchorage, you know our trails pretty well, especially the ones closest to home, because that’s where you ride on a regular basis. But bikes these days can go a lot farther than that. On our next show, we’re talking about mountain biking opportunities beyond the bowl, including in the Mat-su and on the brand new trails just finished near Eagle River, at Mirror Lake.
LISTEN HERE
Huts and parks
There are many ways and places to get outdoors in Alaska from car camping to
remote mountains and rivers. This show features an update on the Spencer Whistle
Stop near Portage, Alaska Hut’s plans for a world class hut system, and one on State
Parks and their 50 th anniversary.