Charles Wohlforth

What if you’re new to Alaska or you were born here but you were raised by skiing purists and you want to know what riding a snowmachine is all about? This week's show is for you. We’re going to talk about why snowmobiling is fun, where you can go in this vast state, and how you can get into the sport as a beginner. The new machines are reliable and easy to use--it's not just for motorheads. Thursday, Dec. 17, 2015, 2:00 Download Audio

Alaskans are making winter gear here in Alaska that you can buy, tuned for local conditions, often made of Alaskan materials, and decorated with Alaskan artwork. We’ll meet outdoors people who have turned their passion for snow into businesses manufacturing products you can use. We’ll learn about their wares, and the inspiration and struggles of making snow gear locally.KSKA: Thus Dec 10pm at 2 and Thus Dec 17 at 8pm Download Audio

Frightening international events have Alaskans talking about refugees bound for the United States. On this edition, we'll discuss the implications of this issue in a city that is building its identity as a diverse and welcoming crossroads of the world. No Syrian refugees are scheduled to come here, but this discussion reflects on our values and our view of the world.KSKA: Wednesday, Dec 2, at 2 and 8 p.m.Download Audio

Bill Hess is a photographer who has immersed himself in the Native cultures of the Arctic for decades, and came back with extraordinary images and stories. His book “The Gift of the Whale” is a classic on the subject of Inupiaq hunting. And he’s also a humble and funny person to talk with.KSKA: Thurs., Dec. 3, at 2:00 p.m. and Thurs., Dec. 10, at 8:00 p.m.Download Audio

What’s more Alaskan than skiing? Shooting things, of course. So biathlon must be the most Alaskan sport of all--it's skiing fast and shooting accurately, combined. We’ll spend time at the range as young people and newcomers learn about the sport. And we’ll talk to an Olympian and a former World Cup competitor about the top of level of biathlon, where our community shines. KSKA: Thursday, Nov 19, at 2pm; Thursday, Dec 3, at 8pmListen now:

Gratitude feels good to give as well as receive. For this Thanksgiving season, we're giving listeners the chance to thank whoever deserves it. We'll have experts to talk about the benefits of being thankful, psychologically and spiritually, and we'll welcome shout-outs to our community's volunteers. Please join us and our guests saying thank you.KSKA: Wednesday, Nov 18, at 2:00 and 8:00 p.m.Download Audio:

On the next Outdoor Explorer, we’re revisiting one of our favorite shows on public use cabins. Now is the time to start planning your cabin trips for 2016. KSKA: Thurs., Nov. 12, at 2:00 p.m.; repeating Thurs., Nov. 19, at 8:00 p.m.Listen Now:

Nancy Lake Recreation Area is 23,000 acres of boreal forest and more than 100 lakes to explore less than 90 minutes from downtown Anchorage. On this edition of Outdoor Explorer, we’ll share two trips to the Nancy Lake system. We recorded the first half of the show in a canoe on an end-of-season overnight paddle. In the second half, we’ll talk about skating. You can’t do it every year, but when you can it is amazing.KSKA: Thursday, Nov. 5, at 2:00 p.m.; Thursday, Nov. 12, at 8:00 p.m.Listen Now:

As Alaska looks forward to fiscal austerity due to low oil prices, our state park system is already burdened with a massive deferred maintenance problem. In some parks, facilities are wearing out and trails are growing over and returning to nature. This edition of Outdoor Explorer explores the funding of our state parks with a director and a former director to learn about the problem and the opportunities to keep our parks in good shape.KSKA: Thursday, Oct. 29, at 2:00 p.m.; Thursday, Nov. 5, at 8:00 p.m.Listen Now:

Anchorage has the three most diverse high schools in the nation, and an extraordinary mix of cultures in our elementary schools, too. As part of our series on education, Hometown Alaska looks at the opportunities and challengers of diversity and integration. We'll find out about the make-up of our city's unique school population, and how educators work with the mix of backgrounds and languages. KSKA: Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.Listen Now: