Eielson Winter Outdoor Recreation Activities Published March 2, 2010 By Scott Lambries 354th Force Support Squadron Outdoor Recreation office EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- Eielson Outdoor Recreation offers numerous options for the outdoor enthusiast. The winters are long and cold in interior Alaska starting in October and running through April. With the shorter days and longer nights upon us you will want to explore the outdoors with your outdoor recreation specialists. Now that Birch Lake and the lakes on base are frozen, Ice fishing tournaments are being advertised. This is an opportunity to enjoy one of the unique aspects of living in Alaska. The tournaments at Birch Lake include complimentary hot soup, cocoa and coffee to warm you up at the lodge. Fishing through a small hole in the ice while bundled up to stay warm creates lifetime experiences, not to mention an opportunity to contemplate your very own fish stories to share for generations to come. Outdoor recreation offers all of the fishing gear and Ice augers necessary to get started. If fishing is not your sport, the ski lift at Iceman Falls is now operational and the ski and snowboarding hills are open for business. We offer rental packages for skis and snowboards, as well as sleds, tubes and numerous other items to help you enjoy the slopes at Iceman falls. We also offer ski lessons for both downhill and cross country beginners. Snow machining in Alaska is a huge sport and our Outdoor Recreation programs offers orientation classes as well as trips for both beginner and experienced riders. Our guided tours explore trails on base that have rarely been explored even by long time residents of Eielson. Exploring the backwoods trails of Eielson through untracked powder offers a unique snow machine experience for every skill level. When you think you've had your fill of winter activities, think again. The Annual Winter Carnival is scheduled to be held at the Ski lodge Friday, 12 Mar. from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.. The Winter Carnival is an annual event focused on Eielson families and Active Duty members. This event provides an opportunity for the community to experience many of the different activities offered by Outdoor recreation. Some of the activities available for the day will be ice skating, downhill ski and snow board races, snow machine demo rides, and a build-your-own sled competition. Also offered will be the opportunity to try out dog mushing, with local experts providing short trail rides behind the dog teams. The 354th Force Support Squadron will also be offering free food for the event as well as discounts on rental equipment from Outdoor Recreation for the day. This is the last day of spring break and will provide a great opportunity for Active duty and family members to participate in the events. Come on out and enjoy the long Alaska winter with your friends at Outdoor Rec!