Seward Ski for Small Businesses

Completion Page

Welcome or Welcome Back. 

The Seward Nordic Ski Club (SNSC) started the Seward Ski for Small Businesses Challenge (SSSB) in 2020 in response to COVID. The first SSSB was an innovative way to get people outside to recreate safely, as well as helping out small businesses in the area. Even though "ski" is in the title, you can skate, snowshoe, bike or walk/run (on the far side of groomed trails) any of the weekly challenges. We love the winter, we love our open businesses and we love to recreate outdoors.

Why We Do This? Seward winters are tough and lots of us need a little motivation to get outdoors. Some of us like a challenge, learning new trails, socializing or simply winning a prize for our winter recreation efforts. After all, we all are winners for staying in Seward during the winter. In addition, it is a struggle for Seward businesses to remain open in the winter months. They really do appreciate the four raffle winners coming through their doors. So let's take advantage of our spectacular mountains and open trails, and let's support our winter businesses.

What?  A virtual 8 stage challenge with one week to complete each stage. Each stage will be a relatively easy classic Nordic ski, snowshoe, ice skate, bike or hike that would be appropriate for any skill level. The event is simple. First, this isn't a sanctioned event. There is no entry fee. The trails are open to the public and there is no podium. The cost is free but there is a donation page. The Seward Nordic Ski Club buys the gift cards using your donation or membership fee, so if you aren't already a Seward Nordic Ski Club member, please consider joining.  https://www.sewardnordicskiclub.org/join

How?  Every week on Mondays, starting 12/30/24, there will be a challenge segment you complete. You don't need to ski/snowshoe/skate/bike/hike fast, you just need to try. It's about getting out, not going fast or far. Sure some of us are competitive and want to go hard, which you can do, but you will only be awarded with kudos. The segment along with the highlighted business will be announced Monday mornings in an email to those registered.

Rules/Format:

BE SAFE. Do not recreate recklessly and put yourself at greater risk of injury.  BE RESPECTFUL. Do not bike or walk/run in the middle of a ski trail. Holes in the snow are very difficult to manage on skis, and it adds to the workload of the volunteer groomers.

You must register for this event through RunSignUp (Free).
There is a donation page within registration, if you can't donate, that's okay.  You should still participate. Just pay it forward in whatever manner seems appropriate to you.  
You may register at anytime and complete as many stages as you'd like. To win a prize you must let us know you completed the challenge. Completion Page 
Check your email before each stage to find out what segment is unveiled. 
Ski, skate, snowshoe, bike, hike the segment during the designated time period, Monday to Sunday. 
Put your name down on the completion document (Completion Page) or email me (mlbarnwell@gmail.com) that you completed it and you'll get credit. Just do it before the the stage is over.
Selfie pic or video and recap on how your ski went is encouraged on facebook group, your instagram and on this website.
Segments will be varied. Most flat, some short, some long, some hilly.
Obey all ski etiquette. Don't walk or bike in the middle of the trail, and pickup all dog poop.  
Prizes: Four $25 gift cards per week. Prizes will be randomly drawn for those that complete a stage, not the fastest stage time. This is ever evolving. New rules may be implemented at any time.  Segments, Stages and Featured Small Business (revealed by email the Monday mornings before each stage)