Dr. Margaret Merritt arrived in Alaska in 1977 to visit a friend for two weeks, and instead got a job at the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.The first-ever woman to tackle a wide variety of exciting and sometimes challenging biology jobs in the state, Margaret, who also goes by Peggy, spent a career steeped in exploration and adventure throughout Alaska.That’s a journey she details in her book "Adventures of an Alaskan Woman Biologist" and shares in this episode of Outdoor Explorer.

The Mat-Su Borough is home to some of the toughest running races in the state. including the Mat Peak Challenge each August and the Susitna 100 in the frigid winter. Now one runner-turned-race director is working to expand the region’s running events into new options, including ultra-distance and trail races designed to be newcomer-friendlyIn this episode, we talk to race director Heidi Quinn about her newly launched company Black Wolf Endurance, expanding the sport to more individuals across our state and what is so special about runners and racing in Mat-Su.HOST: Amy BushatzGUEST: Heidi Quinn

The Alaska Rock Gym was founded in 1995 by local climbers wanting a place to train, socialize and expand the sport. For 30 years and at two different locations, the business has provided a facility and programs that help introduce newbies to the sport, allow climbers to train, hold climbing and fitness classes and organize climbing competitions. Hear the general manager and original founders discuss the history of the gym, including the building of the original and current facilities, the programs and competitions they offer, the role of indoor climbing and where indoor climbing is heading.HOST: Paul TwardockGUESTS:Nicole Jolyn, general manager of Alaska Rock GymSiri Moss, former general manager, original founder of Alaska Rock GymBruce Adams, builder, climber, original founder of Alaska Rock GymLINKS:Alaska Rock Gym websiteAlaska Rock Gym events

Alaska is a land of snow and ice, and southcentral Alaska has lots of great places to go ice skating. This week on Outdoor Explorer, we search for early-season skateable ice in the Susitna Valley, and we find out about all the places we can go skating right here in Anchorage.HOST: Adam VerrierGUESTS:Paxson WoelberDana KerrBrad Cooke, Anchorage Parks & RecreationJohn Monroe, Head coach and program director for the Anchorage Skate ClubLINKS:Anchorage Parks & Rec Winter Ice MaintenanceAnchorage Skate ClubAlaska Speedskating ClubWild Ice Skating Club of Alaska

Snow is on the mountains and that means it's time to think about recreating safely in avalanche terrain. There are many avenues to learn about avalanches and what causes them, how to assess slopes for stability, how to travel through avalanche terrain and how to perform rescues. One recent addition is guide and educator Joe Stock's book "The Avalanche Factor." Last spring, host Paul Twardock sat down with Joe and discussed his book, including topics like decision making in a group, science and uncertainty, the roles risk and fear play in decision making, how to develop knowledge and judgement while staying safe and more.HOST: Paul TwardockGUEST: Joe Stock, guide, educator, author of "The Avalanche Factor"LINKS:The Avalanche Factor WebsiteAlaska Avalanche SchoolChugach National Forest Avalanche CenterHatcher Pass Avalanche Center

"Arctic Alchemy" is a new documentary featuring Roman Dial and his life spent in the outdoors, including his work studying rusting rivers in the Arctic.Roman started in Alaska as a youth visiting his uncle in Healy, and barely looked back. He became a world class alpine mountaineer then helped popularize mountain biking with his "Hell Biking" expeditions. He then started packrafting as part of the Alaska Wilderness Classic races, eventually writing one of the first "how to books" on the sport. He did all that while helping raise two children with his wife Peggy, teaching at Alaska Pacific University and doing applied research ranging from the tropics to the arctic.He joins host Paul Twardock to discuss the film and his new work studying the mystery of Alaska's rusting rivers.HOST: Paul TwardockGUEST: Roman DialLINKS:LA Times Short DocsRoman Dial - Alaska Pacific UniversityAnchorage Museum Outdoor Adventure SeriesRoman Dial books on Amazon

Every year outdoor gear and clothing manufacturers introduce new items for backcountry enthusiasts. As Alaskans gear up for winter this episode discusses what's new in winter gear and clothing with Rick Roth of Alaska Mountaineering and Hiking and Tony Lombardo with Summit Ski Co. They join host Paul Twardock and share tips for preparing and taking care of your winter gear and clothing. We hear about a wide assortment of gear from backcountry and Nordic skis to snow shoes and jackets.HOST: Paul TwardockGUESTS:Rick Roth, Alaska Mountaineering and HikingTony Lombardo, Summit Ski Co.LINKS:AMHSummit Ski CompanyREIWild Ice Skating

Can you imagine hiking the Cross Pass trail, all 24 miles of it, when you are over 80 years old? How about losing your beloved dog off the side of a mountain and then having a "Lassie" story? Or having a bear encounter while hiking with your family? This episode of Outdoor Explorer features these stories and more from Alaska Trails' "Trail Tales" event held in April, 2025 at the Anchorage Museum. Betty and Hans Arnette share their story of repeated attempts to complete the Crow Pass crossing starting when Betty was in her 70's. Pete Panarese tells about a bear encounter near Eagle River Visitor Center and what he learned. Kneely Taylor thought he had lost his dog off the North side of O'Malley Peak, and ended up being surprised, and finally Mike Bruce tells a story of an exciting run where he was caught between and moose and a bear.HOST: Paul TwardockLINKS:Alaska TrailsChugach State Park

Our guests this week include Miles Brodski, a Combat Rescue Officer with the 212th Rescue Squadron, Chris Robertson, a recently retired Pararescue Jumper with the 212th Rescue Squadron, and Chelsea Aspelund, Chief of Public Affairs for the 176th Wing of the Alaska Air National Guard.