Denali National Park

Jodi Hodgeboom
	"We've got people without running water or electricity and those who have all of modern technology at hand. Everyone gets together for skiing and dog mushing and dinners." Who she is: Denali resident since 1995 on a seasonal basis, full time since 2003. Development Director of the Denali Foundation. Age: 33 Don't miss: Get into the backcountry. Get off the bus and hike or camp.

Why did you come to Alaska?

I was working in Colorado and had just finished college. I wanted to work at least one summer in Alaska, and I found an ad in the newspaper to go and work for Denali Park Resorts. I have been coming up here since then and never got my masters degree.

What's your favorite thing about living in Alaska?

The people - there is a great community here. In Denali, the community comes first, and then activities.

What is there about living in Denali that's unlike any other place in Alaska?

The diversity that exists in Denali is intriguing. Here you commune with people who might not have running water and electricity. Or you might find a person who has all of modern technology at hand. But that just doesn't matter to anyone. People still get together for skiing and dog mushing and dinners.

What's your favorite book on Alaska?

I enjoy travels and experiences in Alaska, so I would have to say Bradford Washburn.

What is one item you couldn't live without in Alaska?

My down booties.

What is one "out - there" experience you have done?

I've spent time at the Mountain House, which is in the Don Sheldon Amphitheater on Mt. McKinley. [The Mountain House was built on a granite ledge by a pioneering bush pilot, who flew the lumber to the glacier.] Don's wife still manages it, and you can stay there. It's so awesome - you're surrounded by snow, rock, and ice, with no one around. Sometimes you'll see climbers, or flightseeing tours doing glacier landings. I got stuck there once, for five days - weathered in.

What's your favorite season and what do you like to do?

Winter by far. I work and maybe take two months off to travel into places that you couldn't in the summer because there isn't the frozen ground to support you. I love skiing and getting around.

How would you spend your perfect weekend in Denali?

Put on a backpack and take a trip. In the summer, to go into the park and go off road, or in winter, bring your skis and do some backyard skiing.

What's your favorite local hidden treasure?

Yanert Valley - there is a trail in there that can be used all season. In the summer you can backpack and hike. And in the winter you can ski there.

Where's your favorite place to have breakfast in Denali? Dinner?

Creekside Café - they have the "mountain women's breakfast;" you should always get a side of gravy for your biscuits. As for dinner, I like to go to the Black Diamond Golf Club.

What's one experience or attraction you think visitors should not miss in Denali?

The backcountry. Come to Denali, get off the bus and hike or camp. By all means, it will be one of the most amazing adventures you will have in your life.

What are top myths that tourists/outsiders have about Alaska?

People don't really think we live here in the winter. I get asked that one all the time. People think the animals in the park are fed. A lot think that Alaska is not part of the U.S.

What's one thing about Alaska you think visitors may not know that you would like to share with them?

I would like people to know that bears won't eat you. You can go into the backcountry in a way that won't put you in danger and you can still be independent.

What's worse, moose or bear?

Moose. Bear will run away when they see you or smell you. Moose will want to charge.