Sports in Haines
This page contains basic information and any links about the sporting scene in Haines:
- Basketball
Basketball is extremely popular during the winter months in Haines. Almost every evening of the week sees various age groups and leagues playing ball at the High School Gymnasium. The Haines Glacier Bears Boys and Girls teams are always a force to be reckoned with in regional high school action. - Cycling
Haines has quite a few good mountain bike and road bike trails. Perhaps the biggest cycling event of the year is the Kluane to Chilkat International Bike Relay run between Haines Junction and Haines every summer. The Haines Borough Public Library sponsors a bike-a-thon every spring to raise money. For all biking questions, your best bet is to chat to the folks at Sockeye Cycle. - Climbing
Haines is a climbing nirvana, with towering peaks and glistening glaciers all around. The climbing community includes the likes of John Svenson and the folks at the Alaska Mountain Guides. Ice climbing is also a popular winter activity. - Dog Sledding
There are a few teams of sled dogs in town: Dan and Chris Turner's dogs have competed in International competitions such as the Yukon Quest and they show off their dogs during the summer at Chilkoot Sled Dog Adventures and take folks for winter trips into the backcountry. Jim Stanford's Digging Dog kennels and Gail Gilbert also run teams in town. - Fishing
Exciting sport fishing opportunities are plentiful from April to November, both saltwater and freshwater. Several charter operators offer fishing trips from the Haines Small Boat Harbor for five species of salmon, plus halibut and rockfish. King salmon are caught all season, with the Haines King Salmon Derby held in late May and early June. Guided fishing is also available on Chilkat and Chilkoot Lakes. See the Visitor Center website for charter and guide information - Golf
Haines has a golf course located on the tidelands adjacent to the airport at 1.5 mile Haines Highway. The Valley of the Eagles Golf Links is a 9-hole golf course and features a one-stop pro shop for all golfing needs, a PGA pro who offers lessons, and some of the best scenery anywhere. There is a driving range near 33 mile road house. - Hiking
Almost everyone in Haines hikes. There are many great trails and it is not hard to get off the beaten path. Some commercial outfits lead trips along the area's trails and the Visitor Center has a great pamphlet entitled "Haines is for Hikers" that describes the area's more popular walks. - Kayaking
Sea kayaking and river kayaking are also popular in Haines. The area's waters also provide some fairly good surf kayaking (when the wind blows hard). Interested parties should direct all their kayaking questions to the folks at Deishu Expeditions or head for the Local Catch on Portage street to pick up a white water buddy! - Running
The Haines running scene is very active. The heart and soul of Haines running is undoubtedly Chip Lende at Lutak Lumber. Chip helps organize many of the area's races, including the Koot to Kat Skat, the Mt Riley Run, the Mt. Ripinski Run, the Chum Run, etc. - Rafting
Most rafting in town occurs on the Chilkat River, through the American Bald Eagle Preserve, but many afficianados head north to test the waters of the Alsek, Tatsenshini, and Blanchard rivers, all of which run through the Tatshenshini-Alsek Wilderness. If you have rafting questions, it's probably best to touch base with Chilkat Guides - Skiing
Telemarking and cross country skiing are the primary ski sports in Haines, but a growing number of snowboarders haunt the backcountry around Haines. Most skiing takes place up on the Chilkat Pass at the Haines Summit, about 40 miles out of Haines. Certain individuals also maintain cross country ski trails closer to town on the banks of the frozen Chilkat River. The source for all ski questions is the Backcountry Outfitter. - Swimming
The Haines School Pool is where almost all Haines swimming takes place. Open 3 time a day for lap swims, senior swims, and open swims, the pool is accessed by punch card which patrons purchase at the pool. Haines Dolphins Swim Team for kids agese 5-18, season Sept-April, contact Coach Steve Vick, for details.
The pool is also used for lifesaving, kayaking and other water related classes. - Sportsmans Association
The sportsmans association is the club for folks interested in hunting. The association has a shooting range and sponsors various community events. - Softball
Haines has two state-of-the-art ball diamonds. There is a safe place to bring the kids and family with a new play area with new playground equipment. For more information about Haines softball, contact Bob Fowler - Tennis
H.I.T. (Haines Invitational Tennis) is Haines' new tennis club, which uses school tennis court for matches. - Volleyball
The recent creation of a sand volleyball court at the fairgrounds and a winter volleyball league at the high school provides an outlet for local spikers. - Winter Sports
Besides dog sledding and skiing, Haines is home to many sledders, skaters, hockey-players, cross-country skiers, ski-jorring enthusiasts and is home to a winter olympics. See Winter Sports resources for a directory of Winter Sports related websites.
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