Calisa Kastning

Calisa is originally from the Upper Midwest and moved to Alaska with her husband in 2011. She is the mother of 3 young energetic daughters who have all been on skis soon after they learned to walk. In addition to skiing (both cross-country and alpine), Calisa and her family enjoy hiking, fishing, picking berries, camping and biking adventures in their Alaskan backyard. When not out adventuring you can find Calisa and her family at local music, sewing and gardening. Calisa has learned to “find the time” for self-care, which for her is most enjoyed in physical activity (running and skiing). She is quickly learning that not only does she feel better mentally and physically, but it allows her to be more patient with her kids when her own cup is full AND the ability to keep up with her kids (for the time being)! Calisa has worked professionally in the ski industry as an Exercise Physiologist and as a Collegiate Ski Coach at various Universities. Since moving to Alaska, Calisa has coached adults in local community ski programs and is the current Executive Director at Skiku, Inc. , which is a non-profit that takes gear and volunteers to 55 rural Alaska villages to teach the kids to ski. Additionally, Calisa is the owner of Skogsbarn Enamelware Mugs and is the Co-founder of Moms Matter Now, LLC. Moms Matter Now is an online supportive community for mothers in addition to online courses designed to help expectant mothers with the emotional and psychological transitions to motherhood.

Anchorage Hikes

the authors three daughters enjoying a snack at their hiking destination.

Anchorage Hikes to do with Your Family Summer is coming soon and that means SO many options of where to go and what to do as a family. For those of you living in Alaska or have the opportunity to visit this summer, I am excited to share our family’s top 10 favorite hikes within … Read more

Sewing instructions for kid’s cozy fleece pants!

How to sew fleece pants for kids of all ages Hello fellow sewing mama! How exciting that you are here and ready to take on sewing fun cozy fleece pants for your kiddo or as a gift (they do make perfect gifts!)! Fleece pants are great for all types of adventures, as super cozy post … Read more

Moms Matter!

author and friends in the birthing cave rock formation in sedona arizona on mother's day

Moms Matter and Moms Matter Now!  Have you ever stopped to think about how easy it is to set aside your own needs since you became a mom and put everyone else first? Have you ever questioned why the needs of others matter and yours don’t? Maybe it is as simple as wondering why your … Read more

Kicksledding for all ages!

Kicksledding for Families Have you seen more people, of all ages, kicking and gliding around on strange carriages in your area the past few winters?  Well, it’s probably a kick sled and the number of people enjoying this activity/mode of transportation has definitely increased in the U.S. in recent years.  What is a kicksled? A … Read more

How to Skate Ski

author skiing with two daughters

How to Skate Ski: Tips for Adults and Kids Skate Skiing for Beginners: Where to Start Are you wanting to learn or improve on your skate skiing and don’t know where to start? I hope the following drills and tips help you find yourself gliding across the snow with more efficiency, less effort and more … Read more

Teaching Kids Cross Country Skiing

Kids learning to cross country ski in the Alaska bush

Cross-Country Skiing Drills for Kids Fall is here in Alaska and that means snow and skiing is coming soon!  If you are an adult who is wanting to learn to ski this winter, or would like to teach kids cross country skiing, I hope the following drills and ideas will help in your quest to … Read more