Author: Casey Ressler

Casey Ressler is the Mat-Su CVB marketing and communications manager. A perfect day for him involves his raft and his fly rod, ending with a campfire on the river with a view of Denali.

Oosik Ski Classic

February 29, 2024 by Casey Ressler
The Oosik is hosted by the Denali Nordic Ski Club and is one of the most fun and funky races in Alaska. The course changes every year, but there are three divisions - 10- 25- and 50-kilometers. While competitive skiers definitely participate every year, it's the recreational skiers that have given...

Iditarod 2024

February 27, 2024 by Casey Ressler
The 2024 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race officially starts Sunday, March 3 in Willow, as mushers depart for Nome, 1,100 grueling miles away. This is officially called the Iditarod "Restart" because there is a ceremonial start in Anchorage on Saturday, March 2. That day does not count in the standings...

Raising Spirits

February 19, 2024 by Casey Ressler
This weekend, spirits will be raised in Talkeetna in celebration of local art, culture, food and drink, as the first Raising Spirits event is hosted by the Denali Arts Council. The festival features an afternoon of delicious local cocktails and spirits from Denali Brewing Company, Denali Spirits,...

Iron Dog

February 9, 2024 by Casey Ressler
The world's longest snowmobile race officially kicks off next week in Big Lake, as the Iron Dog roars to a start. Pro Class racers hit the trail starting on Saturday, Feb. 17, followed by the Expedition Class. Pro Class racers will line up at the starting chute and depart in 2-minute intervals, with...

Pond Hockey

January 22, 2024 by Casey Ressler
The Last Frontier Pond Hockey Classic is back in Big Lake, with more than 150 hockey teams playing February 23-25 for Alaska's largest outdoor hockey event. On the ice near Burkeshore Marina in Big Lake, 20 outdoor rinks will host 10 divisions of four-on-four hockey. The event is hosted by the...

Plan For Vacation

January 19, 2024 by Casey Ressler
National Plan for Vacation Day encourages Americans, for the sake of personal well-being and overall economic prosperity, to plan their vacation days for the coming year. Too often, people do not take their earned vacation time. By taking your earned time off, you come back refreshed, rejuvenated...
Talkeetna is the place to be the first weekend in February, as the second-annual Talkeetna Ice Festival includes a packed schedule of fun events. The almost week-long event is sponsored by the Denali Arts Council. The carving begins on Wednesday, January 31 in the Village Park, for novice and expert...
If you have always wanted to experience the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race from a musher's perspective, the Iditarider auction is the perfect thing for you, but you better act fast - the bidding ends in two weeks. The auction, sponsored by the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, allows people to bid on the...

Christmas Gift Ideas

December 6, 2023 by Casey Ressler
If you're still looking for some gift ideas that are sure to be appreciated, consider the gift of adventure this holiday season. Giving the gift of travel and adventure is a unique, memorable gift that creates memories that will last a lifetime. Years down the road, the recipient won't remember...

Colony Christmas

November 29, 2023 by Casey Ressler
There is simply no better way to get into the holiday spirit than a visit to Colony Christmas in downtown Palmer. The entire community comes together to make it one of the most memorable weekends on the calendar. From a parade of lights and fireworks to outdoor events and Santa Claus, Colony...