Visitor Guide
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Find lodging, dining, activities, attractions and more in each region of the Mat-Su Valley. More Info
Top Winter Destinations
Winter is quickly becoming the best time of year to visit Alaska. With moderate winter temperatures, plenty of snowfall and distance from big city lights, the Mat-Su shines under bright sunny days and brilliant starry nights. Below is just a brief highlight of some of the popular winter destinations found in the Mat-Su Valley. In winter, hotels, lodges, lakeside inns and bed and breakfasts become linked by a vast network of winter trails. To find places to stay, click on "Lodging" within Vacation Fundamentals.
Glenn Highway
Quench a thirst for winter play at Sheep Mountain, where cross country ski trails are groomed for both skate and classic skiing and there is quick snowmachine trail access to Gunsight and Eureka. Hot tub, sauna, hearty food and drink await overnight lodge guests.
Located at the end of a 19 mile road that branches off of the Glenn Highway at Mile 159.8, Lake Louise and adjoining Susitna Lake cover 37 square miles of Alaska's largest lake system accessible by road. Deep powder and more than 300 miles of trails idolized for some of the best snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and dog mushing in Alaska. Families bond with ice fishing, northern lights viewing and good old-fashioned sledding. Surrounding lakeside lodges fill up fast during special events such as fun runs, an antique snowmachine race, and St. Patrick's Day festivities.
Hatcher Pass
Locally known as a winter recreation Mecca, Hatcher Pass offers a multitude of activities ranging from snowshoeing, skiing, snow cat skiing and sledding. Once the snow flies, visitors to the area can access groomed trails that connect to Willow-Fishhook Road open to snow machines and skiers during the winter months. Nearby lodges and bed and breakfasts allow guests enjoy outdoor activities and then relax with a good meal and a sauna.
Iditarod National Historic Trail
After a full-day guided snowmobile adventure under brilliant blue winter skies, nestle into cabin or lodge located along the famous Iditarod Trail. The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race may happen in March, but this spectacular Alaska adventure is offered throughout winter. Special culinary and dog mushing weekends are available.
Nancy Lake State Recreation Area
Winter and summer, many people enjoy taking advantage of one of 13 Public Use Cabins available on Nancy Lake, Red Shirt Lake, Lynx Lake, James Lake and Bald Lake. These cabins, which must be reserved in advance, sleep from four to eight people. Although rustic, the public use cabins make an adventurous outing, particularly those located on islands. For more information on cabin availability or to reserve one, contact Alaska State Parks.
Talkeetna
Talkeetna knows how to celebrate winter with the annual Winterfest town celebration held throughout the entire month of December. Explore the Alaska wilderness on your own or with a guided tour. Take a tour of the park ranger station open on Saturdays and go flightseeing over and around Denali (Mount McKinley). Winter weather means clear blue skies and better chances for viewing the elusive peak. Overnight at one of the area's cabins or inns.
Tordrillo Mountains
The newest winter destination is located in the heart of the Alaska Range is located at the Tordrillo Mountain Lodge. Book a thrilling heli-ski vacation complete with lodging, gourmet meals and air transportation from Anchorage.
Trapper Creek/Petersville
This area receives a ton of snow! Guided snowmachine excursions for every experience level are available, and range as long as three hours to ten hours. With stunning views of the Alaska's Range including Mount McKinley, it's easy to understand why recreational enthusiasts are attracted to the Trapper Creek/Petersville area.
Willow
Willow sits at the convergence of 3,000 miles of groomed trails. Take an invigorating dogsled or snowmobile ride through Alaska wilderness. Visit a working kennel and learn how to mush your own dog sled team before settling in for the night at a lakeside inn or vacation home.
Denali Backcountry Lodge
- 1301 W. Parks Highway, Suite #5
- Wasilla, AK 99654
- Phone: (907) 376-1992
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Denali National Park’s unique lodging & vacation options for Alaska travelers. Choose from our exclusive Denali Backcountry Lodge in Kantishna; our complete & leisurely Backcountry Adventure, a full day exploration of Denali National Park; our convenient Denali Cabins more
Alaska Adventure Unlimited Chalets
- PO Box 871723
- Wasilla, AK 99687
- Phone: (907) 373-3494
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Luxury affordable chalets featuring king pillow-top beds w/ jacuzzi tubs and more. We also specialize in 3-10 day small group Alaskan adventures. Experience the backcountry in comfort, enjoying rafting, flightseeing and more! more
Alaska Creekside Cabins
- 3200 Dolly Varden Drive
- Wasilla, AK 99654
- Phone: (907) 746-7632
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3 waterfront locations - Cottonwood & Wasilla Creeks. Rare salmon viewing opportunities. Cabin suites w/ queen bed, large loft w/ 2 twin beds, kitchen, jetted tub & gas fireplace. Secluded, yet minutes from Palmer & Wasilla. more
Alaska Dreams Lodge
- 1910 S Terrace Ct
- Palmer, AK 99645
- Phone: (907) 232-6868
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Alaska Garden Gate B&B and Cottages
- 950 S. Trunk Road
- Palmer, AK 99645
- Phone: (907) 746-2333
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Enjoy affordable luxury! Jacuzzis, fireplaces, King/Queens, private entrances, kitchens. Outstanding mountain and glacier views, generous continental breakfast in your own kitchen. more
Alaska Kozey Cabins
- 351 E. Spruce Avenue
- Wasilla, AK 99654
- Phone: (907) 376-3190
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2-bedroom chalet log houses - fully furnished, sleeps 6 guests, kitchens, private bathrooms, BBQ's, park-like setting, 5 wooded acres. Close to town and visitor activities. Nightly, weekly, or long-term availability. more
Alaska Sunset View Resort
- 5322 South Big Lake Road
- Big Lake, AK 99652
- Phone: (907) 892-8885
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Lakefront; McKinely View; Three elegant Alaskan homes on 7.8 serene acres on Big Lake. Ideal for business retreats, conferences, family reunions and weddings, or the perfect romantic getaway for two. ** Easter Brunch Special! Call now for details! more
Alaska Vacation Homes
- PO Box 490
- Willow, AK 99688
- Phone: (907) 495-7368
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Year round luxury vacation home in Wasilla or upscale house in Willow. World class fishing, boating, winter sports, dogsledding, snowmachining, 3,000 miles of groomed trails, glaciers, mountains, and breathtaking views. Wasilla house rates start at $1,300 per week for more
Alaska's Caribou Cabins
- 10901 E. Center Street, Palmer
- Palmer, AK 99645
- Phone: (907) 746-6881
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Alaska's Harvest Bed & Breakfast
- PO Box 2092
- 2252 Love Dr
- Palmer, AK 99645
- Phone: (907) 745-4263
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Experience Alaska's awesome view! Alaskan decor. 15 acres of trees trails. Generous cont breakfast, warm hospitality. Very clean first class, convenient 2 mi from Palmer more
Alaska's Lake Lucille Bed & Breakfast
- South shore of Lake Lucille
- Wasilla, AK 99687
- Phone: (907) 357-0352
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Helpful resources
So you're planning a trip to Alaska and need some help getting started. You've come to the right place! More Info
Maps and more
Find Alaska Highway maps and mileage chart for distances between destination points within the Mat-Su… More Info
Great outdoors
Discover more about boating, rafting, fishing, flightseeing and how to get into the backcountry of… More Info
Denali Flightseeing
Alaska's majestic scenery appears magnified from a Cessna window and the vantage point makes for good… More Info
glaciers
You can see a glacier just about anywhere in Alaska. But in the Mat-Su Valley, you can actually get out… More Info
Alaska Rafting
Uncover hidden jewels only accessible by boat. Hover in rapids through canyons, see glaciers calve fall… More Info
Dining in Mat-Su
Fine dining to cafes and everything in between. Don't be surprised if your portions are Alaska-sized.… More Info
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Yahoo Mat-Su! Where Alaska comes to play
The Mat-Su Valley is your place for adventure. From flightseeing Mount McKinley to rafting the Matanuska River, excitement is right around every corner. Spectacular views abound, from mountains to glaciers to wildlife. Conveniently located 35 miles north of Anchorage, your Alaska experience begins when you get to the Mat-Su Valley. Spend a day exploring Hatcher Pass, test your luck fishing or take advantage of the bountiful hiking. The Mat-Su Valley - where Alaska comes to play!
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You'll find a wide variety of lodging options to fit your preferences and budget. Choose from comfo...
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View our online vacancy report.
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Looking for an event to attend? Our calendar of events will give you many options to choose from.
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Alaska adventure is everywhere in the Mat-Su Valley! Summer and winter you will find a wide variety...
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Three mountain ranges... 2,000 miles of trails... thousands of lakes... hundreds of miles of rivers...
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Choose from fine dining to down home cafes and everything in between. Many of these restaurants use...
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Mark the occasion of your Alaska visit with a special keepsake that tells the story of your adventu...
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Alaska winters are spectacular in the Mat-Su Valley. Alpenglow sunsets over Denali, winter ice fish...
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Check out our brand new Visitors Guide!