Outside there are clear signs of warmer days ahead, but there is still plenty of snow and the lakes remain quite frozen. Those with a passion for Alaska's scenic water bodies and peaceful streams can find this time of year just a tad frustrating. The days may be warming up, but the raft is still...

Spring Skiing

March 19, 2024 by Casey Ressler
The sun is returning and the temperatures may be easing, but there is still time to get some sweet runs in at the Valley's favorite recreational ski areas! Skeetawk, the first triple-chair lift ski area in the Mat-Su Valley, is open through April 21 for the season, giving skiers and snowboarders two...
The Mat-Su Valley have been hard at work for the past two years preparing to host the 2024 Arctic Winter Games. It's difficult to believe that the week of the Games is finally just around the corner. If you're able to visit the Valley for the Arctic Winter Games, you're in for a real treat. The...

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,...

Winter Discovery Day

February 14, 2024 by Justin Saunders
Whether you're venturing out into the snow for the first time or you're looking for a new activity to add to your quiver of winter adventures, this event is for you. Winter Discovery Day is designed to connect you to a plethora of winter recreation opportunities and resources in the Valley....

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...
If you get a chance to stand on top of the Butte (a fairly easy, short hike just outside of Palmer), try to imagine how different your vantage point would have been way back when it was surrounded by glacier ice. Two main glaciers carved out the Mat-Su Valley long ago. Though they've obviously...

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...