Mat-Su Valley Blog

One of the surest signs that summer is finally here is the announcement that Settlers Bay Golf Course and Palmer Golf Course are both open for play. Settlers Bay Golf Course, 10 miles north of Wasilla, boasts "Alaska's best putting greens" and opens play on April 26. There are no temporary greens,...

April 22 is celebrated as Earth Day around the world, a time to reflect on the importance the environment has on our surroundings. And as we quickly transition from winter to summer, now is a perfect time to get out and enjoy the great outdoors to refresh yourself. Our Alaska State Parks system...

Despite having a lot of snow on the ground still, the first sign of spring is this weekend - the annual Mat-Su Outdoorsman Show at the Menard Center. You know that summer can't be too far away once the outdoor show season starts, and the Mat-Su show is the first one up on the calendar this year....

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 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...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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...