Mat-Su Valley Blog

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 20 for the season, giving skiers and snowboarders two...

Hatcher Pass is definitely wearing white after Labor Day, as the first major snowfall of the season created a winter wonderland this week. About six inches of snow was reported at Independence Mine. Daily tours hosted by Salmon Berry Tours, the Independence Mine concessionaire, have been closed for...

March is a great month in Alaska - the days are getting longer and the weather is getting warmer. There's no better place to visit in March than Talkeetna for fun events, great views and outdoor recreation. Trio Fatbike World Championships The 2022 Trio Fat Bike race is on! This year's event is set...

The road over Hatcher Pass is officially closed for the winter after an early season snowfall blanketed the area with snow. The road is one of the most popular and scenic day drives in Alaska. It connects Willow with Hatcher Pass, and is a prime spot for hiking, berry picking and hunting in the...

For many, when the last salmon run ends in the fall, fishing season is over. But in the Mat-Su Valley, that's only the beginning of the "hardwater" season. From Lake Louise to Denali State Park, ice fishing opportunities abound in the Mat-Su Valley. There are more than 80 stocked lakes in the Valley...

The Nordic ski season is well under way at Hatcher Pass and Government Peak, where groomers have already been out, creating great early-season conditions. Last week's snow has stuck around at the higher elevations, giving skiers an early opportunity to enjoy the backcountry. According to trail...

Nordic skiers looking for groomed trails and spectacular views don't have to venture further than Hatcher Pass. Each year, Hatcher Pass receives the first snow of the year in Southcentral Alaska, which opens up many winter recreation opportunities. Nordic skiing enthusiasts flock to the area each...

Some of Alaska's best Nordic ski trails can be found just minutes away from Wasilla and Palmer, as the Government Peak Recreation Area boasts miles of groomed trails, many of which are lighted. The ski trails are essentially a series of loops, ranging in distance and difficulty, ensuring there is a...

Now that winter has finally settled into the Mat-Su Valley, it's time to look at your calendars and plan to visit some of the amazing community events that are held throughout the season. There are numerous community events that take place, but four stand out to us as "must sees." Up first is the...

One of the top recreation areas in the Mat-Su Valley, Hatcher Pass, just got even better. A new concessionaire has taken over the operations of the Government Peak Chalet, and is now offering fat tire bike rentals, snowshoe rentals and eventually, ski rentals. Lifetime Adventures took over...