Every year, more and more visitors are choosing to come to Alaska's Mat-Su Valley after the summer season. I guess the secret's out; this place is absolutely unbelievable during the winter months! You might be wondering what would motivate so many people to brave the shorter days and colder temperatures to visit Alaska in the winter. Here's a list of five highlights that can make any Alaska winter vacation unforgettable.

1. Discover snowy slopes and winter trails. The Mat-Su Valley has countless miles of trails to explore and visiting them in the winter time is doubly exciting. Many of the winter trails are not as accessible in the summer. With the Valley's pristine lakes completely frozen over, outdoor enthusiasts can ski or snowshoe almost anywhere with no challenges. It's not just skis that make these trails so enjoyable this time of year, either. Join a guided snowmobile tour that can take you all the way to the Matanuska or Knik Glaciers! Or if you'd like to tap into some of the region's cultural roots, visit Willow and take a sled dog tour into the hills! Your mode of touring the Valley's winter trails will be just as exciting as the majestic views along the way.

2. Go ice fishing. During the summer, you can fish for all five species of salmon in the Mat-Su Valley, but the avid angler is wetting a line year round up here. Winter time is when the lake fishing is, pardon the pun, off the hook! Experienced guides are ready drill that ice and arm you against the chill in a warm ice fishing hut. Catch trout, arctic char, or a record sized pike!

3. Explore glaciers. Exploring the Valley's glaciers is a must no matter what time of year you visit. In the winter you can take a guided hike into the frozen ice caves of these natural wonders. Imagine canyon-like walls of shimmering ice all around you as you make your way into these ornate recesses of the glacier. Another popular activity at the glaciers is ice climbing. Winter is an excellent time to join experienced guides and ascend the frozen waterfalls.

4. Enjoy winter activities and events. The Mat-Su Valley loves to celebrate winter. Holiday celebrations and winter festivals take place in every major community of the Valley throughout the winter. Don't miss Palmer's Colony Christmas or the Talkeetna Winterfest. Check out the calendar of events to see what else is going on in the Valley during your winter stay. There are also many activities to enjoy here during the snowy season. Take your skis to the Valley's own Skeetawk Ski Area located in beautiful Hatcher Pass, or visit the Musk Ox Farm in Palmer. Don't forget, the community of Willow hosts the official start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in March. If you're visiting around that time, the Iditarod is an event you won't want to miss.

5. Marvel at the aurora borealis. Alaska's darkening winter skies do have a silver lining, but it's more emerald than silver. The northern lights can boast a spectrum of greens, reds and even blues and purples. This celestial phenomenon can be enjoyed most winter nights in the Mat-Su Valley as long as the sky is clear. You can join guided aurora viewing tours and even have your picture taken in front of these awesome shimmering lights.

Consider visiting Alaska's Mat-Su Valley this winter. Take in the sights, join the festivities and explore this winter wonderland. If you ask me, the Valley is where hot cocoa was truly meant to be sipped!