When people tell us about the adventures they'd like to have in Alaska, it's amazing how often they assume the activity is not for them because they've never done it before. That shouldn't make an activity feel unapproachable, though! Remember that ice climbers, white water rafters, backpackers, skiers, mountain bikers, and every adventurous outdoor aficionado in Alaska started out in your shoes, having never done before what would eventually become a regular outdoor passion.

In the Mat-Su there are a variety of outdoor education and training programs and events to help make many of Alaska's unique adventures more accessible. Never stepped into a pair of snowshoes before? We got you! Can't picture yourself mastering a pair of  crampons and ice axes? We can! Here is a list of classic Alaska adventures in the Mat-Su Valley that you can learn how to do.

DOG MUSHING - Nearly every sled dog kennel offering tours in the Mat-Su can also provide hands-on training if you're interested in trying your hand at handling a dog team on our epic winter trails. From hitching up the dogs to shouting the right commands from your sled, the immersive experience of training with a genuine dog sled team will send you head over heals for this classic Alaska lifestyle.

WINTER RECREATION - Events like Winter Discovery Day, organized by Revel Treks and Tours, offer public access to outdoor gear like snowshoes, cross country skis, and more. Volunteers are there to assist as you explore new ways to access Alaska's winter wonderland. Revel also partners with Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation to host a Winter Speaker Series each year, covering topics like how to skate the Mat-Su's frozen waterways or where to find unique wintering birds in the region.

OUTDOOR SKILLS - From backpacking and wilderness essentials to glacier trekking and more, you can gain invaluable know-how and experience through guided courses with experienced leaders. Operations like the Matanuska Outdoor Institute, founded by MICA Guides, provide in-depth outdoor courses that draw from decades of experience in Alaska.

Alaska is certainly a place everyone should experience. In the Mat-Su you can enjoy Alaska's glistening glaciers, towering peaks, energetic sled dogs, endless scenic trail and breathtaking wildlife. More than just experiencing it, though, you can take home a knowledge and skill set that will bind your heart to this land for the rest of your life.