Mat-Su Valley Blog

Fans of the Iron Dog have always come to Big Lake for the race start each February. But this year, they'll get the chance to see something entirely new - the crowning of a champion. For the first time, the Iron Dog is finishing in Big Lake, rather than starting there. Pro Class racers will start in...

If you have always wanted to experience the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race from a musher's perspective, the Iditarider auction is the perfect thing for you. The auction, sponsored by the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, allows people to bid on the right to ride in a musher's sled at the race's ceremonial...

Christmas is just days away, but it seems that all must be under control for Santa. He was recently spotted in the Mat-Su Valley taking a break by fat tire biking and kayaking, two of his favorite activities. The jolly old man got in contact with Dan McDonough of Lifetime Adventures last week - they...

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...

The airport in Talkeetna has a new look, thanks to the completion of a new building for K2 Aviation. The building is elegantly constructed and has a lodge-like feel to it. It gives customers a new experience, even before they board a K2 flight to fly around Denali and the Alaska Range. The new K2...

The Alaska State Fair has ended, and with it, the summer is drawing to a close. The Mat-Su Valley has had a fantastic summer, and it's turning into a beautiful fall as well. Before the snow hits, make sure you get out and enjoy one last memorable hike. Whether it's an extended backpacking trip or a...

Getting there is half the fun when it comes to any destination along the Glenn Highway, which leads north out of Palmer. The Glenn Highway has been designated a National Scenic Byway for good reason - the views along the way are absolutely breathtaking, including mountains, glaciers and rivers. It's...

People travel for a variety of reasons - to learn about other cultures, to enjoy new foods, to take adventures and even for medical tourism. A growing trend that is having a positive impact on local communities, however, is "voluntourism," the act of volunteering for a cause while traveling. Often,...

This weekend, there will be HOGS everywhere in the Mat-Su Valley, as the Harley Owners Group is hosting the 25th anniversary Last Frontier Rally here. More than 150 Harley owners are expected to attend this year's Last Frontier Rally, organizers said. They aren't just local riders, either - several...

With temperatures flirting with 50 degrees, it's easy to start dreaming of summer. Last weekend we had a booth at the Mat-Su Outdoorsman Show, and a couple with two boys came up and introduced themselves. They had moved to Alaska from Florida in October, and they asked a simple question - what...