Mat-Su Valley Blog

The 2023 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race officially gets started Sunday, March 5 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 4. That day does not count in the...

The 61st annual Willow State Winter Carnival kicks off this weekend, with a jam-packed schedule of events celebrating the season. Traditionally, the Willow State Winter Carnival spans two weekends, and that's the case again in 2023. Events run Feb. 17-19 and then again on Feb. 24-26. On Friday, the...

The world's longest snowmobile race officially kicks off next week in Big Lake, as the Iron Dog roars to a start. The Expedition Class begins on Wednesday, Feb. 15, while the Pro Class racers hit the trail starting at 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 17. Pro Class racers will line up at the starting chute...

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, but you better act fast - the bidding ends in two weeks. The auction, sponsored by the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, allows people to bid on the...

There is simply no better way to get into the holiday spirit than a visit to Colony Christmas, which is this weekend in downtown Palmer. The entire community comes together to make it one of the most memorable weekends on the calendar. From a parade of lights and fireworks to outdoor events and...

This weekend, a uniquely Alaskan event takes over downtown Talkeetna, as the famous Wilderness Woman competition and Talkeetna Bachelor Society Auction take place. The festivities actually begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 2, as the motorized parade of lights winds its way through Talkeetna, ushering...

When Skeetawk Alpine Ski Area opens next month, it will be introducing new experiences and enhanced services for skiers and snowboarders. The biggest news for Skeetawk is night skiing will be offered for the first time ever. The lights have been ordered and Skeetawk has received shipping...

One of the Valley's top Christmas traditions is back for another year, as the Bright Up the Night light display will open at the Alaska State Fair on Thanksgiving. The Bright Up the Night event at the fair consists of more than 70 holiday light displays across the fairgrounds, more than half of...

After a year with virtual participation, the wildly popular Oosik Classic Ski Race is back to an in-person event in Talkeetna in 2022! 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...

This spring, you could win just by getting out and enjoying the outdoors in the Mat-Su Valley. The Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation is encouraging people to get out and enjoy the great outdoors by hosting a photo contest that continues through May. All you have to do to enter is submit a photo of...