Mat-Su Valley Blog

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...

Outside there are clear signs of warmer days ahead, but there is still plenty of snow and the lakes remain quite frozen. Those with a passion for Alaska's scenic water bodies and peaceful streams can find this time of year just a tad frustrating. The days may be warming up, but the raft is still...

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 - 10- 25- and 50-kilometers. While competitive skiers definitely participate every year, it's the recreational skiers that have given...

The 2024 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race officially starts Sunday, March 3 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 2. That day does not count in the standings...

The world's longest snowmobile race officially kicks off next week in Big Lake, as the Iron Dog roars to a start. Pro Class racers hit the trail starting on Saturday, Feb. 17, followed by the Expedition Class. Pro Class racers will line up at the starting chute and depart in 2-minute intervals, with...

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 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 Santa Claus, Colony...

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. It's the largest...

It's just like clockwork. When the snow finally reaches the lakes and fields of Mat-Su Valley's Glacier View area, massive flocks of snow geese take to the skies and start heading southward. This is just one of many bird species that spend their summers in Alaska and swing through the Valley on...

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...