Mat-Su Valley Blog

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...

Communities across the United States have participated in Audubon's Christmas Bird Count for over a century. Wherever your travels take you during the holidays, there's likely a Christmas Bird Count you can participate in. This holds true in Alaska's Mat-Su Valley. Conducted by the local Mat-Su...

Here's an exciting holiday event for everyone from the avid cross-country skier to the casual trail enthusiast! On December 23 from 4-7p.m., the Mat-Su Ski Club is hosting a tour of beautifully decorated trees along the Pioneer Loop trail at the Government Peak Recreation Area. Famous for its world...

This weekend, a uniquely Alaskan event takes in downtown Talkeetna, as the famous Wilderness Woman competition and Talkeetna Bachelor Society Auction take place. This is part of thecummunity's annual Talkeetna Winterfest. The festivities begin on Friday, Dec. 6, with a Christmas Tree decorating and...

There is simply no better way to get into the holiday spirit than a visit to Colony Christmas in downtown Palmer. People in that community come 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...

At this time of year, we often get asked, "Is Hatcher Pass open, even though there's not much snow in Wasilla?" The answer is YES! And to be honest, it's a great time to visit one of Alaska's most scenic places. Hatcher Pass remains open year-round, although with a few caveats. The road that leads...

It's just like clockwork. As 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 their...

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...