Mat-Su Valley Blog

This year, the famous Oosik Ski Race is going virtual, giving Nordic skiers an opportunity to participate anywhere in the world, with the same fun the Talkeetna race provides every March. Due to the pandemic, this year's race won't be held in person in Talkeetna. But that doesn't mean the spirit of...

Crystal clear days and fresh powder have skiers flocking to Skeetawk, the Mat-Su's first-ever downhill ski area, making the first year successful despite some hiccups. General Manager Scott Patridge said the last few weekends at Skeetawk have been fantastic, with "powder days every Saturday for the...

Christmas is just 10 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 -...

After years of planning, fund-raising and hard work from volunteers, Skeetawk, the Mat-Su Valley's first-ever triple chair lift downhill ski area, is set to open Saturday, December 5. Last Saturday, Skeetawk hosted a surprise soft opening for its season pass holders and members and it went well,...

This weekend is the final one for the 2020 Willow Winter Carnival, and it actually gets started bright and early. The Willow 300 Sled Dog Race began Thursday and will conclude around 6 a.m. at Sheep Creek Lodge. Hosted by the Willow Dog Mushers Association, it is one of the state's premier...

At this time of year, we often get asked, "Is Hatcher Pass open, even though there's no 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 over the pass...

Now that winter has finally settled into the Mat-Su Valley, it's time to look at your calendars and plan to visit some of the amazing community events that are held throughout the season. There are numerous community events that take place, but four stand out to us as "must sees." Up first is the...

When it comes to winter recreation, there is simply no better place to be than Hatcher Pass, nestled into the Talkeetna Mountains. Hatcher Pass is the ideal destination for winter enthusiasts, as the area boasts something for everyone. It's usually the first area to get snow in the fall, and the...

One of the top recreation areas in the Mat-Su Valley, Hatcher Pass, just got even better. A new concessionaire has taken over the operations of the Government Peak Chalet, and is now offering fat tire bike rentals, snowshoe rentals and eventually, ski rentals. Lifetime Adventures took over...

Two of the most unique events in Alaska kick off Saturday in Talkeetna, as the world famous Wilderness Woman Competition and the Talkeetna Bachelor Auction bring plenty of laughs, good times and fun. The Talkeetna Bachelor Society hosts the events each year. They start it off with the Wilderness...