Sports in the Mat-Su
The Mat-Su is built for movement. Golf courses stay open late under the midnight sun, winter trails turn into cheering grounds during the Iditarod, and just about every season brings something new to do or watch. Sports here feel close to the land—no big stadiums, just big skies!
Sports and Activities in The Mat-Su
Visitors to The Mat-Su are encouraged to gear up and create their own Alaskan story. The area's solid sports infrastructure means you can jump into many activities, even if you don't bring your own gear or have prior experience. With indoor and outdoor facilities, your active plans won't be sidelined by the weather, either.
Winter Sports
- Skiing & Snowboarding: The Mat-Su offers spectacular opportunities for alpine skiing and snowboarding. Cross-country skiing is popular on groomed trails. Gear rentals are available from local shops.
- Ice Skating & Hockey: Dedicated ice facilities the Brett Memorial Ice Arena and the MTA Events Center in Palmer.
- Snowshoeing: Snowshoeing is a popular winter activity in Mat-Su, offering a serene way to explore snow-covered landscapes.
Summer Activities
- Golf: There are four golf courses near Wasilla and Palmer, each boasting incredible views. Plus, the "Midnight Sun" lets you tee off almost any hour, day or night.
- Hiking and Biking: The Mat-Su Valley is a paradise for hikers and bikers. Key trail systems are found in Denali State Park, the Government Peak Recreation Area, the Nancy Lakes, and the Hatcher Pass East Management Area.
- Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Mat-Su's clear lakes and glacial waters invite you to dive into a range of water sports. Wasilla Lake offers direct access to kayak, paddleboard, and pedal boat rentals.
- Fishing: The Mat-Su Valley is a top spot for fishing, with abundant opportunities to reel in salmon and trout.
- Rock Climbing & Bouldering: There are also fantastic opportunities for both rock and ice climbing, especially in the Hatcher Pass area (Archangel Valley)
Spectator Sports & Major Events
Beyond getting active yourself, the Mat-Su offers a packed calendar of spectator sports, from world-class endurance dog races to local leagues.
Sled Dog Races
Dog mushing, Alaska's official sport, features two legendary 1,000-mile endurance races: the Iditarod and the Yukon Quest. The Iditarod officially restarts in the Mat-Su's Willow each March, drawing thousands, while the "toughest" Yukon Quest runs in February.
Mat-Su Miners Baseball
Baseball fans can catch America's pastime with the Mat-Su Miners baseball team in the Alaska Baseball League. Games are played at Hermon Brothers Field in Palmer, considered one of the most picturesque ballparks in the country.
Motor Sports
Located just outside Palmer, Alaska Raceway Park is the area's premier destination for motorsports, featuring both a race track and a drag strip. Races happen almost every weekend during the summer season.
Sports Facilities in the Mat-Su
- Palmer Pool
- Wasilla Pool
- The Alaska Club
- Menard Sports Center (Wasilla)
- MTA Sports Center
- Brett Memorial Ice Arena
- MTA Events Center
Ready to push your limits? Mat-Su is calling. From shredding Alaskan slopes to reeling in monster fish and witnessing epic sled dog races, your next adventure starts here. Explore more things to do in Mat-Su and start planning your trip! Be sure to visit our hiking and biking trails page for details on trail conditions, maps, and more.
