Guided Snowmobile Tours

The Mat-Su Valley, Alaska is an extremely popular snowmobile vacation destination. Referred to by Alaskans as "snowmachine," these powerful sleds provide great means for exploring Alaska backcountry.

Moderate winter temperatures, cozy winter lodges, incredible mountain scenery, open powder, a well-marked trail system, challenging mountain riding and some of the most unusual riding opportunities known to snowmobiling make the Matanuska-Susitna Valley Alaska's snowmobile paradise.

Alaska snowmobile guides are expert riders with a passion for adventure and providing a safe, fun time exploring the backcountry.

Type "snowmobile" into the Member Business Search for guided snowmobile tours, Alaska snowmachine trail info, snowmobile rentals and winter vacation packages with lodging and meals. Visit the Matanuska-Susitna Borough's Online Trail Guide for Mat-Su Valley trail information and snowmobile riding areas.

WHERE TO GO
 

Denali Country
Snowmobile beneath the grandeur of Denali around Trapper Creek and Petersville along well-marked trails or open powder. Located north of Talkeetna, this favorite Alaska snowmobile destination offers 300 miles of trail (60 of which are groomed weekly) in addition to many less-known, less-traveled routes. Main access points include the Krotto Creek Parking lot, mile 13.5 Petersville Road or Parks Highway milepost 121.5.

Trapper Lake and Amber Lake Trails lie west of the Susitna River, connecting with trails west of Oilwell Road and south of Petersville Road. Two trails run north-south and two run east-west, totaling 80 miles. Access from the Parks Highway at milepost 82.5, 89 or 105.

Situated between the Talkeetna Mountains and the Alaska Range, Denali State Park is split in half by the Parks Highway. Curry and Kesugi Ridge dominate the eastern half of the park, which covers 325,240 acres. Snow accumulates in October and reaches depths of six feet or more. Snowmachines are permitted throughout the park when snow depth is sufficient (about 16 inches).

The West Gateway Trails near Willow connect riders to hundreds of miles of Mat-Su Valley winter trails including Corral Hill Trail (leads to the Susitna River), North Rolly Lake Trail (leads to Nancy Lake State Recreation Area), Big Swamp Trail and Old Hunter's Trail. Access points include the Willow Creek Community Center or North Crystal Lake Road.

Gold Rush Country
Snowmobilers will find vertical thrills and an endless variety of terrain at Hatcher Pass. Unload at the Motherlode Lodge or at a lot just below the mine and follow snowmobile routes that skirt Willow Creek and Bald Mountain Ridge to find countless trails that branch into side valleys, creek draws and onto broad ridges. Follow trails north of the pass to access Black Ridge and Willow Mountain.

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources and Alaska State Parks for maps of snowmachine trail systems for Hatcher Pass and Nancy Lakes. (907) 745-3975

Lake Country
A 120-mile, groomed trail system begins at Big Lake with trails stretching into Houston, Skwentna and beyond. The Big Lake Chamber of Commerce sells a waterproof trail map for $5, which highlights major trails, parking areas, lodges and places to buy fuel. Thirty-eight waypoints, including several trail intersections, trailheads and common stops for snowmobilers are also marked. (907) 892-6109.

The Flathorn Lake Trail begins at the Little Su Access Road. The trail crosses the Little Susitna River, extends west across swamps and crosses Flathorn Lake before heading north to Susitna Station - where it connects with the Iditarod Trail and Iron Dog Trail. This 21-mile trail is accessible from Ayshire Road, off Point MacKenzie Road.

Glacier Country
Riders can find snowmobile trails right off the Glenn Highway including Chickaloon (Mi. 67 Glenn Highway), Purinton Creek (Mile 90.1) Hicks Creek (Mi. 96.6), and Eureka Summit (Mi. 102). Parking lots at these mileposts provide a great place to unload sleds, park and later recount the day's adventures.

Perched on the edge of the Mat-Su Valley, Lake Louise and adjoining Susitna Lake have more than 300 miles of snowmachine trails groomed by the Wolf Pack Snowmachine Club for beginner to advanced riders. Late January through early April most weekends include events the Antique Snowmachine Race, Spring Fun Run and a golf tournament on ice. Follow the 19-mile junction from mile 159.8 of the Glenn Highway

The Iron Dog
Each year on the second weekend in February the Mat-Su Valley hosts the beginning of the longest, toughest snowmobile race event in the World - the Iron Dog. Snowmachine teams of two race from Wasilla to Nome to Fairbanks, covering 1971 miles of unforgiving Alaskan terrain. Festivities held throughout the week leading up to the event include a Snowmobile Safety & Educational EXPO. www.irondog.com


DOWNLOADABLE WINTER TRAIL MAPS