Summer ‘26 Trail Expansion at GPRA

Heavy equipment work has wrapped up for the season.

Despite a persistently rainy summer, four of the five trail projects will be ready for use this winter. Final grading and completion of the new Winter Nordic Trail will continue next summer when equipment returns.

Summer 2026 Construction Update

2026 Project Updates :

June 8th - Broke ground on the Blueberry Knoll Reroute!
June 9th - 85% of BBK reroute completed.
June 11th - 95% of BBK reroute completed. (MSB trail crew will finish remaining 5%)
June 16th - Broke ground on Waterfall connector trail.
June 18th - MSB saw crew cuts mature cottonwood trees in stadium
June 26th - Waterfall Connector 85% completed.
June 26th - Broke ground on New Winter Nordic Ski Trail
✅ June 30th - BBK Finished (Thank you MSB Trail Crew for helping with final hand tool work at entrance!)
✅ July 1st - Marmot to Arkose Completed. Finish work to be completed by hand.

July 12th -New Winter Ski Trail -The rough trail connection roughed in from start to finish. Removing stumps and preparing the corridor for the next stage of construction. Frequent rain delays, but progress continues as conditions permit. Work paused to wait for drier conditions.
July 13 - Inner Pioneer Loop - Stump removal
July 17 - ✅ Inner Pioneer Loop and cut through completely roughed in and begin smoothing out as conditions allow.
July 27 - ✅ Heavy equipment work complete. Despite one of the wettest construction seasons we've experienced, four of the five trail projects will be ready for winter use. Final work on the new Winter Nordic Trail will continue next summer.

Summer 2026 By the Numbers

🎉 $20,300 raised
🚜 5 trail projects
✅ 4 winter-ready
🌲 Hundreds of volunteer hours
🛠 Heavy equipment work complete

Project #1: Blueberry Knoll Reroute (Hiking Trail) was the first project completed as part of the 2026 trail expansion. Endorsed by the Mat-Su Borough (MSB), the lower portion of the Blueberry Knoll Trail was rerouted to a scenic ridge line (shown in orange on the map). The new alignment eliminates a persistently wet section of trail while providing hikers with improved views and a better overall experience. Final entrance work was completed with assistance from the Mat-Su Borough Trail Crew. The reroute also opens more suitable terrain for the New Winter Ski Trail adjacent to Bold l (shown in light blue on the map).

Project #2: Waterfall Connector (Winter Nordic/Summer Multi-use Trail) shown in red on the map. A short section of Nordic trail that will provide for far more efficient race day operations. The added benefit is a much more gradual alternative to the Waterfall Downhill. This addition is 85% competed. Nearly complete. Final grading and slope stabilization remain and will be completed during the next construction season. This trail will be ready for winter use.

Project #3: New Winter Nordic Ski Trail adjacent to Bold (Winter Nordic/Summer Multi-use Trail) shown in light blue on the map. This trail will create a new downhill section and loop that will offer a variety of new links to mix and match skiing opportunities on the Denali Loop. Construction made excellent progress this summer despite frequent rain delays. Heavy equipment work has paused for the season, with final grading, drainage improvements, and trail finishing scheduled for next summer.

Project #4: Arkose and Marmot Shortcut(Winter Nordic/Summer Multi-use Trail) shown in pink on the map. The lower portions of the Arkose and Marmot Loops have been connected providing an additional option for skiers. This new connection will be open this winter.

Project #5: Inner Pioneer (Year Round Multi-Use Trail), shown in dark blue on the map, expands the multi-use trail for skijorers, walkers, bikers, as well as skiers. This new loop will benefit from the existing trail lighting. Future expansion east of the Pioneer Loop multi-use trails is dependent on a future crossing of the ravine adjacent to the lower parking lot. The Mat-Su Borough (MSB) is taking the lead on this major project and is pursuing a grant for 2027 construction. Construction is complete enough for winter use. Additional grading and drainage improvements are planned for next summer.

Inside the Trail Plan:

Thanks to our incredible community, we reached our 2026 fundraising goal. While construction pauses for the season, your continued support helps us maintain these new trails and complete the remaining work next summer.

Funding Goal Achieved!:

AMOUNT

$7,150

$20,300

$27,450

CATEGORY

Raised in 2025

Raised in 2026

Total Raised 25-26

Continuing Next Summer….

🚧 Final grading on the New Winter Nordic Trail
🚧 Drainage improvements
🚧 Trail finishing and revegetation

What’s Next?

💛 Make a Donation
Support trail expansion with a contribution. Every dollar invested helps build, improve, and maintain our trails for the entire community.

🛠 Volunteer Your Time
Join us for trail work days later this summer and into the fall—no experience needed! It's a fun way to help build and care for the trails while connecting with fellow outdoor enthusiasts and giving back to the community.

👉 Trail work dates will be announced on our Facebook page, website calendar, and through member and volunteer emails as they are scheduled.

🚜 Donate Equipment or Materials
Have access to equipment, materials, or services that could support trail building (like culverts or machinery)? We’d love to connect.
👉 Reach out to us at info@matsuski.org

This is just the start of expansion of ski and multi-use trails at GPRA!

Click below to check out: