Hi Subscriber First Name,

Flakes are finally starting to stack up, and fresh tracks are just around the corner! While winter settles in, we’re keeping the excitement high with the cozy glow of the Holiday Tree Tour and our in-store Ski 101 clinic. Thank you for your patience, your enthusiasm, and your steady support. We’re grateful for this community—and we can’t wait to glide into winter with you as the new snow builds!

If snow accumulation is building your anticiipation, why not get a head start on the fun? Sign up for your MSSC membership now, and you’ll automatically be entered to win a half-day ice fishing charter for up to 4 people—a $300 value, generously donated by our friends at Adventures by True North AK. Already a member? You’re awesome—you’re entered too! The winner will be announced on New Year’s Eve. It’s a fun way to support the Mat-Su Ski Club, help us close out 2025 strong, and possibly kick off the New Year with a little Alaska adventure!

Friendly reminder: We moved to a new website platform this year, which means your old login credentials won’t work—even if your browser autofills them. After you select your membership, the site will prompt you to create a new account. Thank you for taking this extra step. Your membership truly fuels our mission, and we couldn’t do this work without you!

Whatever your age or experience, MSSC has programs designed to help you learn new skills, stay active through winter and beyond, and connect with a community that grows right alongside you.

Youth Programs for New & Developing Skiers

• Junior Nordics (5–16): Fun, supportive lessons in classic and skate skiing. Kids learn to ski, build skills, confidence, and friendships, with optional gear rentals and low-pressure races. Lessons are offered in January and February - registration opens pre-season in October each year. Questions about Junior Nordics - Contact our Program Manager Stephanie Larousse at juniornordics@matsuski.org

• Mat-Su Nordic: Year-round development for all levels and a natural dovetail to our Junior Nordics program. Minis (8–12): Build fundamentals and stay active. Devos (12–14): Structured training, optional intro to racing. Juniors (14–18): Consistent coaching for fitness and competition. Questions about MSN - Contact: MSN Head Coach Eric Strabel, eric.strabel@matsuski.org

Adult Programs for New & Developing Skiers :

• Ski 101 Adult Clinics:
  Free, confidence-building clinics designed to help our newest adult skiers get comfortable on snow and learn the basics. Scroll down for dates, times, and locations!

• Adult Ski Lessons Learn Classic or Skate! Lessons run Dec 18 – late Feb, with member booking opening Dec 15. Snow worries? We teach at GPRA or Archangel Rd. Click here to learn more

• Mat-Su Nordic Masters (Adults): Beyond beginner? We’ve got you. Year-round development for all levels with flexible daytime or evening sessions. Coaching, community, and support to help you stay active and keep improving. Contact: Head Coach Eric Strabel, eric.strabel@matsuski.org, to learn more and try your first week for free!

Visit our website and explore our “Programs” on the menu to find the best fit for you!

Ski 101 In-Store Clinic

• When: Monday, Dec. 9 at 6:30 PM

• Where: Backcountry Bike & Ski in Palmer

• Info: Free, relaxed demonstration and Q&A. Learn what to wear, essential gear, and what to expect at the on-snow Ski 101 class. The clinic lasts ~60 minutes and is a great way to meet fellow skiers and kick off ski season.

• Registration: Not required

• Gear: No gear needed

Ski 101 On-Snow Class

• When: Saturday, Dec. 13th, 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm (snow permitting)

• Where: GPRA

• Info: Hands-on skiing practice with coaching for beginners.

• Registration: Required — so we can plan the right number of coaches and contact you with updates.

• Gear: Bring your skis, poles, boots, and weather-appropriate clothing. Rentals available at Backcountry Bike in Ski in Palmer or Play It Again Sports, Wasilla

Archangel Road Is Officially Open for Grooming!

After a delayed start to the season, we’re thrilled to share that Alaska State Parks has given us the green light. Fresh grooming on one of Hatcher Pass’s most beloved winter routes is back!

For nearly two decades, the Mat-Su Ski Club has proudly maintained winter grooming at Independence Mine and the non-motorized corridor of Archangel Road. This tradition exists because of our incredible volunteers and partners, and we’re honored to continue offering this service to the community year after year.

This fall brought some challenges—low snowfall at Independence Mine and recent road clearing slowed things down. As always, we operate on Alaska State Parks lands with their permission and guidance, and we appreciate everyone’s patience as we waited for conditions and approvals to line up.

A huge thank-you goes out to the partners who make this work possible: • Alaska State Parks for access and collaboration • AK DOT for keeping the roads safe • Hatcher Pass Snow Riders, who groom snowmachine access and trails—and have jumped in to help us in the past when equipment went down • Hatcher Pass Lodge for reliable equipment storage
• Mat-Su Borough, whose winter grooming grant helps us keep our equipment operational

And of course, our members, donors, and supporters, without whom none of this would happen.

We believe in the power of these multi-use winter trails at Hatcher Pass for skiers, walkers, bikers, hikers, families, and visitors. Groomed access helps keep our whole community active, healthy, and connected.

We’re excited to be back in action on Archangel Road this season, and we can’t wait to see you out there. Have thoughts or feedback? We’d love to hear from you at info@matsuski.org.

Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a happy, healthy New Year! We are so grateful for our incredible community and look forward to sharing more time on the trails together in 2026.

—From all of us at The Mat-Su Ski Club