There’s no news like SNOW news!

Introducing Snow News, our refreshed monthly newsletter—because when you love Nordic skiing like we do, there’s no news like Snow News! Along with our brand-new website, the newsletter now sports a fresh header and the same great updates you’ve come to expect. Everything the Mat-Su Ski Club does revolves around snow: waiting for it, packing it, grooming it, skiing on it, and even missing it when it’s gone. From mowing trails in summer to laying corduroy in winter, snow is always at the heart of what we do.

As we watch and wait for termination dust, we’re excited to share a quick summer recap and what’s happening this fall—trail prep, events, and programs to keep you ready for when the flakes finally fly!

Welcome to Our New Website!

We invite you to explore our new website! We hope you enjoy browsing the site and find it easy to navigate and sign up for the events and programs you love. To help you get started, we’ve created a Quick Start Guide, which you can access via the link on our new homepage.

This website project was made possible in part by a generous grant from the MTA Foundation and designed in partnership with Alopex of Palmer. As with anything new, there may be a few kinks to work out, and we appreciate your patience as we transition to this fresh, improved platform.

We’re Back on Track – Membership Now Open!

We usually open membership on July 1 to align with our fiscal year, but with the launch of our brand-new website, we’re rolling it out a little later this season—and trust us, it’s worth the wait! This newsletter is full of updates, news, and opportunities you won’t want to miss.

Now’s the perfect time to explore the new site, renew or start your Mat-Su Ski Club membership, and get excited for everything the season has in store. We can’t wait to welcome you back and see you out on the trails!

Behind the Scenes of Summer: Trail Heroes At Work

Even though summer seems to pass in the blink of an eye, behind the scenes, our Volunteer Snow Crew was hard at work getting ready for winter! They’ve just equipped one of our two PistenBullys with a brand-new tiller bar — a key upgrade that will smooth the trails and power through icy patches with ease.

With summer maintenance now complete, this snowcat will be staged at Independence Mine later this month, ready and waiting for October’s first flurries. We usually kick off grooming by mid-October, and we can’t wait to see those first fresh tracks laid down on the snow!

Thank You MSN Crew!

A big thanks to the Mat-Su Nordic crew for their hard work widening the end of Archangel Road! By brush cutting and clearing the bushes, they’ve created a wide-open space that supports year-round access. This means early-season grooming with the option to ski all the way to the gate — plus easier access for cars and other users in summer, and skiers, snowmachiners, and other trail users in winter. Many days of dedication went into this project, and the whole community will benefit. Way to go, team!

This project is just one sign of the strong momentum behind Mat-Su Nordic. After wrapping up its first year, the program is going strong, offering development pathways for skiers of all ages and abilities—from Minis just starting out, to Devos and Juniors training for high-level competition, to Adults in the Masters division having fun and learning new tricks. With top-notch coaching and a supportive community, Mat-Su Nordic is providing access for more people than ever to get on skis, build confidence through teamwork and thrive in the sport. Want to learn more? Reach out to MSN Program Manager and Head Coach Eric Strabel at eric.strabel @matsusi.org.

Junior Nordics Registration Opens in October!

We’re snow excited for the 2026 Junior Nordics season! This wildly popular program (January–March) teaches kids ages 5–16 the joy of cross-country skiing in a fun, supportive environment. Registration dates for returning participants open on October 10, 2025, and for new participants on October 13th.

Junior Nordics fills up quickly each year, so don’t wait—spots go fast!

We offer ski and pole rentals to support growing kids, and thanks to our partnership with Backcountry Bike & Ski, families can also rent boots to keep growing feet comfortable. With generous support from the Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF), we’re able to keep program fees affordable for all families. And with help from both the Rasmuson Foundation and MSHF, we’ve replaced much of our worn and aging skis so kids have access to top-quality gear for both classic and skate skiing.

👉 Remember: You must have a current Mat-Su Ski Club membership to gain access to program registration.

Junior Nordics is led by Program Manager Stephanie LaRousse, who brings years of experience, passion, and energy to the trails. Questions? Reach out to Stephanie at juniornordics@matsuski.org.

Let’s go ski!

Support World-Class Skiing in the Mat-Su Valley!

The 2nd Annual Race to the Outhouse (RTTO) kicks off the North American FIS ski race season at GPRA, November 15–16. This exciting event brings U.S. Ski Team athletes, top competitors, and local skiers together for world-class racing and community fun.

We’re looking for partners and sponsors to help make it happen! Your support fuels an inspiring event that highlights our trails, our athletes, and our community. Simply email us at info@matsuski.org to learn more.

Trail Expansion Fundraising Update - Thank You!

We are humbled by everyone who contributed to our summer fundraising efforts for trail expansion at GPRA. Your generosity and enthusiasm remind us just how strong and supportive our ski community is.

While we didn’t quite meet our fundraising goal this time, we’re far from done. We’ll be heading back to the drawing board with a more focused plan for the future, giving us valuable time to refine our approach, continue building momentum, and keep fundraising toward this important project. Every dollar raised brings us one step closer to creating more miles of skiable fun for everyone.

We will keep you posted as plans take shape and new opportunities arise. In the meantime, you can still help keep our trails, programs, and events thriving.

Honoring a Life of Adventure, Service, and Community.

It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to an incredible friend of the Mat-Su Ski Club, Tom Smayda. Tom was there from the beginning — one of the original coaches of our Junior Nordics program, a dedicated volunteer, and a past board member. His energy and commitment helped shape the spirit and strength of our club.

More than a skier, Tom was an adventurer, biker, outdoorsman, and a true champion for sharing the joy of the outdoors with others, especially the next generation. His impact is woven into our trails, programs, and community, and his joyful presence will be deeply missed.