The snow’s starting to stack up at Hatcher Pass — and while we wait for a solid base, here’s what’s happening around the club!

These determined kids were challenged to remove a rock we thought was unmovable during our annual Trail Work day!!

GPRA Trail Work Day Success: Volunteers Set the Stage for First Tracks

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us at GPRA and helped get our trails ready for the season’s first tracks! Your hard work and energy make a real difference, ensuring that our trails are ready for the community to enjoy. Our dedicated rock crews dug and hauled, while sticks, branches, and weeds were cleared to keep the trails smooth and safe. We couldn’t do it without the support of our amazing volunteers—thank you for helping us set the stage for another fantastic ski season!

With the support of our heavy-duty flail mower head, our volunteer heavy equipment operator was able to chew up the overgrowth and widen several trails, making room for more skiers to enjoy the classic experience.

Come Say Hi at Our Open House!

Curious about upcoming adult lessons or what’s planned for the season? Or maybe you just have a question and want to chat with one of our staff? We’ve secured access to the Chalet, so save the date and stop by our Open House during Junior Nordics 101 to learn more about programs, membership, and events! You can pre-purchase your MSB parking pass, pick up a few kick wax tips, and connect with our team. All are welcome!

We may not have a physical office, but we’re always reachable! Stop by the Open House or drop us an email at info@matsuski.org. We check it regularly and will get back to you as quickly as possible!

Grab your tickets now! Pre-purchase to guarantee your spot and skip the line. Don’t wait—buy today!

Mat-Su Nordic skiers have been getting after it this Fall!  Most of our Minis, Devos, and Juniors embrace the cross-country running season; you likely saw them towards the front of the packs.  Not to be outdone, our Masters (adults of a wide range of speeds) are celebrating the season with lots of fun and fitness boosting efforts to prepare for the Winter ski season.

As the nights get darker and the trails turn earthy brown, it's time to double down on getting out there!  Soon, we can be kicking and gliding around the Independence Mine buildings, basking in bright reflective white snow.  As we climb our way up the long climb, we'll be glad that we stocked our stores with fuel!

Want to learn more about MSN? - Reach out to Head Coach Eric Strabel at eric.strabel@matsuski.org

Junior Nordics News and Info

Junior Nordics Registration is Live!

Registration is now open, and spots are filling fast! Our new website makes signing up frustration-free. Please note: Returning participants will need to create a new account on our new website.

Join the Coaching Team!

Ever thought about coaching Junior Nordics? We’re looking for a few more amazing volunteers. It’s a fun, supportive group, and coaching is a great way to get involved and make a difference! Simply email: juniornordics@matsuski.org to learn more.

Ski and Pole Rentals

When: October 25th, 1–3 PM Who: All Junior Nordics & Mat-Su Nordic participants pre-purchased online. Where: GPRA ski club shed, First-come, first-served

Boot Rentals

When: October 25th, 1–3 PM Who: All Junior Nordics & Mat-Su Nordic participants offered by Backcountry Bike and Ski Where: GPRA Chalet, First-come, first-served

Junior Nordics 101 & Open House

Where: GPRA Chalet When: October 25th, 1–3 PM What: Ski wax demos, parking pass pre-sale, tips on where to ski, equipment checks, and gear Q&A—all in one spot! Who: Everyone’s welcome! Come learn about ski waxing, acquire your MSB parking pass, and get your questions answered about upcoming events and programs.

Get ready to gear up, learn, and have fun with Junior Nordics this season!

Race to the Outhouse Returns! Kick Off the FIS Season at GPRA

Get ready - the 2nd Annual Race to the Outhouse (RTTO) is back and once again launching the North American FIS race season right here in the Mat-Su! This early-season favorite brings together elite racers chasing valuable FIS points and skiers eager to dust off the summer rust and glide into winter.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 15 (5K Classic interval start) and Sunday, November 16 (7.5K Freestyle mass start) at Government Peak Recreation Area (GPRA). If Mother Nature has other plans, we’ll head up to Independence Mine at Hatcher Pass for guaranteed snow and epic scenery.

This event blends world-class competition with the spirit of community — powered by dedicated volunteers, cheering families, and ski fans who love the thrill of the season’s first race.

👉 Stay tuned to our website for course maps, registration details, and volunteer opportunities. Let’s celebrate the start of winter together — Alaskan-style!

We are thrilled to announce that Backcountry Bike & Ski of Palmer is a sponsor of RTTO 2025! Their support helps us bring world-class skiing, top competitors, and community fun to the Mat-Su Valley.

Thank you, Backcountry Bike & Ski, for helping make this event possible!

Powered by Community: Thank You to Our Supporters and Funders

At the Mat-Su Ski Club, everything we do — from grooming trails to running programs — is made possible through the incredible support of grants, memberships, donations, and volunteers.

Each winter, we’re proud to receive a Winter Trail Care Grooming Grant from Mat-Su Borough bed tax funds. This vital support covers about one-third of our grooming and maintenance costs, helping us keep the trails at Independence Mine, Archangel Road, GPRA, and the Moose Range in top condition for everyone to enjoy. The rest is made possible thanks to you — our members, donors, sponsors, and volunteers who help fill the seasonal funding gap.

This year, we’re especially thankful to the Mat-Su Health Foundation, whose support helps keep Junior Nordics fees affordable, even as costs rise. Their funding ensures that kids can experience the joy of Nordic skiing. In addition, our club proudly provides full or partial scholarships to families who need financial assistance, made possible through the generous support of our members and donors.

We also extend our gratitude to the Rasmuson Foundation for their generous grant, which allowed us to replace and update kids’ ski equipment and upgrade our race timing systems. These improvements keep our programs safe, fun, and high-quality for all participants.

Together, these grants — combined with your continued support — sustain and grow our programs, operations, and trail maintenance, while helping us care for our equipment and nurture a thriving Nordic skiing community here in the Mat-Su Valley.

Thank you for helping us keep the trails groomed, the skis gliding, and the community connected through outdoor recreation!