Mat-Su Junior Nordics (MSJN) provides an opportunity for children to enjoy the Alaskan winter while learning the sport of cross-country skiing.  Children of all abilities are welcome to join and learn a sport they can pursue for a lifetime. The emphasis is on fun, fitness, and learning proper technique. MSJN skiers receive instruction in both classical and skate techniques from enthusiastic and dedicated volunteer coaches.  Skiers learn proper care and handling of equipment, trail etiquette, good sportsmanship, and how to act responsibly in the outdoors.  A typical practice session will include a warm-up period, a lesson in a technique, and an appropriate length group ski on the trails, ending with a fun activity.

Youth ages 5 to 16.  Parents must participate with 5-year-olds. Skiers must be five years of age by September 1, 2025, to participate.

Skiers are divided into groups based on age and ability:

• Grizzlies – Advanced (subgroups by color)

• Wolves – Intermediate (subgroups by color)

• Foxes – Intermediate (subgroups by color)

• Otters – Beginners (subgroups by color)

• Yetis – Beginners (middle school and high school age)

• Polar Cubs – Youngest (age 5), requires a parent to attend sessions with the child.

Junior Nordics registration is open only to members with an active Mat-Su Ski Club Family Membership. A current Family Membership is required before you can register your child for the program. You can purchase or renew your membership online here. Click here to view our Quick Start Guide to get started today.

Registration for 2026 sessions opens October 10, 2025, for returning families and October 13th for everyone.

We offer three separate programs –

• Monday & Wednesday evenings 5:30-6:30 pm; limited to 175 participants

• Tuesday & Thursday evenings 5:30-6:30 pm; limited to 175 participants

• Monday & Wednesday afternoon from 1:00-2:00 pm; limited to 115 participants.

Ski sessions will begin January 7th, 2026 for M/W and January 8th, 2026 for T/Th. Sessions end on March 4th, 2026 for M/W and March 5th, 2026 for T/Th.

Orientation is held at GPRA during the first session of the season.

• Mandatory attendance of parent and child is required for the first session as we will be going over important safety, procedures, and expectations for parents and children.

• Parents are required to read the Junior Nordics Parent handbook prior to participation

Regular sessions and most events will take place at Government Peak Recreation Area (GPRA), located at 10690 N. Mountain Trails Drive, Palmer, just off Edgerton Parks Road. Skiers of all levels can enjoy a mix of ski-only trails and multi-use terrain (Pioneer Loop).

Please note that parking at GPRA requires either a valid Mat-Su Borough parking pass (displayed on your windshield) or the purchase of a daily pass at the lot. Parking fees are collected by the Mat-Su Borough. Click here for parking pass information.

Included with registration:

Three fun, informal race events for skiers and families to attend.  A way for kids to explore their ski skills and learn some new ones. Three Sunday afternoons at 2 pm

The dates for the 2026 Finisher Series are

• Sunday, January 25th,

• Sunday, February 8th

• Sunday, March 1st.

See more

Ski and ski pole rental ($100/set) is available from the Mat-Su Ski Club, and ski boot rentals ($40/pair) are available through Backcountry Bike and Ski.

Rented skis, poles, and boots can be picked up at GPRA in October and may be kept until April.

After registration, you will receive an email with the rental date and the sign-up link for pickup. Rentals are first-come, first-served.

Deposit fees ($150/set) are due at pickup. To ensure equipment return, a deposit of a check or credit card number is required. You’ll only be charged if the skis aren’t returned or if they are broken. This information will be shredded after return.

To ensure equipment is returned on time and in good condition, you may be assessed a fee for returning gear after May 1st if the gear is dirty (wax-coated) or broken beyond usual wear and tear.

Ski pickup takes place outside regardless of weather. Bring your child for proper sizing. Mat-Su Ski Club equipment includes skis, bindings, and poles, but not boots.

Boot fittings and rentals are available on the same date as ski pickup at a GPRA parking lot station from Backcountry Bike & Ski, but they won’t have cash. Bring exact change if using cash.

Equipment availability isn’t guaranteed to all registrants. It’s distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Registration for and participation in Junior Nordics requires an active Family Membership in the Mat-Su Ski Club.

The Junior Nordics registration fee is per participating child; a single fee does not cover multiple children in a family.

Mat-Su Ski Club Family Membership: $105 recurring or $115 one-time option (effective 9/2/24)

Junior Nordics Fee (per child): $115 (effective 9/2/25)

MSB (Mat Su Borough) Parking Pass for GPRA $5/day or $40/year

Optional costs:

Ski and Pole rental from MSSC (per child) $100

Ski and Pole refundable deposit (per child) $150

Ski and Pole late return fee after May 1st, 2026: TBD

Opting out of Parent volunteering $100

*Boot rental from Backcountry Bike & Ski (per child) $40

*Wax Kit from Backcountry Bike & Ski $45

*Boot rental and Wax Kit package from Backcountry Bike & Ski $75

(*Note: When using cash, you must have exact change for payment to Backcountry Bike and Ski)

• Non-refundable: Junior Nordics sessions cannot be refunded or transferred.

• Scholarships available: Full or partial Junior Nordics scholarships are offered for families with limited financial means.

For more information, contact info@matsuski.org before registration opens.