Summer ‘26 Trail Expansion at GPRA
GPRA Trail Expansion Progress:
Thanks to our incredible supporters, we've raised $20,100 in 2026! 🔥🔥🔥
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!
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.
Reroute the lower part of the Blueberry Knoll trail to higher, drier ground - Completd ✅
Build a new Nordic Winter trail within the Denali Loop system - In progress ⏳
Build a new multi-use family and dog friendly trail within the Pioneer Loop that will benefit from existing trail lighting. In progress ⏳
Build a new winter connector ski trail between the start of the Denali Loop and the end of the Denali Loop - In progress ⏳
Build a shortcut between the Marmot Loop and the Arkose Loop - Completed ✅
Here’s the Plan:
‘26 Trail Expansion Map:
Invest Today!
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 ridgeline (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.
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.
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.
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 be our final project undertaken and 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.
Inside the Trail Plan:
The Fundraising Goal Is Complete—The Work Continues and we couldn't have done it without you!
As construction continues, we're still welcoming volunteers, in-kind donations of equipment and materials, and gifts that help us care for and improve our trails beyond this project.
Ways You Can Help:
AMOUNT
$7,146
$20,100
CATEGORY
Raised in 2025
Raised in 2026
💛 Make a Donation
Support the trail expansion directly by contributing to the project. Every dollar beyond our goal will
🛠 Volunteer Your Time
Join us for trail work days later in the summer and into fall - no experience needed. It’s a great way to be part of the build and connect with the community.
👉 Dates are TBD and when planned will be shared on Facebook, our website calendar, and through member and volunteer emails.
🚜 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:
MSSC’s Proposed GPRA Trail Master Plan to see our full vision.
What’s Next?
With Gratitude to Those Who Make This Possible
2025 Supporters
MEA Charitable Foundation
David McPherson
Anjanette and Zack Steer
Rebekah Robinson
Bradley Sworts
Nathan Kasukonis
Rebecca Moore
Edward Grazulis
Holly Stephens
Amber Lee
David McArther
Gavin Kentch
Jerry Hupp
Julia Plotnik
Bryan Fredrichs
Strabel Racing Services
Amber Lee
Anonymous Supporters
Andrea Everett
Warren Petrasek
Lin Mitchell
Samantha Berg
Ernest Hetrick
Kristi Holta
Teri Slaven
Jason Copp
Laura McNamara
Sara Rodewald
Lydia Lester
Dave Musgrave
Amanda Carver
Tae Freeman
2026 Supporters
MTA
CRW Engineering Group Inc.
Ed and Glynn Strabel
Joseph and Arja Offner
Mat-Su Ski Club Earmarked Funds
Suárez-Cabal Family
Scott and Laura Stewart
Jerry Hupp
Seth Downs
Jo Clark
Anjanette Steer
Marty Raney
Mark Masteller
Michael Norton
Kristi Holta
Mary Ann Cochran
Aubrey Spangler
Anonymous Supporters
Dave Musgrave
Robin Waldvogle-Kemp
Tae C Voight
Janet Smalley
Diane Blas
Rae Woodsum
Marci Deschamps
Chris Jones
Gavin Kentch
Dulce Ben-East
Carl Oswald
Edward Godnig
Ways To Give
The Mat-Su Ski Club is a 501©3 Non-profit and all donations are tax-deductible. EIN Tax Id Number 26-1217414
We would love to partner with you or your business today! To learn more
Contact Marla Jakab at
marla.jakab@matsuski.org
Become a Sponsor
Send a check via direct mail to:
Mat-Su Ski Club
c/o Trail Expansion 2026
PO Box 364
Palmer AK 99654