Volunteer With The Mat-Su Ski Club
The Mat-Su Ski Club relies on dedicated volunteers to help with ski races and events as well as Junior Nordics, instructing ski lessons, trail grooming, and trail maintenance. Thank you for stopping by this page. The contact for each program and event is listed or linked below. The club values and appreciates every volunteer’s time and hopes that you’ll consider sharing yours.
MSSC HOSTED SKI RACES:
Race to the Outhouse (RTTO) FIS Race
Besh Cup Ski Races
High School Races
Junior Nordics Finisher Races
Volunteers are needed to support Ski Races.
No experience necessary. We will teach you.
Have Questions and want to learn more? Contact info@matsuski.org
Volunteers are needed to support Grooming, Programs and Events:
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Our volunteer trail groomers help create the fresh tracks that thousands of skiers enjoy each winter. From early-season snowfalls to spring sunshine, our grooming team maintains Nordic trails at Government Peak Recreation Area (GPRA), Independence Mine, Archangel Road, the Moose Range, and the Mud Lake (KRUPA) trail systems.
Different trail systems require different equipment. Depending on the location, volunteers may operate snowmachines, PistenBully 100 snow cats, or other specialized grooming equipment. Previous experience operating heavy equipment or familiarity with Nordic trails is helpful, but not required—we'll provide training and pair new volunteers with experienced groomers.
As a trail groomer, you'll become part of a dedicated team that takes pride in creating high-quality skiing as well as multi-use conditions for the entire community.
Volunteer Benefits
🚗 Free Mat-Su Borough and AK State parking passes
⛽ Transportation reimbursement
🎉 Invitation to our annual Volunteer Appreciation Celebration
🤝 Training, mentorship, and a great team of fellow outdoor enthusiasts
Interested in joining the grooming team? Contact the Trailhead Coordinator for your preferred location:
Government Peak Recreation Area (GPRA)
Ed Strabel – edstrabelak@gmail.com
Mark Strabel – mark.strabel@matsuski.orgIndependence Mine
Steve Jakab – fly4fish@hotmail.comArchangel Road
Ashley Wise – ashley_wise@nols.eduMoose Range
Isaac Rowland – Isaac@reconllc.netMud Lake (KRUPA)
Lou LaRousse – laroussel@icloud.com -
Help inspire the next generation of skiers!
Each winter, our Junior Nordics program introduces children ages 5–16 to the fun of Nordic skiing through games, skill development, and outdoor adventure. The program runs from January through March, and we're always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our coaching team.
Whether you're an experienced skier or simply enjoy being outdoors and working with kids, there's a place for you. Volunteers help coach small groups, encourage young skiers, and serve as sweepers to ensure everyone stays together and has a positive experience.
No coaching experience is required. We provide training, mentorship, and guidance—including coaching instruction from experienced coaches—to help you feel confident and prepared.
Why Volunteer?
🎿 Share your love of skiing with local youth
🌟 Help build confidence and lifelong outdoor skills
🤝 Join a fun, supportive coaching community
📚 Receive coach training and mentorship
🎉 Be recognized at our annual Volunteer Appreciation Celebration
Interested in joining the team?
Contact Stephanie LaRousse, Junior Nordics Program Manager, at juniornordics@matsuski.org to learn more.
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Each winter, the Mat-Su Ski Club offers beginner and intermediate lessons in both Classic and Skate (Freestyle) skiing from January through March. We're always looking for enthusiastic instructors who enjoy sharing their knowledge and helping new skiers build confidence on the trails.
Whether you're an experienced instructor or an accomplished skier interested in teaching, we'd love to hear from you. Our lessons provide a fun, welcoming environment where adults can learn new skills, gain confidence, and become lifelong members of the Nordic skiing community.
Why Volunteer?
🎿 Share your passion for Nordic skiing
🌟 Help new skiers build confidence and skills
🤝 Meet great people and grow the local ski community
❄️ Spend time on the trails while making a difference
🎉 Be recognized at our annual Volunteer Appreciation Celebration
Interested in becoming an instructor or learning more?
Contact Jerry Hupp at jerry.hupp@matsuski.org.
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Help keep our trails in great shape year-round!
Each summer and fall, volunteers come together to maintain and improve the trail systems at Government Peak Recreation Area (GPRA) and prepare them for the winter ski season. We also organize volunteer workdays at Independence Mine each fall for trail maintenance and in early summer to reinstall trail railings after the snow melts.
Whether you're trimming brush, clearing trails, installing signage, or helping with seasonal maintenance, every volunteer makes a lasting impact on the thousands of people who enjoy these trails each year.
Volunteer Benefits
🌲 Spend time outdoors while giving back to your community
🤝 Meet great people and make a visible difference on the trails
🚗 Contribute 8+ hours of trail work on Mat-Su Borough trails during the season and receive a free Mat-Su Borough parking pass for the following year
🎉 Join us at our annual Volunteer Appreciation Celebration
Ready to lend a hand?
Contact Volunteer Coordinator Stephanie LaRousse at stephanie.larousse@matsuski.org or Ed Strabel at edstrabelak@gmail.com to learn about upcoming trail workdays and volunteer opportunities.
Why Volunteer with MSSC?
Volunteers are the heart of the Mat-Su Ski Club. Whether you have a few hours or a season to give, you'll make a lasting difference while having fun along the way.
🌲 Give back to your community
🤝 Meet great people and build friendships
🎿 Support youth programs, events, and trails
🏔️ Help maintain and expand year-round recreation
💪 Stay active and enjoy the outdoors
🌟 Learn new skills and make a lasting impact
🚗 Contribute 8+ hours of trail work and receive a free Mat-Su Borough parking pass
🎉 All volunteers are invited to our annual Volunteer Appreciation Celebration
Together, we're building trails, creating opportunities, and strengthening our community—one volunteer at a time.
Benefits of Volunteering
Have Questions? Contact info@matsuski.org