Mat-Su Ski Club News
Ski 101 Postponed
Due to the predicted wind storm set to start tomorrow afternoon, Backcountry Bike And Ski would like to postpone Ski 101. January 21st is the date planned for Ski 101. Check the Mat Su Ski Club calendar, located on the homepage, for updates and event details.
Junior Nordic and Adult Ski Lesson Cancellations and Info
The Coaching Clinic rescheduled for today, January 4th is now cancelled….Please check your email inbox later today for new Coach Clinic training information. Spread the word… if you are in touch with any other Junior Nordic Coaches, reach out to them to see if they received this information.
The start of Junior Nordic for families is cancelled for this week and will now begin next week, January 10th. Expect an email that will outline the new start dates.
Due to downed trees and debris on the trails, we are also postponing the start of Adult ski Lessons. Friday, Saturday and Sunday classes are yet to be determined. More information to follow for you as well.
If anyone ventures up to GPRA, please help us clear branches from the trails so grooming can resume asap. Thank you for your patience and flexibility.
Tonight’s Junior Nordic Coach Clinic at GPRA is cancelled due to dangerous road conditions and continuing high wind. We are hopeful tomorrow will bring calmer weather and sanded roads. We ask that everyone plan to attend the Coach Clinic tomorrow night, Tuesday, January 4th from 5:30-7:30pm at GPRA. We will continue to monitor conditions and electricity at GPRA and keep you informed of any other changes as they are made. Please Spread the word… if you are in touch with any other Junior Nordic Coaches, reach out to them to see if they received this information. We have no way to know who is without power or cell service. Thank you for your patience and help as we weather this storm together. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions at info@matsuski.org
Icicle Double at GPRA
The 2021 Icicle Double is moved to Saturday January 22nd and Sunday January 23rd, 2022.
The Mat-Su Ski Club has hosted the Icicle Double at GPRA since 2013. The two day event is classic on one day and skate technique on the other. This winter we will start with the classic race. All are encouraged to participate, for fun or competition. Enter for either day or both. 5k, 10k, and 30k options on each day – mix as you will. Remember – only finishers of both days 30k’s will earn the coveted 2021 inscribed pint glass.
Nov. 26 – Turkey Trax at GPRA
Welcome to the Palmer Moose Nordic Ski Team Booster Club Turkey Trax Community Ski Race. Friday Nov 26, 2021 at GPRA.
The race will be wave starts. Elite and fast skiers are encouraged to sign up for the Fast Wave at 11:00. Recreational skiers doing the 4K or 1K should sign up for the Party Wave at 12:00. If there is no snow on the trails, this will be a foot race on the same course.
The Palmer Moose Nordic Ski Team Booster Club (PMNSTBC) is a non-profit (501(c)(3) organization that provides support for the Palmer High School Nordic Ski Team. PMNSTBC hosts 1 -2 high school races each year at Government Peak Recreation Area, and also organizes a fundraising community ski race at GPRA called Turkey Trax. The money raised from the Turkey Trax goes to the costs of Palmer High School team travel, vans, wax, and the large fleet of skis boots and poles we make available for rent to high school athletes from Palmer High, Colony High, and Su-Valley.
Thank you for support!
Race #1 to the Outhouse at GPRA results and photos Nov 13, 2021
The Saturday season-starter was a sunny crowd pleaser at GPRA. A big snowfall just two days earlier brought full on winter to the GPRA trails. Over 100 skiers started and finished the early-season Race to the Outhouse#1. They skied on the 5km FIS-homologated course at GPRA (which includes some of the fun climbs of the Denali Loop) with 10k skiers doing two loops.
The results are better understood with the following information:
In the fast skate category Gavin Kentch, Brent Taylor, and Anna Engle may have done the 10 K.
In the fast men’s classic category Murphy Kimball’s time is not correct (not sure why). Blake Hanley may have done the 10K.
Click here for course map and profile
Thanks to all the Mat-Su Ski Club volunteers and groomers, and thanks to all the skiers for coming out!
Mat-Su Ski Club’s Nordic event calendar continues into the winter with: Palmer Moose Nordic Booster’s Turkey Trax happening the day after Thanksgiving; the 60k Mat-Su Ski Club Icicle Double on December 30 and 31; and the Mat-Su Ski Club Northern Lights Community Race Series beginning in January. The Mat-Su Ski Club will also be providing support for and hosting a bevy of other Nordic races, such as high school competitions. GPRA is also the backup location for a number of high-level races currently scheduled elsewhere this winter.
Race to the Outhouse #1 moved to GPRA!
Start your race season at GPRA on Nov 13th! Please register early. Click here for the registration link. There will also be same day registration starting at 9am on Saturday in the parking lot at the Government Peak Recreation Area. Cost to register is FREE!
Interval starts 10am to 11:30am. Classic or Skate, racers choice. Do both! This free race is an important event for Alaska’s World Cup Skiers and aspiring Olympians.The skiing public is invited to participate and watch.
Covid adjustments including an interval start, mask-wearing recommended for non-racing people, conscientious social distancing, and non-sharing of pens. Please bring your own pen or pencil to sign in. Click here for more information and course map.
Independence Mine is the best place to ski in the world right now!
If you haven’t heard the news, Independence Mine is the “No.1 best place to ski in the world” according to the ADN. Click here to read the article that shares some rave reviews about the ski trails at the Mine. Yesterday was a picture perfect day up there and the grooming exceptional! Every single person on the trails smiling from ear to ear! It is always exciting to share early grooming news with friends near and far to hear their reaction. Having these beautiful ski trails in our back yard is truly a gift to be thankful for. Our groomers are some amazing volunteers!
Volunteer Trails Day Cancelled
| Hi friends, |
| The Volunteer Trails Day for this Saturday,October 9th has been cancelled. The trails are in great shape thanks to all the amazing volunteers this summer that helped clean up and clear debris to make way for snow cover. If you happen to take a walk on the trails to enjoy the fall colors, keep an eye out for rocks or debris and toss it aside. After all, a smooth ski trail is a happy ski trail! |
| A friendly reminder to dog owners – please be considerate to fellow trail friends and other dogs by keeping your pet leashed. |
September 15th – Junior Nordics Registration is open to everybody
Register for Junior Nordics! On September 15th Junior Nordics registration opens to all!