Mat-Su Ski Club News
Race to the Outhouse #2 RESULTS
An even dozen athletes competed in the 8?th annual RTTO#2, including two in a hard-fought skiathlon duel. See the results here.
Junior Nordics Ski Return
Junior Nordics ski returns are on the evenings of May 6th and 7th at GPRA. The April 17th date is cancelled. The ski return date has changed now that we have a bunch of new snow. If your family skied with Mat-Su Junior Nordics this winter, use this link to sign up for a time slot to return the gear you rented. Skis are expected to be returned clear of any wax, so please use a scraper and wax solvent to clean the bottom, sides, and tops of all skis you’re returning. Any gear returned with wax will be cleaned by a high school ski team member, and the skier’s family will be charged $10. Funds will benefit the high school’s ski team.
Race to the Outhouse, Saturday April 3, Spring 2021
The annual Spring Race to the Outhouse #2 is on! This year at GPRA. The extremely moguled upper section of Archangel Road has us just shaking our heads at the thought of smoothing it out. There was no weekly contract snocat groomer on the motorized section this winter. Independence Mine does not offer a long enough or challenging enough course for you end-of-winter animals. So, GPRA. We will use the 7.5km FIS-certified course with 274 meters of climbing. Registration 9:00 to 10:30 am, interval starts begin at 11 am. $10 individuals, $20 families. Classic, Freestyle, and Skiathlon (15k) options. No aid stations, no awards, no spectators. Wear your mask and keep yur distance.
WHEN: Saturday 3 April, 11 AM.
WHERE: Government Peak Rec Area.
RACE DISTANCE: FIS 7.5 KM course with a total of 274 meters of climb.
Classic and Freestyle divisions PLUS a skiathlon option (15 KM).
ENTRY FEE: $10.00/person, $20.00/Family.
REGISTRATION: On site, 9 AM to 10:30 prior to race
COVID PROTOCOL:
Interval Start.
Masks required when not skiing/racing.
No aid stations.
Awards- Accurate time/place on a very challenging course.
New Picnic Tables for GPRA
Is there a place at GPRA you would like a picnic table? We have a few new picnic tables that we want to place on the trails somewhere, while we still have snow to drag them around on. If you have a favorite place, or any place you think deserves a picnic table, you can let us know at and we will consider it.
Redington Nordic trails freshly groomed for St. Patricks Day
All 7.5 km of the Redington High School trails are freshly groomed for skate and classic on Wednesday morning, March 17.
Thanks to the new group of volunteers bringing corduroy to KGB!
Here is a link to the trail map.
State High School Nordic Ski Championship Races at GPRA Feb. 25, 26, 27.
State championship races were scheduled for Kincaid Park, but were cancelled. The races have been rescheduled at GPRA. Expect a crowded parking lot, and crowded trails on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, February 25 – 27th. Some trails may be closed during races. The Pioneer Loop, the singletrack trails, and the Blueberry Knoll trail will be always open.
High School Northern Region Championships at GPRA, Friday and Saturday, Feb 19 and 20
Volunteers needed for Nordic races:the High School Northern Region will be held at GPRA on Friday and Saturday, Feb 19 and 20. Note the date change! Expect Nordic race activity from mid-morning to mid-afternoon, more or less, Ski trails will remain open to general use, but please respect the athletes on the race courses on the Denali, Matanuska, and Susitna Loops.
Junior Nordics Mitigation Plan
Are You Ready for Junior Nordics?
Are You Ready for Junior Nordics?
It’s nearly time for Mat-Su Junior Nordics to begin! Our coaches are preparing and our volunteers are dusting off their skis. We hope all our Junior Nordics participants are ready to hit the trails this coming week!
Junior Nordics Orientation will take place at the GPRA parking lot at the following times:
- January 4th at 1:00 pm for M/W afternoon session
- January 4th 5:30 pm for M/W evening session
- January 5th at 5:30 pm for T/Th evening session
An outdoor orientation will take place near the Chalet, and skiers will end with a brief ski with their groups. Parents and skiers should attend. Please allow space for social distancing between family groups and wear a face covering.
A few items of business to help orientation run smoothly:
- Health and safety is of special importance this year. It is the goal of MSSC to have a fun, successful season. Adhering to the guidelines in the COVID-19 mitigation plan is the responsibility of both participants and volunteers. Please follow the guidelines closely. Download the Covid Plan
- ALL SKIS LOOK THE SAME! Sorry to yell, but it’s true! Don’t assume that because the skis and poles are supposed to be attached to your skier that they’ll stay attached until you pick your skier up! Please use blue painter’s tape/permanent marker and write your child’s first and last name on all skis and poles before orientation night.
- For returning Junior Nordics skiers: you need to move UP one level from the group you skied with last year.
- For skiers new to the program: Our head coaches will be helping you determine which group is most appropriate for you during orientation. Age and ski experience will be taken into account.
- All groups starting spots are spread way out in the stadium this year to allow for social distancing. Check this map to see where your group will be starting. Coaches will also be leading groups to their start spots during orientation.
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