Longer days mean more activity in the Valley

MAT-SU — Don’t look now, but the signs of spring are starting to pop up — rather, staying up — as the longer hours of daylight and warmer temperatures bring with them a host of spring activities.

Now is one of the best times of the year to get out and enjoy the multitude of cross-country skiing opportunities, as well as motorized sports. We are at that point of the season when warmer temperatures and longer days don’t necessarily take away the excellent conditions of the snow, giving you the best recreation opportunities of the year.

For cross country skiing, a hidden gem is the Trapper Creek area. With hundreds of miles of excellent groomed trails, it provides a wonderful chance to enjoy the backcountry.

“The snow has been absolutely great this year, better than it’s been in years,” said Debbie Filter, owner of Alaska’s Northland Inn. “The conditions have been spectacular. We’ve had very tolerable temperatures and very little wind.”

Filter said the major trail systems are marked and groomed, both for skiers and snowmachiners. Overnight guests at her inn, located on Petersville Road, can access the trail from just out their door, and then connect to the major trail systems in the area.

“It’s great because our guests can open their doors and be right in the middle of some excellent skiing or snowmachining trails,” Filter said.

Snowmachiners can also find excellent conditions in the Lake Louise and Eureka areas up the Glenn Highway National Scenic Byway. The longer days allow for extended rides into the backcountry, and there are several lodges and inns that cater to snowmachiners looking for weekend getaways.

Hatcher Pass is another great place to enjoy the long days. With spectacular views of the lower Susitna Valley, the area brings out snowboarders, skiers and more.

For winter mountain biking opportunities, it’s hard to beat the Willow area, with a bevy of trails to explore. Adventurous bikers can opt to ride into the backcountry for a great place to watch the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race next Sunday, for example.

For more information about winter activities and more, interested people can visit the Mat-Su CVB website at alaskavisit.com.

Casey Ressler (casey@alaskavisit.com) is the marketing and communications manager at the Mat-Su CVB.