Mat-Su offers many options for cross-country skiing

Winter trails with access to miles of beautiful country can be found throughout the Mat-Su Valley. Cross-country skiing, also referred to as Nordic skiing, provides outdoor enthusiasts with a new avenue to explore Alaska this winter. Newcomers to the sport can find community and learn from experienced skiers by joining organizations like the Mat-Su Ski Club (MSSC).

“Our winter is dark, and getting outside and finding an activity that you enjoy to make winter exciting and beautiful and enjoyable is important for mental health and your physical well being,” MSSC General Manager Marla Jakab said.

There are two popular types of Nordic skiing. Classic Nordic skiing incorporates a parallel kick-and-glide technique. The skier pushes down and kicks forward on the front ski and swings the rear ski forward in a straight line into a glide. Skate or freestyle Nordic skiing incorporates an ice-skating motion, where skis are moved in a V-shape that opens up and points away from the body. The skier skates and glides side-to-side in a continual forward motion.

“[Cross country skiing] is something that anyone can do with almost any ability, because it mirrors walking and it uses your entire body, similar to [an] elliptical machine,” Jakab said.

Nordic skiing newbies will need ski boots to fit their specific style of skiing, ski poles that fit their body and a set of skis for the style they choose. Jakab advises purchasing the boots first because not all boots fit all types of skis. Ski poles for classic skiing should come to the top of the shoulder while ski poles for skate skiing should come to about level with the nose.

Optimal winter clothing is an essential piece of gear for Nordic skiing. Jakab recommends dressing in thin layers of acrylic and wool to avoid getting overheated. Overheating leads to sweat and when activity is stopped, moisture from sweat will begin to freeze. Jakab suggests carrying a backpack to carry or store layers of clothing. She also advises to stay away from cotton.

Backcountry Bike and Ski in Palmer and Play It Again Sports in Wasilla have new and used ski gear available. These stores also provide ski rentals for children and adults.

The Government Peak Recreation Area (GPRA) hosts a large, accessible winter trail system that is groomed by the MSSC. GPRA is located within the community of Fishhook off of North Mountain Trails Drive and on the south side of Government Peak near Hatcher Pass.

Groomed trails are important for getting the most out of the Nordic skiing experience, according to Jakab. Grooming creates smooth, packed trails that make skiing both enjoyable and safe from hazards. This also promotes trail longevity and quality throughout the winter season.

Other trailheads in the Valley include the Moose Range Winter Use Trails, Archangel Road and Independence Mine in Hatcher Pass and the Knik/Lazy Mountain Recreation Area. A list of trails, trailheads and grooming reports can be found on the MSSC website. Jakab suggests downloading the app Nordic Pulse. This app provides live grooming updates and maps.

Membership to MSSC keeps these trail systems open, according to Jakab. All grooming is completed by volunteers and funding comes from member enrollment.

“Trails don't fall from heaven, and it takes a lot of work and dedication by these volunteer groomers,” Jakab said. “They're all volunteers, and they're doing this in their spare time.”

Skiers need to be aware of their surroundings and the weather, according to Jakab. Moose wander near groomed trails and can pose a risk to skiers. A change in weather can bring on a storm and avalanche danger can pose a risk if skiing in steep terrain such as Hatcher Pass. Being generally backcountry prepared translates across summer and winter activities, according to Jakab.

“It's the same type of alertness that you would have in winter as you do in summer, except the bears are sleeping,” Jakab said.

Trail etiquette is important for new skiers to understand, according to Jakab. Ski-only trails are often shared with skiers of varying skill levels and multi-use trails are often shared with hikers, fat-tire bikers and snowshoers. Users should know what classic ski tracks (parallel grooved lines in the snow) and skate ski tracks (wide, cleared areas in the middle of the trail in a corduroy pattern) look like. Staying in designated tracks prevents trail degradation and allows for other user groups to enjoy the trail as well. Skiers should familiarize themselves with directional signage and understand right-of-way rules.

“Courteous behavior fosters a welcoming environment where people feel encouraged to participate and return,” Jakab said.

MSSC offers a two-part SKI101 course at the start of every winter to educate and assist beginning skiers. MSSC also offers Nordic ski lessons for beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. Every person has a group they can fit in with, from skiers as young as eight years old, to Nordic skiing “masters” that participate in the year–round Mat-Su Nordic Masters program. Enrollment in these courses cost a small fee and require a membership with MSSC to enroll. More information can be found on the MSSC website.

“Our ski programs include a lifelong pathway for learning for everyone,” Jakab said.

Perhaps the best way to start Nordic skiing is to join a local ski club and participate in local events, according to Jakab. Being part of a club provides access to knowledge and a sense of community with its members.

“We're all a part of this club because we're passionate about this particular activity,” Jakab said. “We promote Nordic skiing by providing all this for the public. And we just want to grow it. If we get more people involved, we can grow our trails, we can grow our programs. It's endless, and it brings so much joy to so many people.”