Mat-Su Ski Club presents Holiday tour of lighted trees.

For outdoor lovers wanting to get out and enjoy the spirit of the season, the Mat-Su Ski Club will be hosting the tour of the Lighted Trees on the Pioneer Loop on Friday, December 23.

“We want to encourage folks to get out and enjoy a gentle ski tour, walk, or bike on the Pioneer Loop, which is less than a mile and a half, and view decorated trees while doing so,” says their website.

Held at Government Peak Recreation Area (GPRA), visitors of all skill levels can come out for the free event and enjoy the colors and lights of the seasons in a serene setting.

The Mat-Su Ski Club (MSSC) promotes Nordic Skiing in the southern Mat-Su Valley for fun, community, and health. The MSSC grooms ski trails not only at GPRA, but also the Moose Range, Archangel Road, and Independence Mine. They also host community ski races, and more competitive races; as well as the annual ‘Mat-Su Ski for Women.’

Additionally, the MSSC offers educational clinics and adult ski lesson, Junior Nordic program, and work with other ski organizations. The MSSC also seeks to build new ski trails and facilities.

Businesses and groups are encouraged to sponsor a tree and be there to meet with visitors, spread holiday cheer, and enjoy the festivities.

Sponsors are encouraged to decorate their trees with all the trimmings-lights, ribbons, ornaments, etc.-and have fun. Visitors will be able to vote for their favorites and the winner will receive a prize from the Mat Su Ski Club.

All funds raised during this event will go to support grooming and trail development for the Mat-Su Ski Club.

People are invited to come and go between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm, to ski, walk, or bike through the trail.

GRPA is located at the base of Hatcher Pass. If coming from Palmer, take Palmer-Fishhook for 7 miles, turn left on Edgerton Parks Road, and about a mile down, turn right onto N Mountain Trails Dr.

For more information, visit www.matsuski.org/holiday-tree-tour/