Mat-Su Ski for Women Sunday

Skiers from across the Valley will be donning tutus, Hawaiian shirts and butterfly costumes for this year’s Mat-Su Ski For Women event. The four-kilometer Nordic ski tour will be held at the Government Peak Recreation Area (GPRA) on Feb. 9 from 12-3 p.m. Hosted by the Mat-Su Ski Club, this year’s event will raise funds for Abused Women’s Aid in Crisis (AWAIC).

“We hope that people will come out and enjoy this celebration of the return of snow and chance to raise money for a women’s charity,” Mat-Su Ski Club Administrator Marla Jakab said.

This event is held on Superbowl Sunday each year to provide an opportunity for people to get outside while also raising awareness for domestic violence and human trafficking.

The Mat-Su Ski For Women brings out a crowd of 50-100 people each year according to Jakab. Skiers show up with creative face paintings and groups of people often coordinate their outfits. Jakab recalled groups in the past dressed as dominoes.

Skiing will take place on the Matanuska Loop and Susitna Loop trails in the ski-only area. Groomed trails in GPRA are expected to hold over the next week despite a small bump in temperatures.

Pre-registration is free, although donations are encouraged. Skiers of all skill levels, genders and ages are welcome to attend.

The event will be followed by a community potluck in the Chalet. This will be a great opportunity to socialize with old friends and make new ones. A list of suggested food items listed by last name can be found on the event registration page.

“Seeing what people bring to the table is really exciting,” Jakab said.

A lack of snow, flooding, avalanches and ice have created logistical challenges for Valley skiers this winter. The Mat-Su Ski Club has been able to adapt in the past by moving further up in elevation, but avalanches in Hatcher Pass have prevented access to those trails. The Besh Cup 5 and 6 Races were held over the weekend at the GPRA, while previous races have had to be cancelled or moved further north to areas with better snow.

“It’s been a real challenge,” Jakab said. “I don’t actually remember the last time this happened to this severity.”

Trail etiquette remains important this time of year Jakab said. Trail grooming teams work hard to prepare and maintain trails for continued use and may close trails to allow them to set up correctly. She encourages people to hold off on using the trails until they receive confirmation they are ready.

“During low snow, we do a lot of work to keep the trails both running and accessible and inform the public when to stay off the trails and let them dry out,” Jakab said.

So fill up the crockpot, strap on the skis, and put on a costume this weekend for the Mat-Su Ski For Women event at GPRA.

“We’re really excited for another opportunity to raise funds for a worthy cause,” Jakab said.