Snowmachine adventures abound

The Mat-Su Convention and Visitors Bureau receives several requests for information about snowmachine trails, services and tours from residents and visitors alike. Now that the snow is here, you may be seeing more four-wheel drive trucks pulling trailers with loaded snowmachines.

The Mat-Su Valley is the most popular destination for snowmachiners in the state. From Big Lake to Hatcher Pass, Petersville to Denali Park, and Eureka and Lake Louise in the northeastern part of our vast borough, you will find residents and visitors embracing winter with their helmets, mittens and handwarmers to the fullest.

Here's a roundup of where to go.

Big Lake

The Big Lake area is a Mecca for snowmachiners. With more than 100 miles of groomed trails and snow roads criss-crossing the lake, beginner riders have an abundance of trails to choose from and many great drive-up dining establishments to visit. The Big Lake Chamber of Commerce (892-6109) has trail information and can direct you to rentals and guided tours. Easy Ride Rentals (892-6888) in Big Lake has snowmachines for rent. You can ride around the lake or take the machines to other areas of the borough. Prior to taking a guided trip, riders will view a safety video and be instructed on operating the machines. They also rent gear, trailers and offer guided services upon request.

Willow

Many tourism businesses in the Valley who used to just operate seasonally in summer are now expanding their operations to winter, and snowmobile tours and rentals are a hit. Ron and Marilyn Wilson, who operate Susitna Landing and Ron's Riverboat Service during the summer, now promote Alaska Winter Excursions (www.ronsriverboat.com/wintertime.htm, 495-7700), wilderness snowmachine tours and cabin rentals during the winter. Located at Mile 82.5 Parks Highway near Willow, they even provide the winter clothing if you need it.

Guided tours adapt to the skill level and desires of each group. Guided tours range from $110 for a three-hour tour to $185 for a five-hour tour. Cabins are also available for overnight and extended stays. Northern Lights Adventures (495-6562) near Willow also provides cabins and guided snowmachine tours. If you prefer the engineless sled you can train to mush a dog team as well.

If extreme adventure is what you are looking for then contact Randy and Laura Bedard of Extreme Alaska Adventures (www.extremealaska.com, 250-6308). These professional riders plan extended tours from 400 miles to riding the entire Iditarod Trail.

Overnights in remote lodges and meals are included in these deluxe wilderness adventures.

Petersville /Talkeetna

Up north in Talkeetna you can stay at the Susitna River Lodging (www.susitna-river-lodging.com, 733-1505), where they can set you up with guided snowmachine tours in the nearby Talkeetna Mountains with a local guide. Snowmachiners are also welcome to offload their machines at the lodge and ride up the Susitna River to Petersville. Located on the river it is also within easy walking distance to Talkeetna..

Another popular destination is Gate Creek Cabins (www.gatecreekcabins.com, 733-1393), located at Mile 10.5 Petersville Road. Owners Craig and Susie Seibert rent long track, new 2002-2003 machines and fully-equipped log cabins. Snowmachine rental rates range from $150 - $180 a day plus gas. The spectacular view of Mount McKinley is free.

The Sieberts said that for the first time ever, the Greater Petersville Area will have a groomed trail starting at the Kroto Creek Parking lot (Mile 13.5 Petersville Road). The road will be groomed for multi-use to the Forks Roadhouse, then 11 miles north to the Peters Hills. Snow condition reports are also available via e-mail. To be placed on the weather condition list, contact Seibert at gatecreek@worldnet.att.net.

Off the Beaten Path

Located a half-mile off the Yentna River approximately 11 miles down river from Skwentna is Bentalit Lodge (www.bentalitlodge.com, 733-2716). The lodge has deluxe accommodations and a racquetball court. Gasoline is also available. Bentalit also e-mails reports on the Yentna River and snow conditions frequently. E-mail bentalit@starband.net to get on the list.

Palmer

You don't have to go far to find snowmachining opportunities. Guardian Alaska Adventure Tours and Pioneer Bed and Breakfast (www.youralaskavacation.com, 745-2505) located outside of Palmer on Maud Road, offer ATV and snowmachine tours. The prices range from $125 to $240 for an all-day ride with meal.

Eureka /

Lake Louise

Majestic Valley Wilderness Lodge (www.majesticvalleylodge.com, 746-2930), located between the Chugach and Talkeetna Mountain ranges, is an hour and 15-minute drive from Palmer along the Glenn Highway. Snowmachine trails meander through spruce forests and run along the deep river canyon, the head waters of the Matanuska River.

The lodge staff groom snowmachine trails that head toward Goober Lake and the Eureka Summit area.

Although Sheep Mountain Lodge (www.sheepmountainlodge.com, 745-5121) does not offer rentals or tours, they are located in prime snowmachine country. Lodge guests can ride to Gunsight Mountain, Goober Lake and the Eureka trail systems. Lodge owners Zack and Anjanette Steer report snow conditions as good with more than a foot of snow at the lodge and more in the mountains.

One of Alaska's most precious secrets is The Point Lodge (www.alaskapointlodge.com, 1-800-808-2018) at Lake Louise. Located off the Glenn Highway, 17.5 miles down Lake Louise Road, you will find this area to be a winter wonderland escape. The trip is worth the extra mile as you drive past the massive Matanuska Glacier surrounded by the Chugach and Talkeetna Mountains.

Hosts Patti and Dan Billman rent snowmachines to overnight guests at their lodge. Winter is well under way up in this area so grab you gear and get outside.

This is just a short list of destinations and operators in the Mat-Su Valley who can help you with your first snowmachine adventure.

Contact the Mat-Su Convention & Visitors Bureau at 746-5000 or visit www.alaskavisit.com for more information.