Spend some time with family -- on the trail

Let this scenario play in your mind -- one-and-a-half hours from Wasilla, you arrive at your destination. Under several feet of snow you see your accommodations. You, your family and your family dog will be staying in a 1,500-square-foot log home with all the amenities. That evening you relax in the cabin, watching a movie, playing a board game or catching up on some reading.

In the morning you are fitted for a helmet and goggles and instructed on the safe operation of your rented snowmachine. Your guide then takes you on a tour with spectacular views of the mountains and wildlife. During the course of the tour, your guide stops many times to give you a history of the country and great photo opportunities.You also visit several other establishments for a meal and a quick warm-up -- the possibilities are really endless, as you are only limited by the trail.

Shortly after dark you pull into the driveway and see the warm glow in the window of your cabin, as you look forward to a shower and new clothes. When you return to your cabin, the excitement of the day is not easily forgotten -- "Did you see that?" "Did you see me when I …?" "Wow, I've never done that before!" are just a few of the comments you share.

Excited as you are, the events of the day have given you a workout and left your muscles a little tight. You then decide to relax them in the heat of a sauna. Not long after the sauna you retire for the evening, anxiously looking forward to tomorrow's ride.

There is something addicting about experiencing the wilderness, and you will soon find yourself wanting to do it again and again. Snowmachining makes it possible to see wilderness that is otherwise not accessible.

Some of the most common reasons for not going snowmachining are not having a snowmachine, not knowing where to ride and the fear of getting lost.

There are rental companies, snowmobile dealers and some lodging facilities that will be happy to rent one to you. From a two-person touring machine to lightweight powder machine, one can be found to fit your need.

If you are a first-time snowmachiner, it would be wise to go on a guided tour with an outfitter. If you have some experience, you might want to think about renting a machine and staying in a "bed and breakfast."

Many B&B owners, as well as innkeepers, can provide you with an area map that includes marked trails and local landmarks.

Rates and accommodations vary from $15 per person per night for a bunkhouse-style facility to $45 per person per night for a fully furnished log cabin.

The snowmachine trip described above was inspired by a recent visit to Gate Creek Cabins in the Petersville area. But the Valley offers other great areas too, such as the Big Lake area, Eureka, Lake Louise and Willow.

These areas have a network of groomed trails that are the best for a novice rider -- and experienced riders also enjoy a well-groomed trail.

You probably won't get stuck if you keep to the groomed trail and because the bumps are smoothed out your body won't be sore from the workout.

For more information on where to go and stay, interested people can contact the Mat-Su Convention and Visitors Bureau by calling 746-5000, or by visiting the organization's Web site at alaskavisit.com.