Valley’s Ski for Women continues to grow

PALMER — The Alaska Ski for Women has long been a Southcentral staple in early February. But the Valley has its own version, and it’s hitting its stride.

The Mat-Su Ski Club hosted its fifth annual Ski for Women Feb. 4 at the Government Peak Recreation Area near Palmer. Tammy Hill of the Mat-Su Ski Club said about 90 people participated in the 2018 event.

“We had a bunch of new and different people,” Hill said earlier this week. “It’s very exciting.”

Hill said the atmosphere helps set Mat-Su’s version apart. In addition to the venue, Hill said the club takes a different approach with the event.

“It’s a fun ski, not a race,” Hill said.

To add to the fun atmosphere, participants were encouraged to wear costumes.

Hill said rather than having different waves of skiers like you see in Anchorage, the Valley event has just one all-inclusive wave.

“It’s a fun ski. Men are invited. We tend to have walkers and snowshoers,” Hill said. “Anybody can come out and support.”

Hill said that’s particularly important considering the cause behind the event. All proceeds from the event went to Alaska Family Services. There was not a mandatory entry fee, but participants were asked to make a donation. Hill said a representative of Alaska Family Services was there to speak, and educate those attended on how the donations will benefit the agency. Hill said the ski club was also thrilled to have the Sunrise Rotary Club involved.

“We like to continue growing every year, get more people involved,” Hill said.

For more about the club, see matsuski.org.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.