Winter break

A few hours' drive north of the core area of the Valley will bring you to a winter wonderland that offers breathtaking scenery, abundant recreation opportunities and the chance to explore unfamiliar areas that are all part of the Susitna Valley.

North of Talkeetna is a major recreation area for winter enthusiasts. From snowmachining to cross-country skiing, there are thousands of miles of trails -- some of them groomed, some of them primitive -- to choose from. There are low-lying valleys and rolling hills throughout, making it a paradise for recreationalists.

The first stop is the Petersville area, which becomes a Mecca for snowmachiners in the winter. Petersville is a snowmachiner's utopia -- Peter's Hills to ride in for those who want to climb, virtually endless trails in the low lands, plenty of roadhouses at which to stop for a midday burger and brew, and a friend's cabin probably within minutes of the parking lot.

"We usually ride up there a couple weekends a month because it's closer to home and we can make a good day out of it," said Wasilla snowmachiner Tobey West for a January story in the Frontiersman.

Farther north still is plenty of trails, and backcountry adventures await those who want to brave much colder temperatures. Along the Parks Highway, roadside pullouts serve as makeshift trailheads for hikers, skiers and snowmachiners. At Mile 165 Parks Hwy., the Little Coal Creek Trailhead can be found. The system has a variety of trails, from tough demanding trails to leisurely rolling trails that are perfect on which to test your new cross-country skis.

Denali National Park is farther north, and naturally, there are limitless recreation opportunities. Winter camping is always an exciting adventure, but be prepared for extreme temperatures when visiting Denali National Park and Preserve, and make sure you bring your own water or the means to melt snow for water. The campgrounds don't offer water in the winter, and you can be alone for weekends at time, so be prepared.

Many areas of the park are open to snowmachines, while others are off limits to motorized use.

According to a recent press release issued by Denali National Park and Preserve, park managers have determined that there is adequate snow cover for the use of snowmobiles for traditional activities in all areas of the 1980 additions to Denali National Park and Preserve that are south of the crest of the Alaska Range except for the park lands between the Bull River and Windy Creek at the north end of Broad Pass near the town of Cantwell.

All other areas of the 1980 park additions north of the crest of the Alaska Range remain closed to snowmobile use for traditional activities due to inadequate snow cover.

Riders are reminded that all lands within the former Mount McKinley National Park on both the north and the south sides of the Alaska Range are closed to all snowmobile use by federal regulation. Even though areas of the park and preserve are now open for use, it is the rider's responsibility to avoid locations where wind or topographic conditions may have reduced snow depth and created situations where damage to vegetation or soils could occur, or where vegetation is taller than the protective snow cover.

The northern end of the Mat-Su Valley is a treasure trove of adventure for those who prepare themselves for colder temperatures and fun.