Winter Staycation: Valley offers an array of options for outdoor recreation

WASILLA — The Mat-Su Valley is home to a vast array of outdoor destinations. Although outdoor recreation during the winter months requires more preparation and persistence, Valley Mountain Bikers and Hikers Executive Director Alida van Almelo said it's worth the effort and there's plenty of local choices for all skill levels.

“I think recreating in the cold just requires a little more preparation... I think it just takes a little bit more foresight… That said, recreating in the winter, it's a pretty special time. I think snow can be really dreamy sometimes. I think it can be very special… Plus, you get bragging rights. You can tell people from the Lower 48, ‘I just exercised in negative 20 degrees,’” Almelo said with a laugh.

There’s numerous local access points for hiking, fat tire biking, skiing, and other outdoor activities around the Valley.

Almelo recommended the Butte, Lazy Mountain and Matanuska Greenbelt trail system as good go-to spots for families since their diverse terrain makes it easy for a range of skill levels to enjoy themselves at their own pace. She noted that places like the Butte are great for hiking up sledding and sledding down.

“There are a decent amount of trails that stay open year-round," Almelo said. “No matter what neighborhood or area in the Valley that you live in, there must be at least a handful of trails nearby where you can get away from crowds. It's especially important this year for us to stay safe. I think we have some of the best opportunities in Alaska here in the Valley because we have the flat rivers and the rolling Greenbelt, and big peaks that get you up high with great views.”

Almelo listed the Greenbelt and Government Peak as two of her top destinations for easy access for all skill levels, noting that both locations are fairly centrally located for the core population.

“Those are great winter trails,” Almelo said.

Almelo shared some advice for those looking to recreate outdoors during the winter months. She stressed the importance of dressing in dry layers, carrying a headlamp just in case, and using “common sense.”

“One thing I always make sure to do if I'm hiking... I always carry a spare set of chemical toe warmers and hand warmers if I'm too far away from my car to warm up quickly… Watch out for wildlife. Moose are still out... as the snow starts getting deeper. They're gonna get closer to where we spend our time... If you're going up high somewhere, just let someone know where you're going and what time you think you'll be back,” Almelo said.

Valley Mountain Hikers and Bikers volunteers are currently grooming areas like the Crevasse Moraine trailhead and Government Peak Recreation Area. Almelo noted that they’re also widening numerous bridges and able to cover some fuel costs for volunteers thanks to grooming funds from the Mat-Su Borough.

Almelo said they’re currently advocating with multiple groups across the Valley on behalf of the Greenbelt trail system.

“We’re kind of the core group but were working with a wide variety of stakeholders in the community, " Almelo said.

Almelo said the best way to start supporting their efforts in preserving the Greenbelt is to visit their website savethematanyskagreebeltsystem.org.

For a list of local trails across the Valley, visit matsugov.us/trails.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com