Winter Trails Day gets you out for fun Saturd

MAT-SU— Dive into winter this Saturday, Jan. 8, during the 7th Annual Winter Trails Day at Hatcher Pass. Free classes on skiing, snowshoeing, and snowboarding. Some gear is provided. Hot refreshments, a warming barrel, and laughter on the hill make for a memorable winter day. More than 230 people attended last year.

Cross-country skis and snowshoes will be provided by REI. Other gear such as snowboards, sleds, alpine skis, and avalanche beacons you provide. The fun begins at mile 10.6 Hatcher Pass Road at 10 am until 3 pm.

MAT-SU Borough Parks sponsors the event as does: MAT-SU Trails Council, Pioneer Ski Patrol, Alaska Trails, Alaska State Parks, and MAT-SU Ski Club.

A schedule of events is below:

Events scheduled at Mile 10.6 Hatcher Pass Road include:

Meet in the parking lot at Mile 10.6 of Hatcher Pass Road – watch for signs

10:30 to 12:00 – Beginner Classic Nordic Ski Instruction with Mat Su Ski Club Instructors

11:30 to 12:30 – Beginner Snowshoe Instruction

12:30 to 1:30 - Beginner Snowboard Instruction

1:00 to 2:00 - Beginner Skating Clinic - with Mat Su Ski Club Instructors

1:30 to 2:00 - Avalanche Rescue Beacon Demonstration

2:00 to 3:00 - Beginner Downhill Instruction

The sledding hill is open all day for sliding fun. Hot refreshments and restrooms provided along with warming barrels to stay toasty. Bring your family, a lunch, and enjoy the day with some great outdoor activities!

Alaska State Parks will provide activities on the upper mountain:

Meet at the Rescue Cache for events

12:00 to 1:00 – Tour of the Rescue/SAR Cache with refreshments

Free Parking all day at ‘State Park’ parking lots in the Hatcher Pass area

Event Sponsors - MSB Parks, ‘Winter Trails’, Recreational Equipment, Inc., Mat Su Trails Council, Pioneer Ski Patrol, Alaska Trails, Alaska State Parks, Mat Su Ski Club

For more information contact Warren Templin at 745-9690 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Photos by Patty Sullivan.

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