About 70 miles north of Wasilla, lies the quaint town of Talkeetna. A town whose honorary mayor for 20 years was an orange tabby cat by the name of Stubbs and the staging spot for Denali climbs. Trails that are busy with steady stop over traffic in the summer months, settle into a slower rhythm once the snow arrives offering a change of pace that is welcomed.
I had the opportunity to spend a recent weekend cross-country skiing (or rather, shuffling around) in the Talkeetna area with my partner and our pup, Nova. On one outing, we traveled nearly five miles without crossing paths with another person, something that can feel increasingly rare in popular recreation areas across the Mat-Su Borough. The quiet made room to notice small details: the way the snow sparkled in the setting sun, the steady rhythm of our skis, and the shared laughter that comes with novice skiers trying to stay upright on hills.
We spent most of our time at Talkeetna Lakes, skiing a network of well-connected trails that offer recreational opportunities year-round. With our dog along, we focused on multi-use routes, including the 3.5-mile Beaver Stream Ridge Loop starting at the Talkeetna Lakes Comsat Trailhead and the 1.5-mile Fish Lake Forest Trail. Along the way, the snow told the story of other winter visitors – dog tracks following good sniffs, the textures from fat tire bike lines, and ski tracks weaving in all directions through the forest. Even without seeing other users, it was clear these trails were being shared and enjoyed throughout the winter.
Cloudy skies muted views of the Alaska Range, leaving those big peaks to the imagination. Without leaves on the trees, the forest felt open and it was easier to take in the details of the landscape as we moved along.
Getting out on the trails offered a reset and a reminder of why this work matters. Experiencing the places we help fund and support brings perspective and heart to our efforts. When we spend time on these trails, individually and as a community, we build a deeper connection that encourages stewardship, shared responsibility, and care across seasons.
That care is supported by many hands. During this visit, we appreciated the efforts of the Mat-Su Borough and volunteer groups like the Denali Nordic Ski Club, whose grooming and trail work help ensure winter routes are accessible and inviting. Most of our winter routes in the Mat-Su Valley rely on volunteers, a reminder not to take their efforts for granted. Well-maintained trails encourage people to get outside, even during the shorter days.
If you plan to visit Talkeetna in the winter, there are plenty of ways to get outside and join local traditions. Join the fun at the Annual Ice Festival in February including the quirky Cardboard Chariot Challenge event, or the month long WinterFest in December. The Denali Nordic Ski Club hosts the annual Oosik Classic in March, proudly sponsored by the Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation, drawing hundreds for a weekend of skiing, winter fun, and community connection. Visitors can rent skis, snowshoes, and fat-tire bikes at Talkeetna Gear Shop, making winter there feel approachable for anyone.
Through grant funding, MSTPF has supported projects that protect infrastructure and enhance recreational experiences in Talkeetna. In 2025, MSTPF awarded $62,332 in grant funding to support a Student Conservation Association trail crew working in the Talkeetna Lakes area. The crew helped stabilize public access points by renovating and partially rebuilding three deteriorating boat docks and completing bank restoration projects along the Talkeetna Lakes system to address erosion. They also constructed a new interpretive site along the Talkeetna Lakes Trail. Completed in partnership with the Mat-Su Borough, this work helps protect infrastructure that supports tens of thousands of annual park users each year.
On our drive back south, we stopped at Newman Memorial Park to let our dog stretch his legs in the dog park area. In 2018, MSTPF partnered with the Willow Area Community Organization to provide $12,759 in grant funding for this wilderness-style fenced dog park, the only park of its kind in the Mat-Su Valley. It’s a simple stop, but one that reflects how long-term investments continue to serve residents and travelers alike.
Talkeetna is best known for its summer recreation, but winter invites a different pace and a quiet escape. For those willing to venture out, the trails offer a new lens and a chance to experience the landscape in a way that summer never allows.
Winter Trail Tips
- Check conditions before heading out. Weather and trail conditions can change quickly; local grooming updates and recent trip reports are helpful tools.
- Start small and go at your own pace. A short loop or familiar trail can be just as rewarding as a long outing.
- Dress for movement and pauses. Layering makes it easier to stay comfortable whether you’re skiing, biking, or stopping along the way.
- Plan around daylight. The days are surely getting longer, but can still feel like they are passing quickly. Plan ahead and start early.
- Share the trail. Many winter routes are multi-use, be mindful of skiers, fat-tire bikers, walkers, and dogs, and follow posted signage.
- Let someone know your plan. Cell service can be limited, so sharing your route and return time adds an extra layer of ease and safety.
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