What you need to know:
- Despite the season’s cold and dark conditions, Mat-Su residents have access to a wide range of outdoor activities — including free community hikes, runs and events — that encourage staying active and socially connected during winter.
- Organizations like Revel Treks + Tours and AKtive Soles host inclusive, low-cost or free events such as weekly runs, themed hikes, speaker series and seasonal outings to promote fitness and community bonding, especially for women, older adults and newcomers.
- Other seasonal offerings include the Mat-Su Ski Club’s Holiday Tree Tour, the Easter-themed “SkiSter,” informational clinics and a monthly “Jog and Jabber” meetup, blending outdoor recreation with education and social connection.
For many outdoorsy Alaskans, winter’s chill can often mean Netflix and treadmill — or even semi-hibernation. But with plenty of free meetups and events planned for the coming months, cabin fever doesn’t have to be the default setting for Mat-Su residents.
From weekly running events to community explorations of local trails, there are plenty of ways to get outside and get some exercise in the long, dark months ahead.
“In Alaska, you have to stay active during the wintertime,” said Anne Thomas, whose company AKtive Soles hosts weekly runs in Palmer and a monthly run in Wasilla…