WINTER FUN IN PALMER
Winter in Palmer is a wonderful time. Nestled amongst the snow-capped peaks and wooded trails, there are countless ways to get out and enjoy the winter scenery. From cross-country to downhill skiing, snowshoeing to ice fishing, and events like Colony Christmas. Come to Palmer and experience a unique kind of winter fun.
Popular Winter Options
Palmer, AK 99645
Explore Alaska Like a Local and ride off into Alaska’s wilderness with Alaska Backcountry Adventure Tours. Alaska Backcountry Adventure Tours offers Alaska vacations, packages and tours.
This 1.6 mile trail is fully paved and perfect for people of all ages. Though just outside Palmer, it offers a variety of activities such as disc-golf, running, biking, and even Nordic skiing in winter.
For directions and additional information, please contact the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Community Development Department of click on the website link above.
Part of a 30+ mile network of trails in the Matanuska Greenbelt, it cuts through the forest in a loop just over a mile long. These dirt trails are dotted with about 100 signposts to help with navigation and provide hours of exploration.
For directions and additional information, please contact the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Community Development Department or click on the website link above.
The Crevasse-Moraine trail system features over 6 miles of interconnected trails and is is open year round. These trails run along what was once a glacier bed and ranges widely in difficulty from trail to trail.
For directions and additional information, please contact the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Community Development Department or click on the website link above.
This 4+ mile trail takes you up Eska Peak to spectacular views of the Chugach Range. The trek crosses through woodland and lush alpine growth before reaching the falls and peak respectively.
For directions and additional information, please contact the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Community Development Department or click on the website link above.
This 16 mile (round trip) trail follows the Little Susitna river up to it's headwaters. One of four major trails in Hatcher Pass, north of Palmer, it has a gradual incline for the first few miles before becoming much steeper. It is open to hiking, biking, and skiing, and you can even do a little gold panning along the way.
For directions and additional information, please click on the website link above or alaska.org/detail/gold-mint-trail.
In the peak winter months Government Peak features 9 miles of combines trails for skiing, skijoring, sledding, snowshoeing and more. Take in the sights as you adventure along the Chugach mountains just north of Palmer. Note that the parking area is open from 8 AM to 8 PM, so don't get locked in.
For more information, please contact the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Community Development Department or click on the website link above.
Two trails, the Lazy Moose Trail and Lazy Mountain Trail, are the primary ascent of the mountain. The former is a longer, winding trail with moderate slopes and an easier climb, while the latter is much shorter and more difficult as it offers the straightest path to the peak. From the top you can see the Chugach and Talkeena Ranges.
For directions and additional information, please contact the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Community Development Department or click on the website link above.
This trail is just over 4 miles long from end to end and showcases phenomenal views of the Matanuska and Knik rivers, and of Cook Inlet. The climb starts out easy, but increases in difficulty as you go, and you will certainly want to bring appropriate attire for changing weather.
For directions and additional information, please contact the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Community Development Department or click on the website link above.
The Matanuska River Park Campground, located near the Matauska River Bridge just on the eastern edge of Palmer, features a little fun for everyone. The campground features over one and a half miles of easy trails with exquisite views of Lazy Mountain and the Matanuska River.
For directions or additional information, please contact the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Community Development Department or click on the website link above.
This trail offers an easy forested 2 mile trek through the woods around Lazy Mountain. It also features three access points, year-round availability, as well as public restroom and picnic areas.
For directions and additional information, please contact the Matanuska-Sustina Borough Community Development Department or click on the website link above.
A beautiful, non-motorized trail that follows an old railroad bed along the Matanuska River. The trail can be started either from downtown Palmer, or Moose Creek, and runs approx. 6 miles from end-to-end.
For additional information, please contact the Matanuska-Sustina Borough Community Development Department or click on the website link above.
This trail, approximately 9 miles round trip, follows an old mining road in Hatcher Pass. You will hike over 2,000 feet of elevation gain and witness the tarn that feeds Reed Lake, gorgeous waterfalls, the lake itself, and Reed Creek flowing down the mountain.
For directions and additional information click on the website link above or alaska.org/detail/reed-lakes-trail.
Nestled into the gorgeous mountains of Hatcher Pass, Skeetawk is a groomed, maintained ski area opening in December of 2020. The site currently hosts a beautiful warming hit, a patrol / first-aid station, and a freshly installed chair lift. The project is managed by HAX, a local non-profit dedicated to bringing the dream of a real ski resort to the Valley.
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