3 activities to do outside in Palmer, Alaska during the winter
Why is winter so great?
As the first snowflakes descend in late October, Alaska undergoes a magical transformation into a winter wonderland. The mountains and valleys are draped in pristine white snow, creating a picturesque landscape that invites exploration. While the days may be short and the nights long, Alaska remains an incredible destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Armed with the right gear (check out our previous blog post for what to wear), you can immerse yourself in a variety of winter sports that not only provide a great workout but also allow you to connect with nature in a unique way.
Here’s a few of our favorite things to do:
Go Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing, a practice that originated as a survival tool in the Arctic, has evolved into a popular recreational activity. If you are new to winter sports and want to get outside beyond just a walk down on a packed trail, snowshoeing is an accessible and affordable option.
What to consider when renting or buying:
Consider both length and weight capacity to ensure you are able to “float” on the snow. Also pay attention to the crampons on the bottom—they vary in intensity based on the terrain. A beefier crampon/edge is designed for more aggressive terrain. If you’re not planning to go up big mountains, this component isn’t necessary.
Standard sizes:
21-inch (up to 125 pounds)
25-inch (up to 175 pounds)
30-inch snowshoes (up to 220 pounds)
35/36-inch snowshoes (>220 pounds)
Youth sizes (generally 20-inches or smaller)
Cost:
Purchasing: Less than $100 per pair. Some sets include poles.
Renting: About $10-20 per pair with poles
Some of our favorite snowshoeing destinations in Palmer:
Gold Mint Trail at Hatcher Pass
Government Peak Recreation Area
Matanuska Lakes State Recreation Area
Go Cross Country Skiing
For those seeking a faster-paced adventure on snowy trails, cross-country skiing is an excellent choice.
What to consider when renting or buying:
What sort of cross country skiing do you want to do? There are different types of cross country skiing available depending on your adventure style.
Classic skiing: Skis are parallel as the skier pushes off on one and glides on the other. It's typically done on a groomed track.
Skate skiing: A skating motion propels skiers forward while poles aid in movement.
Backcountry nordic skiing: Like classic skiing, but the skies are usually wider and with a metal edge to facilitate travel outside of groomed areas.
Standard sizes:
Ski sizing varies based on weight. Most skis have a size scale shown on the ski itself when purchasing or available online. When purchasing older, used skis it can be difficult to find sizing guidelines. We recommend going to a ski shop to make sure used gear fits you appropriately.
Cost:
Purchasing: Full set of gear, including skis, boots, and poles, costs approximately $400-$600 new
Renting: About $20-$50 for a full set up
Local rental options include: Backcountry Bike and Ski in Palmer or Play It Again Sports in Wasilla.
Some of our favorite snowshoeing destinations in Palmer:
Government Peak Recreation Area - lit trails offer a great option for night skiing.
Archangel Road at Hatcher Pass - this is our favorite beginner trail.
Independence Mine at Hatcher Pass - great for intermediate skiers.
Go Hiking or Walking
Want to get outside but lack winter sports equipment? There are still plenty of beautiful places to explore on your own two feet. Many popular trails are snow-packed and easy to navigate due to foot traffic.
Stay on the trail and you won’t need snowshoes or skis, but ice cleats like Kahtoolas are recommended for icy trail conditions.
Trails range from mountain climbs to mellow walks through the woods.
Some of our favorite, winter-accessible trails include:
The Butte (ice cleats highly recommended)
Gold Mint Trail
The Matanuska Greenbelt-Crevasse Moraine
Matanuska Lakes State Recreational Area
