Alaska Safe Riders is back with another season of weekly snow and trail reports — proudly supported by the Mat-Su Health Foundation.
Across Southcentral and the Mat-Su, snow coverage remains very thin and highly variable. The biggest risks this weekend are hidden hazards — exposed rocks, stumps, brush, and icy hardpack from wind-affected snow. Many common Mat-Su riding areas, including Willow, Big Lake, and low-elevation valley trails, are seeing insufficient snow, so don’t assume familiar routes are ready to ride.
Hatcher Pass and connected State Parks trails remain closed to snowmachines due to lack of snow, and Petersville and South Denali areas continue to have thin coverage, debris, and unpredictable creek crossings creating higher risk zones for both riders and machines.
If you’re looking for more consistent conditions, managed or groomed areas offer the best options right now. Higher elevation zones like Eureka and Summit may have better snow but come with very cold temperatures and wind-affected surfaces, while Valdez and Thompson Pass show more snow potential paired with increased avalanche concerns — terrain choices always matter.
January is packed with Alaska Safe Riders education and events, including a Glacier Travel Awareness Seminar on January 7th, Mountain Rider Clinics on January 10th and 24th, Teen Clinics on January 11th and 25th, Backcountry Snowmachine Safety on January 12th, an emPOWDERed Maintenance Clinic on January 15th, an Avalanche Awareness Seminar on January 16th, the Seward Polar Bear Jump on January 17th, and women-focused rides and clinics on January 31st.
Visit Alaska Safe Riders dot org for full event details and to register as a member for more benefits and resources. From all of us at Alaska Safe Riders — Happy New Year, ride smart, ride prepared, and here’s to a safe and adventurous 2026.