Winter Family Fun Day in Palmer Alaska: Snowshoe & Sled

Hike through snow and sled downhill, then warm up by the fire

Winter Family Fun Day in Palmer, Alaska is a guided 4-hour outing combining a snowshoe hike through winter terrain with sledding, plus warming breaks with hot drinks and blankets. A guide meets you at Mat Su Gateway Visitors Center and transfers the group to activity locations that shift based on snow conditions and what the group prefers. Snowshoes and sleds are provided, as are snacks.

The experience

How do you keep a family from going stir-crazy in an Alaska winter? Get outside with gear already waiting and a guide who knows where the snow is best that day. You meet at Mat Su Gateway Visitors Center, then transfer to the trailhead: the exact spot changes depending on current conditions and what your group wants to do. The guide leads a snowshoe hike through the winter landscape, moving at a pace that works for families. Between the hike and the sledding that follows, you stop at a warming area with a fire, hot drinks, and blankets so nobody gets cold sitting still.

The sledding happens after the hike, and it's the part kids (and adults) remember. Sleds are provided, so you're not hauling gear or figuring out what works. Snowshoes come with you too: no rental hassle, no extra cost. Snacks keep energy up through the afternoon. The whole thing runs about four hours, which means you're back with time left in the day if you want lunch in town or to rest before dinner.

What’s included

• Guided snowshoe hike and sledding activity.
• snowshoes and sleds.
• snacks.
• hot drinks and warming fire during breaks.
• transfer from Mat Su Gateway Visitors Center to activity locations.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00 and 13:00

Book up to1d before

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomeNot for pregnant travelersNot for back problems

Operated by Adventures by True North Ak

Is this one for you?The four-hour commitment leaves your morning or afternoon free, so you can fit this into a day with other plans. If your family needs a full day of winter activity without gaps, this packs two different things (hiking and sledding), into one outing.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What do I need to bring for a winter family day in Palmer?

Dress warmly in layers, hat, gloves and waterproof boots: the guide and warming area handle the rest. Snowshoes, sleds, snacks and hot drinks are all included, so you only pack what you wear.

How does the guide choose where to go each day?

The guide meets you at Mat Su Gateway Visitors Center and picks the hike and sledding locations based on current snow conditions and what your group wants to do, so the route changes day to day.

Is this outing suitable for young kids or kids who have never hiked before?

Yes, the pace is set for families and the guide adjusts for all fitness levels. The warming area with fire and blankets between activities means nobody has to push through cold or exhaustion.

What happens if the weather is really cold or snowy?

The guide picks locations based on conditions each day, so the outing adapts to what's safe and enjoyable. Warming breaks with hot drinks and a fire are built into the schedule.