By Neil Torquiano Channel 2 News

4:02 p.m. AKST, January 2, 2012
ANCHORAGE, Alaska—

Alaska Winter Trails Day celebrates its 8th annual event on Saturday, January 7th in the Mat-Su Valley.

A number of organizations are joining forces to encourage people to get outside and enjoy wintertime recreation.

There will be free instructional classes and demonstrations at Mile 10.6 Hatcher Pass Road and Upper Mountain from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturday.

• 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Beginner Classic Nordic ski instruction with Mat-Su Ski Club
• 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Beginner Snowshoe instruction
• 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Beginner Skating clinic with Mat-Su Ski Club
• 1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Avalanche Rescue beacon demo
• 2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Fat Bike demo with Mark Gronewald
• 2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Ski Joring Demo: bring your dogs and gear

The sledding hill will also be open and hot refreshments, warming barrels, and restrooms will also be provided.