2023 Alaska Winter Activity Guide

NORDIC SKIING

Scan

for more

Rent gear, including classic or skate skis, at Alaska Outdoor Gear Rental (907-830-0232) or the Anchorage REI (907-272-4565). Consult the map at each trailhead. Here’s where to go.

ANCHORAGE

22 Kincaid Park. This astonishing maze of groomed trails weaves over all kinds of terrain—including 12 to 15 miles with lights for night skiing. The system ranges from sedate, pastoral loops suitable for families on an outing, to demanding expert workouts with hard climbs and screaming descents.

23 Far North Bicentennial Park. Scores of multi-use trails suitable for skiing crisscross this vast, 4,000-acre tract, reaching from lowland forest into the foothills of the Chugach Mountains.

24 Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. This 11-mile trail along Anchorage’s coast features views of icebergs, active volcanoes, a salt marsh, and the majestic white massif of Denali. Access it from Elderberry Park, Westchester Lagoon, or Kincaid Park.

25 APU / Mahaffey Trails. This easy, 7.5-kilometer loop circumnavigates much of the undeveloped reserves of Alaska Pacific University and the University of Alaska Anchorage, connecting several city parks while serving as a major hub for cross-city skiing. For the easiest public access, park at Goose Lake Park on the east side of UAA Drive, just south of the intersection with Northern Lights Boulevard. Find the loop down the multi-use path to UAA.

26 Russian Jack Springs Park. This 300-acre park on Anchorage’s near-east side features groomed paths on the gentle fairways of a snow-bound golf course. Most of the main groomed trails are lit or near lights, and are very popular with new and younger skiers. Park at the Selkregg Chalet.

BEYOND ANCHORAGE

Beach Lake. The 15-kilometer-plus system here ranges from easy gliding to a sprawling advanced loop. About half of the system has lights for night skiing. Exit the Glenn Highway at about Mile 17.4 and drive northwest on South Birchwood Look; park at the Beach Lake Chalet.

23 NORDIC SKIING

information

Girdwood. The town of Girdwood, 45 minutes south of Anchorage, has several cross-country ski areas. Moose Meadows is a roughly 2-mile multi-use trail system, and the 5-kilometer Nordic Loop is for skiing only. See page 13

on cross country skiing

MAP

@ Carl Johnson

Once snow falls and trails get packed, Anchorage features some of the most accessible and extensive cross-country skiing anywhere in the world. In fact there may be no other U.S. city laced with so many groomed trails that are open to the public without a fee. When the snow flies, Anchorage becomes a Nordic skier’s paradise.

DOWNHILL SKIING & RENTALS

In Anchorage, skiing is in our “backyard”. The nearby Chugach Mountains make for downhill ski areas that are fun, scenic, and easily accessible.

IN TOWN

27 Hilltop Ski Area

This 30-acre, non-profit winter recreation area—located just 15 minutes from downtown Anchorage at the base of the Chugach Mountains—offers both convenient and affordable skiing and snowboarding with a hometown feel. With a base elevation near sea level, Hilltop Ski Area (907-346-1446) receives 70-plus inches of snow a season. Plus, there’s a progressive terrain park with the state’s best features, world-class instruction, rentals, and dining options like Finn’s Kitchen. Hilltop offers something for the whole family. About 80 percent of the trails are beginner-level, while 20 percent are intermediate to advanced.

BEYOND TOWN

Alyeska Resort. 45 minutes south of downtown Anchorage in Girdwood. (907-754-1111)

Arctic Valley. 30 minutes north of Anchorage off Arctic Valley Road. (907-428-1208)

Skeetawk. One hour north of downtown Anchorage in Palmer. (907-746-7277)

24 DOWNHILL SKIING

See page 13 MAP

@ Alyeska Resort @

@ Hilltop

Hilltop