2023 Alaska Winter Activity Guide

OUTDOOR ICE SKATING

The Anchorage Parks Department maintains ice rinks and monitors ice thickness at 5 lakes around town. Rent skates from Alaska Outdoor Gear Rental (907-830-0232) or Play it Again Sports (907-278-7529).

The most popular rink, 38 Westchester Lagoon, features a wilderness setting just minutes from downtown Anchorage. Skate on the larger oval or one of the smaller cleared rinks. You’ll see friends playing pickup hockey games, kids learning how to skate, and speed skaters practicing their turns. 1824 N. 15th Ave

HERE ARE SOME OTHER PLACES TO ICE SKATE:

39 Cuddy Family Midtown Park. Next to the Loussac Library at 201 E. 40th Ave.

40 Cheney Lake. 2245 Baxter Rd., between DeBarr Rd. and Northern Lights Blvd.

41 Delaney Park. Take A St. to P St./W. 9th Ave. to W. 10th Ave.

42 Mulcahy Park. E. 16th Ave./Eagle St.

43 Tikishla Park. Sunrise Dr. off E. 20th Ave.

SLEDDING

The awesome sledding hills in and around Anchorage make a great outing for kids—or to release your inner child.

HERE ARE THE TOP SLEDDING HILLS:

44 Kincaid Park. A popular family destination, the decently long run here descends the hill immediately north of the Outdoor Center, just off the parking lot. There’s some lighting, as well as access to restrooms and warm-up areas when the center is open. Far west end of Raspberry Road.

45 Russian Jack Springs Park. Using a hill that once featured a rope tow for skiers, this sledding hill descends just south of the chalet. Padding has been placed around poles in the run out. There’s lighting and access to restrooms and warm-up areas when the chalet is open. Lydia Selkregg Lane and Debarr Road, halfway between Pine Street and Boniface Parkway.

46 Centennial Park. You’ll find a couple of decent ski hill-like runs carved from the forest. 8300 Glenn Highway. Just south of

the Glenn Highway, turn east off Muldoon Road onto Boundary Avenue. One block later, turn left (north) onto Starview Drive and take it as it trends east parallel to the highway. Park entrance is a half-mile up Starview.

47 Arctic Valley Tube Park. This is a good option if you don’t want to buy a sled on your own; the park provides sleds with your admission. Call ahead for rates and hours, and it’s recommended you purchase tickets in advance to secure your spot. Arctic Valley Road exits the Glenn Highway about Mile 6, the first exit past Muldoon Road, on the way toward Eagle River. Drive toward the mountains, crossing the golf course and follow it all the way to the top. The park is located up the steep and windy Arctic Valley Road. 4WD/AWD is recommended, as well as studded tires. 907-428-1208

37 ICE SKATING & SLEDDING

@ Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center