Skiing

From Alaska Outdoors Wiki

Contents 1 Skiing 1.1 Introduction 2 Backcountry Skiing 3 Resort Alpine Skiing 3.1 Alyeska Resort 3.2 Alpenglow at Arctic Valley 3.3 Hilltop 3.4 EagleCrest 3.5 Mt. Aurora Skiland 4 Groomed Cross-Country Skiing

Skiing

Introduction

With mountain ranges that stretch from one side of the state to the other and seasonal snowfalls that can exceed 1,000 feet in coastal regions, Alaska is truly a skiing paradise. What Alaska lacks in resort infrastructure it more than makes up for in backcountry terrain. Though Alaska's population is small, its road system is limited, and its winter tourism industry is still in its infancy, the skiing opportunities truly are limitless.

Backcountry Skiing

Resort Alpine Skiing

Alyeska Resort

• The most well-known of Alaskan ski areas is Alyeska Resort, located approximately 45 miles south of Anchorage in the community of Girdwood. While not truly large by ski resort standards, Alyeska is the largest ski area in Alaska. It has 6 chairlifts, 2 rope tows, and 1 aerial tram. With nearly half of the ski area above treeline and average snowfalls of over 600 inches, Alyeska is a powder skiing gem. Additionally, Alyeska has a high percentage of advanced and expert terrain, including vast areas of ungroomed snow for the skier who prefers to experience the snow in its natural state.

Alpenglow at Arctic Valley

• Alpenglow at Arctic Valley is located 10 miles north of Anchorage, in between Anchorage and Eagle River near Ft. Richardson. After a winding 7 mile drive up Arctic Valley Road, skiers will come upon the resort that lies entirely above treeline in the Chugach Range overlooking Anchorage. Alpenglow is an entirely volunteer run ski area, relying on ski club volunteers for everything from running the lifts to selling tickets. Their ski season is typically a bit shorter than Alyeska, but conditions can remain good for weeks after a good snowfall due to lower skier numbers and a lack of grooming.

Hilltop

• Hilltop Ski Area is the only ski area located right inside of Anchorage. While the smallest of the area's 3 lift-accessed ski areas, Hilltop fills a niche for beginner-friendly terrain. Hilltop also has a very popular terrain park for those who prefer this style of skiing. Hilltop offers night skiing during the week, making it a good option for local school-aged kids who want to ski after school.

EagleCrest

• Eaglecrest Ski Area is Southeast Alaska's only lift-accessed ski area. It is also the second largest ski area in the state, offering over 640 acres of skiing with a vertical drop of over 1,400 feet. Ample backcountry skiing opportunities can also be accessed from Eaglecrest. Given its coastal location, Eagleglen can recieve copious amounts of the heavy powder that the area mountains are famous for.

Mt. Aurora Skiland

• Mt. Aurora Skiland is located in Fairbanks.

Groomed Cross-Country Skiing