Alaska Ski & Winter Snow Sports Guide

Talk about an ultimate winter playground! Excellent skiing exists from southeast, southcentral to northern Alaska. Upscale ski resorts exist for those in seek of the full package, or simply pack you snowshoes and backcountry gear and blaze you own trail into a sea of white forests and foothills. Skiing in Alaska receives very little publicity aside from it's popularity as one of the ultimate destinations in the world for helicopter skiing. Girdwood, Valdez and Haines are renowned as the primary hubs for the best heli-skiing adventures. Groomed cross-country ski trails abound, with many of them serving as hosts to many international skating and classic ski competitions. Check out this link to Anchorage cross country ski trails: Anchorage Ski Trails and to the Fairbanks Nordic Ski Club: Fairbanks Nordic Come March and April, excellent snow still exists, even sometimes as late as June in some areas! With spring comes long sunlit days and very comfortable temperatures. Skiing in Alaska peaks right as other ski resorts around the world close for the summer season.

Mt. Alyeska in Girdwood offers premier lodging and skiing throughout the winter season. A beautiful resort, a rustic Alaskan village, powder skiing, great cuisine, nightlife, music and attractions highlight a winter retreat in Girdwood, Alaska. Mt. Alyeska offers everything to skiing enthusiasts. From beginner runs, ski instruction, and snow tube parks to a full tram and exceptional power and terrain on the north face... Alyeska has you covered. There is also exceptional cross-country ski trails that network through the surrounding Chugach forest and across lakes and prairies surround the town. Snowboarders can enjoy excellent runs from deep powder in the bowl area to a full terrain park.

Other downhill areas such as Hilltop Ski area and Alpenglow in Anchorage provide great skiing close to the conveniences of the city. Fairbanks also has great skiing opportunities including Moose Mountain and Ski Land at Cleary Summit northwest of town. Birch Hill in Fairbanks is a highly rated cross-country ski area that hosts many reputable race events and the international dog skijouring championships. Ski the day away and Fairbanks and experience the northern lights by evening. It's a very unique and memorable getaway.

Backcountry skiing along with snowshoeing is very popular here in Alaska. Off nearly every road system just minutes from the nearest town, or hours from nowhere you can find excellent trail systems. Many prefer to pack the skis and snowshoe to a nearby summit, and ski down after a mountainside lunch. There exists incredible skiing terrain that is 100% free to the winter adventurer.

No matter your preference, Alaska has some of the best snow sports playground in the world!