Best Skiing In Alaska: Guide For Best Mountains and Dates for Prime Snow Conditions
↓
Continue Reading To See This Amazing Video
If you love to ski, you must check out Alaska. Undoubtedly, it is one of the most epic places on earth to hit the slopes. Not only do you get to ski on some seriously gorgeous mountains, but the variety of terrain is unbeatable. So whether you’re a complete pro looking for a challenge or just starting out and want some easier runs, Alaska has something for you. And the best part? The snow is always perfect – light and dry thanks to the high altitude and cold temps.
With so many amazing ski resorts, it can be tough to choose where to go for your ski trip. But don’t worry, we’ve compiled a list of the top spots to help you out!
There are plenty of powdery paradises to ski in Alaska. Here are a few to spark your wanderlust.
©CSNafzger/Shutterstock.com
Mục Lục
Alyeska Resort
If you’re a skier looking for some of the best slopes in the country, you’ll definitely want to check out Alyeska Resort. Located just 45 minutes from Anchorage, this luxurious resort is the largest in the state and is known for its impressive 76 runs and 504 inches of snow each year.
The resort covers a massive 1,610 acres and features a mix of wide-open groomers, bowls, and challenging black and double black diamond runs. The ski resort of Alyeska is also renowned for having the longest double black diamond run in North America.
But it’s not just about the runs – the resort is also great for those who love skiing in the trees. With an almost endless playground of green and white, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to explore and create your own tracks in the deep powder stashes.
And the best part? You won’t have to deal with crowds thanks to the resort’s impressive uphill capacity and nine lifts, including a 60-person aerial tram and four high-speed quad chairs.
This ski destination boasts a season typically from mid-December to the end of April, with weekend skiing available in May.
The mountain itself has two base areas – one at the luxurious Alyeska Resort and the other in the nearby town of Girdwood. In addition to the incredible skiing, you’ll also find plenty of accommodation and dining options in these areas. So don’t wait – start packing your skis and head to Alyeska for an unforgettable winter getaway.
Average Annual Snowfall
If you’re a fan of fresh powder, you won’t be disappointed with Alyeska Resort in Alaska. This ski destination gets an impressive amount of snow each year, with estimates ranging from 500 inches to an incredible 700 inches.
The best time to visit for optimal snow conditions is from November to April, and January is particularly snowy, with an average of 112 inches over 15 days. That’s a lot of opportunities to hit the slopes! The average base depth is around 20 inches, while the summit depth averages a whopping 93 inches in January. With that said, Alyeska offers some of the best spring skiing conditions in the country, so don’t be afraid to visit in April!
Eaglecrest Ski Area
Eaglecrest Ski Area is a must-visit for skiers in southeastern Alaska. Located just 15 minutes from Juneau on Douglas Island, this resort offers excellent skiing conditions with deep powder and relatively few crowds.
The resort spans 640 acres and has 36 named runs, with 60% classified as blue or green, making it an excellent place for intermediate and beginner skiers.
The resort has a 1,620-foot vertical drop and a peak elevation of 2,740 feet, providing stunning views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks.
Plus, with an annual snowfall of roughly 320 inches, you can count on plenty of powder to enjoy. To get back up to the top of the mountain, the resort has four double chairs that take skiers slowly and steadily back up, allowing you to take in the beautiful surroundings and chat with friendly locals.
Lift tickets for adults start at just $62, and children under 6 get in for free, making this an excellent option for families.
The resort typically operates Wednesday through Sunday, except during Christmas vacation and spring break when it’s open seven days a week. The resort usually opens in early December and stays open until late April, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly.
Average Annual Snowfall
The slopes at Eaglecrest Ski Resort are blanketed in an average of 312 inches of snow each season. In a record year, this number reached 636 inches. The resort typically sees a high amount of snowfall in December and January, averaging 48 inches and 47 inches, respectively. During these months, the resort experiences an average of 9 to 11 snowfall days.
The average base depth of the snow in December is 18 inches, while the average summit depth is 55 inches. The maximum base depth during this month is 50 inches, and the biggest snowfall in December is 33 inches. In January, the average base depth is 26 inches, with an average summit depth of 86 inches. The maximum base depth in January is 55 inches, and the biggest snowfall of the month is 20 inches.
Hilltop Ski Area
If you’re in search of a budget-friendly ski destination in Alaska, Hilltop Ski Area is a great option. Located in the heart of Anchorage, this non-profit resort is perfect for families and beginner skiers. It spans 30 acres and has the highest elevation point of 786 feet, with a total of 10 runs to choose from. The 300-foot vertical drop is ideal for learning how to carve and turn on the slopes.
Hilltop Ski Area is open for roughly 120 days each year, with a long season running from November to March. While it may not receive the most snowfall in the state, the resort still gets around 100 inches of snow annually, making it a great place to hit the slopes.
This ski area is particularly convenient for Anchorage locals and families, as it’s just a short drive from the city.
Overall, Hilltop Ski Area is a fantastic choice for budget-conscious skiers and families looking to enjoy winter sports in Alaska. Whether you’re a beginner or just looking to improve your skills, this resort is ideal for everyone. It’s the perfect place to spend a day on the slopes without breaking the bank.
Average Annual Snowfall
With an average of just 100 inches of snow per year, Hilltop Ski Area is certainly not the snowiest resort in Alaska. However, the 100% snowmaking ability of the resort won’t let you down.
December and January are both pretty snowy months. On average, you can expect about 3 inches of snowfall each month, with about 1 day of snowfall per month. The average base depth, or the amount of snow on the ground, is 4 inches, but it can get as deep as 12 inches at its maximum.
Moose Mountain
Moose Mountain is an incredible ski resort located in Alaska that’s known for its unique transportation system.
Unlike most ski resorts that have chairlifts or gondolas, Moose Mountain has no ski lifts at all. Instead, they have turbo-charged school buses that take skiers from the base area to the top of the mountain. This isn’t actually that different from riding a gondola or aerial tram. You just take off your skis and share the ride with a bunch of other people.
Plus, the bus rides are always a fun and social experience, with lots of chatter and banter.
Now, about the skiing itself – Moose Mountain is no small fry. It boasts a vertical drop of 1,300 feet and covers a massive 750 acres, making it the largest interior resort in Alaska. And while the snowfall in the area isn’t particularly heavy (only around 5 feet per year on average), the conditions are usually pretty good, thanks to the snow that does stick around.
Besides, the mountain is just a short 20-minute drive from Fairbanks, and it tends to be warmer and sunnier up there thanks to its southern orientation and elevation.
This year, Moose Mountain will be implementing a new system for ski lift tickets. They’ll be taking reservations online in order to limit the number of people on the mountain at any given time. This has proven to be a very effective measure, as it helps to prevent the long lines that used to form at the base area for the buses.
All in all, Moose Mountain is a unique and enjoyable place to ski that’s definitely worth checking out.
Average Annual Snowfall
Although Moose mountain may not receive the highest amount of natural snowfall each year, averaging around 70 inches annually, the resort more than makes up for it with its impressive snowmaking capabilities. This means that skiers and snowboarders can enjoy the slopes all season long!
While data on snowfall at Moose mountain may be limited, it’s clear that the months of January and February tend to see the most snowfall, making them the prime time to visit this fantastic ski destination.
