Ski Resorts in Alaska, Alaska Kids’ Corner, State of Alaska

Downhill skiing and snowboarding are popular sports in Alaska. Winter snow covers the tops of most mountains by December and ski slopes can be found in many areas of the state. Some adventurous individuals hike or fly to isolated skiing/snowboarding destinations away from resorts. While making the opportunities for pristine downhill skiing virtually limitless, this should be considered very dangerous, particularly for those unfamiliar with the area in question. The summaries below provide information about public ski resorts.

Cross country skiing
is also popular in Alaska and is one of the few
methods of penetrating the interior wilderness
during the winter. Locals ski for both transportation
and recreation. Opportunities abound in areas
where snow permanently covers the ground during
the winter, (which is most of interior and northern
Alaska). For more information on cross-country
skiing, contact the Alaska
Public Lands Information Centers.

ARCTIC VALLEY SKI AREA
Located 10 miles from downtown Anchorage (7 miles from the Glenn Highway) and 2600 feet above Anchorage. There are three chairlifts, including one surface lift, and are open weekends and school holidays. They no longer have a racing program or lessons.

They have a long-term lease on approximately 500 alpine acres and are the “gateway to Chugach State Park,” catering to Alaska’s intermediate and advanced skiers.

ALYESKA
Located in Girdwood, 40 miles south of Anchorage on
the Seward Highway.
(907) 754-1111, Fax (907) 754-2200.

• Alyeska is Alaska’s
  largest ski resort at 3,939 feet. Base level is
  280 feet above sea level. Five double chair lifts.
  Almost half the mountain is above the timberline.
  Upper half of the mountain is wide open bowls, lower
  half offers tree-lined trails.

• Plans are underway
  to expand lift capacity by adding a quad chair and
  a 60-passenger tramway. Five new beginner/intermediate
  runs are being cleared. Skiing may also be opened
  on the resort’s north face.

• Inn, restaurant,
  saloon, and day lodge. 300-room hotel and resort
  center is currently being built with plans for additional
  restaurants, shops, a health club, and ice skating
  rink. National Recognition: Tommy Moe (1994 Winter
  Olympic Gold and Silver Medalist).

BIRCH
HILL SKI AND SNOWBOARD AREA
This
alpine ski destination is located on the south-facing
slopes of Birch Hill, north of the Chena River at
Fort Wainwright. For info and hours, call 353-7053.

EAGLECREST
Located 12 miles from downtown Juneau, on Douglas
Island.
(907) 586-5284 business office
(907) 790-2001, Fax (907) 586-5677 mountain

HILLTOP
SKI AREA
Located at 7015
Abbott Road, four miles east of the Seward Highway
at Dimond Blvd. (Ten minutes from Anchorage.) Phone
(907) 346-1446, Fax (907) 346-3391, Ski Hotline (907)
346-2167.

MOOSE
MOUNTAIN
11 miles northwest of Fairbanks. Phone (907) 479-4732,
Fax (907) 455-8362, Ski Resort phone (907) 459-8132
Email [email protected].

Heated terrestrial trams,
southern exposure, and groomed runs. Vertical drop
of 1,260 feet.

MT.
EYAK SKI AREA
The
Mt. Eyak ski area is located in Codova, AK. Features
alpine skiing and snowboarding.

• One lift services
  30 runs with a vertical drop of 800 feet. Elevation
  at the top is 1200 ft (366 m) and annual snowfall
  is 350 in (889 cm). Ski and snowboard rentals are
  available as well as nearby lodging.

Usually opens around
mid-November and closes around mid-May; daily hours
of operation depend on sunlight hours. Telephone:
907 424-7766.

Mt.
Aurora Skiland
One mile east of the Steese Highway at Mile 20.5.
Phone (907) 389-3624, Fax (907) 389-2314.

• Featuring The “Silver
  Star” Double Chairlift–the farthest north chair
  lift in North America.

• The day lodge offers
  a spectacular view, snack bar, and alpine ski and
  snowboard rentals.

• Slopes are beginner
  to advanced and are patrolled by the National Ski
  Patrol.

• Aurora viewing is
  available by appointment.

• Two rope tows and
  about 16 miles of trails. “This area’s casual
  attitude is displayed by a sign at the ski counter
  reading: <We have rocks, stumps, frozen skiers,
  and giant blueberries. If you hit ’em, it’s you
  fault, so be kind, courteous and cheerful and have
  fun.” Alaska Magazine, November 1988.
  This area has a 1,057 foot vertical drop.

Open Saturdays and Sundays
and most school holidays from around Thanksgiving
to mid-April. Hours are from 10:00 am to dusk during
the winter and 10:00 am to 6:00 pm during spring.

Call (907) 456-SNOW
for latest ski conditions and lift ticket deals.

Mt. Aurora Skiland
Steve and Brenda Birdsall
Lodge: (907) 389-3624
Office (907) 389-2314