Where to Ski in Alaska

Warren Miller fans are familiar with Alaska’s epic backcountry. For those of us wondering where to ski in Alaska that’s a bit less steep and gnarly, there are a few great options on the road system!

So pack your boots and goggles. It’s time to hit the slopes.

Hilltop Ski Area

Earn your, “I’ve skied Alaska” badge on the gentle slopes of this south-Anchorage hill. Beginner skiers and boarders will be at home riding Hilltop. The mountain has mostly mild terrain, 80 percent of its runs are graded “easiest.”

The hill is popular among families. The nonprofit that operates Hilltop is dedicated to providing recreation opportunities for local youth.

Arctic Valley

Arctic Valley is a quiet hill just north of Anchorage that averages about 100 skiers per day. The terrain is mostly intermediate and advanced, and the hill has a laid back feel. Even if you don’t know how to ski, there’s a tube park on site.

Alyeska

Alyeska is the largest developed ski area in Alaska. The mountain is about 30 minutes south of Anchorage in the town of Girdwood. It has 1,600 skiable acres, 76 named runs and 2,500 feet of vertical. The top of the mountain is steep and open. The bottom features two terrain parks.

For family who’d rather engage with the relaxing aspects of developed ski hill culture, Alyeska Resort has all the requisite dining, drinking and relaxation amenities.

Skeetawk

The long-awaited ski hill in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley opened its lift for the first time in December 2020. After nearly four decades of residents attempting to open a ski hill in Hatcher Pass, a nonprofit sprang up in 2015 and set about finishing the job.

Skeetawk has one lift and about 30 skiable acres. It plans to open more lifts that will access steeper terrain.

Moose Mountain Ski & Snowboard Area

Moose Mountain opened in 1993 outside Fairbanks. The hill slope doesn’t have a chairlift. Instead, school buses ferry riders to the top, which can be a perk during the cold interior Alaska days! The mountains mostly has intermediate terrain. Workers groom runs with snowmachines towing wide box blades.