Alyeska Resort Downhill Skiing & Winter Activities

Alyeska Resort is far more than a ski destination; it’s an epicenter for outdoor adventure year-round at the gateway to the Chugach Mountains. Yet the resort is perhaps most famous for its world-class winter activities. Ski or snowboard down some of the snowiest slopes in North America, or go for a dogsled ride with an Iditarod veteran by day or even by moonlight. And enjoy great accommodations and dining.

Ski the Deep and Steep

Conde Nast Traveler rated Alyeska the “Best view of any U.S. ski resort” for its mountain, glacier, and ocean views, and Skiing rated it a Top 10 ski destination. With an average annual snowfall of 650 inches at the top and 208 inches at the base, Alyeska has 1,610 skiable acres and 76 named runs and trails. On the beginner end of the spectrum, you’ll find the Fun Field and Magic Carpet ski lift. (Think moving walkway at airports.) At the other, you’ll find the expert North Face, the longest continuous double black diamond run in North America. The mountain’s total vertical rise, from headwall to the base, is a whopping 3,200 feet.

Explore the Mountain

Do some freeriding at the one of the resort’s terrain parks. To learn all that’s offered, take a tour of the mountain. They’re free and available daily. Or you can hire a guide through the Mountain Learning Center to show you around the most challenging outer areas. The center also offers private and group ski lessons for all ages and abilities. Challenge Alaska Adaptive Ski and Snowboard School is on site.

The mountain is open for night skiing Thursday–Saturday until 9 p.m., from mid-December until mid-March.

Experience the Backcountry

Go cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or heli- or cat-skiing in the backcountry. Rent snowshoes or cross-country skis and go exploring on your own or with a guide. You’ll find many trails in the area, but one series of trails is accessible right from the hotel. The multi-use Moose Meadows trail system is for skiing, walking, running, biking, skijouring—anything goes. The exception, the system’s new 5-K Nordic Ski Loop, is for skis only. Not a skier? Or looking for something different? Take a guided snowmobile excursion—an invigorating way to explore the Chugach Mountains. Choose from mellow meadows to ancient ice caves. Your guides will provide all the gear you need, from snowsuits to helmets, boots, and goggles at no extra charge.