Recreational and competitive cross-country skiers alike are passionate about Birch Hill Recreation Area. It is a favorite among locals with its extensive and challenging trails that are always well-groomed, for both classical and skate skiers.
Through a partnership with the Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks, the Fairbanks North Star Borough Department of Parks and Recreation makes Birch Hill Recreation Area and the Jim Wisenhant Cross Country Ski Trail System available for year-round public use. The Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks grooms and improves all of the ski trails and hosts the facility’s races.
The trail system at Birch Hill is available to skiers exclusively during the winter. In the summer months, however, Birch Hill is open for any number of non-motorized activities. Mountain bikers, runners, hikers, disc golfers, picnickers, and berry and mushrooms pickers frequent the facility for its spacious trails and beautiful scenery.
Birch Hill Recreation Area Amenities:
- 30 kilometers of cross-country ski trails, with 10 kilometers lighted during the winter
- Birch Hill Ski Center, with all the traditional amenities of a ski lodge; a waxing room, restrooms with changing areas, & a 2,500 square foot Assembly Room—that is also available for meetings and banquets, and is a favorite among local wedding planners and brides-to-be.
- Warm-Up Hut with 24-hour restrooms and changing facilities
- 18-Hole Disc Golf Course (summer only)
- Biathlon Range
- Terrain garden
- Large lawn area
Admission/Fees:
- Jim Wisenhant Cross Country Ski Trails: Free, however donations to the Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks for trail grooming are welcomed.
- Assembly Room rental at the Birch Hill Ski Center:
o $80 per hour (4 hour minimum)
o $800 per day
o $250 security deposit
Winter Hours:
- Monday - Friday: noon - 9pm
- Saturdays: 8am - 6pm
- Sundays: 10am - 6pm
- Be Aware: At -25 degrees or colder, the Birch Hill Ski Center is closed and the trail lights are turned off. However, the Warm-Up Hut is still open.
Summer Hours:
- Park and trails: 7am – 10pm, seven days a week.
- The Birch Hill Ski Center is open by reservation only.
