Alaska Downhill Ski Areas
Downhill skiing in Alaska is a favorite local pastime, and if you're a slopes enthusiast, you should include a few runs in your winter vacation too!
Most resorts open toward the end of November (conditions pending), and stay open through March, and sometimes into April and early May. If you don't want to bring your own gear, you'll find easy rental options.
In Anchorage
Beginner and intermediate skiers will feel right at home at Hilltop Ski Area, minutes from Downtown Anchorage. A full 80% of the 12 trails are perfect for novices, while the other 20% are closer to intermediate. The terrain is a combination of groomed trails and natural terrain, and there’s 100% snowmaking ability across the mountain. Equipment rentals and lessons are available.
Near Anchorage
From Anchorage, Skeetawk and Alyeska are within easy driving distance, and each offer their own distinct flavor of Alaska skiing. Alyeska, just 45-minutes south of Anchorage, is the largest resort in the state complete with a luxury hotel, spa, and numerous runs. Skeetawk sits in Hatcher Pass, an area known for backcountry skiing, about 90-minutes north of Anchorage. Skeetawk has made those slopes accessible and continues to offer backcountry access as well. There's no resort, but skiers can stay nearby in the town of Palmer, or commute from Anchorage.
Juneau
Eaglecrest Ski Area is a community-owned ski area in Alaska's capital Juneau. You can't drive to Juneau, but it's a quick 1.5-hour flight from Anchorage. You can also catch a direct 2 hours and 20-minute flight from Seattle, making it a perfect winter weekend getaway if you live in the Pacific Northwest. The slightly remote island location means you get ocean views while you ski!
Girdwood View All
45 minutes south of Anchorage. Largest ski resort in Alaska.
Alyeska Resort is famous for its downhill skiing and snowboarding for a reason — it’s truly world-class, featuring tons of snow, steep mountains, and views that stretch on forever. But there are a ton of other winter activities that make Alyeska an epicenter for winter adventure. Go cross-country skiing or snowshoeing on one of the area trails; or head off into the backcountry with a guide for some heli- or cat-skiing; try a snowmobile excursion; ...more
Anchorage View All
Go skiing or snowboarding right in Anchorage at Hilltop Ski Area. New to snowsports? 80% of the trails designed for beginners and 20% for intermediate users. There’s also a beginner and pro-level terrain park. Equipment rentals and lessons are available.
Juneau View All
Ski Juneau with a 1.5 hr flight from Anchorage or 2 hr 20 flight from Seattle! Ski the slopes with ocean views.
With a 1,620 ft. vertical drop, 640 acres, and impressive backcountry access, Eaglecrest combines big mountain terrain with a local feel in Alaska’s capital city. It’s one of the few community-owned ski areas in the US, offering affordable prices, fewer crowds, and breathtaking ocean views. You can’t drive to Juneau— you have to fly, or ferry, which means shorter lift lines and untracked powder. Whether you are a beginner looking to play in the ...more
Palmer Ski Areas View All
A 90 minute drive to ski area in Hatcher Pass from Anchorage, 20-minutes from Downtown Palmer. Groomed trails and backcountry access.
Skeetawk is derived from the Dena’ina word Shk’ituk’t, which means “where we slide down” — a perfect description for this community ski area set in the Talkeetna mountains, 90 minutes north of Anchorage and 25 minutes from downtown Palmer. Hatcher Pass has always been a place backcountry skiers flocked to, but Skeetawk makes the great terrain available to even more snowsports lovers.
Fairbanks
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