When you think about skiing in Alaska, you may envision folks dropping skis-first from a helicopter and then bombing through backcountry powder as they hurtle pass moose and grizzly bears. Fortunately for families who enjoy skiing, there are some friendlier destinations. These are our favorites.
Alyeska Resort, in the Chugach Mountains near Girdwood, is the biggest ski resort in Alaska. More than 1,600 skiable acres, 72 trails, and 2,500 vertical feet are powdered with over than 600 inches of annual snow. Multiple lodging and dining options, as well as family packages help to complete the experience.
An average annual snowfall of 350 inches and 800 feet of vertical spread over more than 30 trails makes Mr. Eyak Ski Area the perfect place for families to spend a powder day on the slopes. Sweeping views across Orca Inlet, and as many easy run options as there are black diamonds will keep everyone smiling all day long.
Eaglecrest Ski Area is where folks in the capital city hit the slopes. This family-friendly resort has more than 600 skiable acres and 1,400 feet of vertical services by four chairlifts. Eaglecrest has runs for all levels of skiers and board riders and offers many family activities throughout the season.
With 1,300 feet of vertical, the majority of the runs at Moose Mountain Ski Resort are geared toward intermediate and advanced skiers and riders. But, they recently installed a lift near the gentler slopes at the base lodge so beginners can enjoy Moose Mountain, as well. In an interesting throwback touch, their primary lift service consists of buses with ski racks which shuttle you back up to the top of the mountain after you ski down.
Hilltop Ski Area is a small, family-friendly ski area inside Far North Bicentennial Park. It’s 30 acres of acres of runs cover almost 300 vertical feet. Most of the runs are fairly easy, but there are a few for more experienced skiers and riders.
Folks in the interior have been hitting the slopes below Cleary Summit at Ski Land for more than half a century. What Ski Land claims to be the northernmost chairlift in North America serves more than 1,000 feet of vertical. Skiers and boarders also enjoyed unspoiled vistas of the aurora borealis when it’s popping.
Arctic Valley Ski Area, in Chugach State Park, has more than 500 skiable acres but is only 10 miles from downtown Anchorage. A safe, uncrowded area, Arctic Valley offers experienced and intermediate skiers a backcountry-like experience but with the conveniences of a ski area. Kids who choose not to ski are welcome to sled, build snow forts, or enjoy the tube park.
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Families stationed at Fort Wainwright, as well as members of the public, can enjoy the base’s Birch Hill Ski & Snowboard Area. The family-friendly slope is great for beginners. Affordable rentals, a tubing area, and terrain park are also available.
Military families stationed at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER), can also take advantage of their own slopes. The Hillberg Ski Area offers a main hill, two beginner hills, a terrain park, and a tubing hill. Ski and snowboard lessons, as well as rentals are also available at Hillberg.
