Thinking about winter in the "Last Frontier" conjures images of a vast snowy region. It's true that it does snow a lot in Alaska and most mountains are covered with snow by December. This is great news for anyone interested in going on a skiing vacation, as Alaska offers a wide variety of skiing vacation options, including downhill, cross country and even backcountry heli-skiing. Alaska skiing provides the opportunity for outdoor lovers to engage in a healthy, challenging sport while becoming one with the amazing unspoiled wilderness.
Downhill Skiing
The mountain views while downhill skiing in Alaska are almost as good as flying over them in a small plane. On a clear day, skiers soaring down powdery trails are surrounded by majestic snow and glacier-covered mountains in all directions.
Most people who travel to Alaska from the "outside" head 40 miles south of Anchorage to the world famous Alyeska Ski Resort in Girdwood. Boasting a summit of 3,939 feet and 1,400 skiable acres, it is the largest and most well know skiing destination in the state. The Alyeska ski season usually lasts from mid-November to the end of April, the resort's website reports.
In addition to Alyeska, most major cities in Alaska have at least one small local ski resort. According to the state's official skiing website, Anchorage offers Arctic Valley, also known as Alpenglow, and Hilltop ski areas. In Juneau, you can ski at Eagle Crest Ski Area, and Fairbanks offers Moose Mountain Ski Resort.
Cross Country Skiing
According to the website of the Alaska Public Lands Information Center, or APLIC, cross country skiing is another popular winter activity in Alaska and is considered to be one the most beneficial exercise of all sports. Cross country skiing is not only great to get your blood pumping, but also allows you an opportunity to experience the winter wonderland scenery and wildlife that exists just outside Alaska's quaint villages and cities.
A plethora of cross country trails can be found in the interior and northern Alaska, notes the state's official skiing website, after snow covers up the summertime bicycling and running trails. Dedicated Alaska Public Lands trails can be found in both Girdwood and Anchorage, APLIC's website reports.
Backcountry Heli-skiing
Alaska is a land of unlimited adventure and every year, experienced skiers set out to conquer the unforgiving backcountry on their skis. Heli-skiing the Valdez's Chugach Range is the easiest and most popular way to ski the backcountry. However, backcountry skiing is very dangerous and should only be done by experienced skiers under the supervision of insured local tour operators who know the territory and local weather patterns.
Accommodations
You can easily spend an entire ski vacation in Girdwood doing downhill or cross country skiing. The picturesque four season resort village also offers a variety of shopping, dining and nightlife venues. Accommodations in Girdwood run from staying at the luxurious Hotel Alyeska, fabulous bed and breakfasts, or renting a rustic condo or chalet.
Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau offer a variety of winter lodging, from luxury hotels to inexpensive motels. In winter, most large chain hotels close in the smaller towns, but you can usually find a variety of local motels.
Transportation
Wintertime travel to Alaska is usually accomplished exclusively by airplane. Cruise ships don't run in the winter and driving up the ALCAN Highway or the snow-covered interior Alaska roads can be harrowing.
Renting a car in Anchorage during the winter season is usually inexpensive and recommended if you are planning to explore outside of the ski resort areas. Alternatively, travelers to Girdwood may opt to take an airport shuttle, as the cost of a private taxi may be prohibitive.
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