Experience the Best of Anchorage, Alaska

Sponsored by Visit Anchorage

There’s no place in the U.S. that says “winter” like Alaska. Big mountain skiing, pristine wilderness, glaciers, and extraordinary landscapes and adventures await those outdoor lovers who want an experience they can’t just find anywhere. And Anchorage, the state’s largest city and cultural hub, offers the best that Alaska has to offer. Use the following Anchorage travel guide to plan an extraordinary Alaska trip this winter.

Where To Ski Near Anchorage 

Few cities have access to world-class skiing like Anchorage does. Upon landing at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC), guests are just 40 miles from Alyeska Resort, Alaska’s largest ski area and only destination ski resort, located in Girdwood. Alyeska boasts 2,500 feet of vertical, 1,610 skiable acres, and 76 named trails, including the longest-continuous double black diamond run in the country, the North Face. It is a true destination ski resort, featuring a Nordic spa, seven places to dine at, a 40-passenger aerial scenic tram, and more than 300 rooms. Ikon Pass holders can enjoy seven days at Alyeska with no blackout dates. 

Beginner and intermediate skiers, or those who want to get in a few runs closer to town, will find it at Hilltop Ski Area and Arctic Valley. Hilltop is just 15 minutes from Anchorage, and has 30 acres of groomed trails, progressive terrain parks, and a snowsports school. Arctic Valley is 15 miles north of downtown Anchorage, with 25 trails, four open bowls, a terrain park, and a tubing park. Though a more humble ski area, it has a backcountry feel to it, and delivers the goods with 250 inches of average annual snowfall, and featuring 1,200 acres of vertical. For those who prefer cross-country skiing, Anchorage has an incredible trail system of more than 100 miles of cross-country trails. There are also tons of trails for snowshoeing and fat tire biking.  

What really sets Anchorage apart is its access to backcountry skiing and heli-skiing. The nearby Chugach Range gives advanced skiers and riders access to an astounding 700,000 acres of skiable powder and backcountry terrain. Chugach Powder Guides is located in Girdwood, and partners with Alyeska for accommodations, making it easy for skiers to get a taste of Alaska heli-skiing. Skiers can do a single day heli-skiing trip, which guarantees 16,000 feet of vertical, and be back to Alyeska in time for aprés-ski. Chugach Powder Guides also offers snowcat skiing and snowboarding.  

What To Do Off The Slopes 

Even those who aren’t skiing can take the resort’s aerial tram to the top of Mt. Alyeska. It’s just a four-minute ride to the top in the winter for incredible views of Turnagain Arm, up to seven glaciers, and the Chugach Mountain Range. Guests staying at Alyeska Resort, as well as visitors, can enjoy Alyeska Nordic Spa, the first Nordic spa in Alaska. The 50,000 square-foot facility features hot tubs, barrel saunas, steam rooms, cold plunge pools, and more. There are also massage packages available. Afterward, guests can treat themselves at Seven Glaciers, perched high atop Alyeska with stunning views of the Chugach mountains and seven glaciers. It was named one of America’s 100 Best Wine Restaurants in 2023 by Wine Enthusiast. 

Anchorage is a gateway to winter adventures that you can’t just do anywhere. Ice skating on lakes and lagoons, like Westchester Lagoon, is straight out of a Norman Rockwell Painting. The winter adventure that Alaska is perhaps most renowned for is dog sledding. The world-famous race, The Iditarod, starts in Anchorage on the first Saturday of March. Visitors can experience dog sledding firsthand, as a number of dog sledding tours start near Anchorage. Visitors can enjoy dog sledding during the summer, too, as some guides can take guests by helicopter to go dog sledding on glaciers. There are also mushers who use wheeled carts during the summer months. 

Alaska boasts a long snowmobiling season that begins in November and extends through May. While many winter destinations have snowmobiling, guides in the Anchorage area up the ante with experiences that access glaciers, ice caves, and more. You can even go on a northern lights snowmobiling adventure. Anchorage makes a great base for travelers chasing the aurora.  

Plan Your Trip 

• Getting there. Most travelers arrive in Anchorage at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC), Alaska’s largest airport. Several major carriers fly into Anchorage, including Air Canada, Alaska, American, Delta, and United. It’s then just a 10-minute drive to downtown Anchorage. Alyeska is a 50-minute drive from the airport. 

• Getting around Anchorage. A number of downtown Anchorage hotels offer shuttle service to and from the airport. Downtown Anchorage is rather compact, and very walkable, while there are also buses and rideshare. However, if you’re planning on staying a few days, and want to explore the Anchorage area, then we recommend renting a car.  

• Where to stay. Alyeska is the destination ski resort of Alaska, offering 300 guest rooms and suites. Alyeska Resort is your best bet if you’re planning on skiing more than one day. The Greater Anchorage area is home to centrally located hotels, wilderness lodges, mountain cabins, and more. View Anchorage lodging options here.