Alaska’s mountains and reliable winter snowpack make it a serious, if under-the-radar, ski destination — ranging from a major destination resort to small community-run hills. Here’s a rundown of the state’s main ski areas.
Alyeska Resort (Girdwood)
Alyeska is Alaska’s largest and best-known ski resort, about 40 miles south of Anchorage in Girdwood. It has the highest vertical drop in the state at roughly 2,500 feet across 1,610 skiable acres, served by an aerial tram and a full lift network, with both day and night skiing. On clear winter evenings, it’s also a good spot to catch the northern lights from the slopes. The resort typically operates from mid-November through April.
Eaglecrest Ski Area (Juneau)
Eaglecrest is a community-owned ski area on Douglas Island, a short drive from downtown Juneau. It’s smaller than Alyeska but well regarded for its terrain and low-key, local atmosphere, and it’s only reachable by air or ferry since Juneau has no road connection to the rest of the state. The season generally runs from December through April, snow permitting.
Hilltop Ski Area (Anchorage)
Hilltop is a small, beginner-friendly ski area within Anchorage city limits, run by the nonprofit Youth Exploring Adventure. It’s aimed at new skiers and families and is one of the most affordable and accessible options in the state, with night skiing on a lit slope.
Mt. Aurora Skiland (Fairbanks area)
Located at Cleary Summit about 20 miles from Fairbanks, Skiland is a small resort popular with beginners and known for aurora viewing, since it sits well outside city light pollution. It has a roughly 1,050-foot vertical drop across about 100 acres.
Arctic Valley / Alpenglow (Anchorage)
Arctic Valley, home to the community-run Alpenglow ski area, was one of Anchorage’s oldest ski areas. It covers about 320 acres with a summit elevation near 3,900 feet and roughly 25 trails, and is typically open only on weekends, run largely by volunteers.
Moose Mountain (Fairbanks area)
Moose Mountain sits about 20 miles from Fairbanks and is known locally for good sun exposure and light, dry interior powder — a contrast to some of the shadier hills nearby. It covers about 200 acres with a longest run of roughly 7,920 feet and is popular for both alpine and cross-country skiing.
Most Alaska ski areas run roughly November through April, but conditions vary a lot by location and year, so check individual resort sites for current hours, lift ticket prices, and snow reports before visiting.
