Top Destinations for Winter Sports Near Anchorage
As the snow piles up and winter sports enthusiasts come out to play, Anchorage transforms into an icy playground for everyone. Whether you’re a snowboarding shredder, a backcountry skier, or someone bitten by the ice fishing bug, Anchorage offers countless ways to enjoy winter sports. And the best part? You can easily access these winter wonderlands with an AVIS Alaska rental car!
In this guide, we’ll explore the most popular winter sports spots near Anchorage, including skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and ice fishing. So grab a hot cocoa, buckle up your boots, and get ready for an adventure-filled winter!
Alyeska Resort – Skiing & Snowboarding
Distance from Anchorage: 40 miles (about a 45-minute drive)
Access: Conveniently accessible via Seward Highway with your AVIS rental car.
Why It’s Popular: Alyeska Resort, nestled in Girdwood, is Anchorage’s premier destination for downhill skiing and snowboarding. Offering some of the best powder in the state, Alyeska provides 1,610 skiable acres with a vertical drop of 2,500 feet. It’s perfect for all skill levels, whether you’re a beginner hitting the bunny slopes or a pro carving through black diamonds.
With spectacular views of the Turnagain Arm and the Chugach Mountains, Alyeska offers a breathtaking skiing experience that will leave you in awe. Don’t forget to ride the Aerial Tram for panoramic views or unwind in the resort’s spa after a long day on the slopes.
Insider Tip: Bring a camera because sunsets from the slopes are downright magical!
Hilltop Ski Area – Family-Friendly Skiing
Distance from Anchorage: 10 miles (15-minute drive)
Access: Just a quick drive from downtown Anchorage, perfect for families using an AVIS rental car.
Why It’s Popular: Hilltop Ski Area is the go-to spot for families and beginners who want to ease into skiing or snowboarding without committing to the big slopes of Alyeska. Hilltop offers a smaller ski area with gentle runs, ideal for kids or anyone starting out. Don’t worry; there are intermediate trails for those who want more of a challenge.
Hilltop also has an excellent ski school for beginners, so it’s a good place to take lessons before heading to more challenging mountains. Its proximity to Anchorage makes it a convenient half-day or day trip for winter fun.
Insider Tip: Check out their night skiing options for a unique experience under the stars!
Turnagain Pass – Snowshoeing & Cross-Country Skiing
Distance from Anchorage: 60 miles (1-hour drive)
Access: Drive south along the scenic Seward Highway in your AVIS rental car.
Why It’s Popular: Turnagain Pass is a dream for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the Chugach National Forest. The area gets an incredible amount of snow each winter, making it a top spot for backcountry adventure.
The snowshoeing trails are well-marked and offer something for everyone. Whether you want a quick, easy trek or a more challenging hike through the powder, Turnagain Pass is the perfect spot to enjoy the pristine winter scenery.
Cross-country skiing trails also abound here, ranging from gentle paths to more demanding terrain. The stunning views of snowy mountains and frozen rivers are worth the trip alone.
Insider Tip: Keep an eye on the avalanche forecast, as this area can sometimes be prone to slides. Websites like the Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center provide up-to-date conditions.
Eklutna Lake – Snowshoeing & Ice Fishing
Distance from Anchorage: 40 miles (about a 60-minute drive)
Access: Easily reachable via the Glenn Highway, perfect for a day trip with your AVIS rental car.
Why It’s Popular: Eklutna Lake is a winter paradise for snowshoeing and ice fishing. The snowshoeing trails offer a peaceful trek through the stunning Alaskan wilderness, with the icy lake creating a picture-perfect backdrop.
Once the lake freezes, it becomes a hotspot for ice-fishing enthusiasts. Drop a line for rainbow trout and dolly varden and enjoy the solitude of this serene winter landscape. You can bring your own ice fishing gear, or you can rent it from local outfitters.
Eklutna is quieter than other locations, making it a great spot to escape the crowds and connect with nature.
Insider Tip: The frozen lake can become quite windy, so layer up with windproof gear to keep warm!
Westchester Lagoon – Ice Skating
Distance from Anchorage: Just a few minutes from downtown Anchorage!
Access: Right in the heart of the city, easily accessible with any AVIS rental car.
Why It’s Popular: Westchester Lagoon is a local favorite for winter activities like ice skating. Once the ice is thick enough, families and friends skate across the frozen lagoon, enjoying the crisp air. The ice is usually groomed, making for a smooth skate.
Insider Tip: Ice thickness varies, so check the city’s ice safety reports before heading out.
Kincaid Park – Cross-Country Skiing
Distance from Anchorage: 10 miles (about a 15-minute drive)
Access: A short drive from downtown Anchorage, this park is easy to reach with your AVIS rental car.
Why It’s Popular: Kincaid Park offers over 60 kilometers of groomed trails, making it a prime spot for cross-country skiing enthusiasts. With trails for all levels of experience, from beginners to advanced skiers, this park is a must-visit for anyone wanting to enjoy cross-country skiing close to the city.
The park’s coastal views, forested paths, and wildlife sightings make it ideal for a winter outing. Don’t be surprised if you see a moose or two on the trails!
Insider Tip: Be sure to stop by the Chalet to warm up and get information about trail conditions.
Winter Driving Tips for Anchorage
Driving to these winter sports spots can be part of the adventure, but it’s important to consider winter road conditions. Anchorage roads can be icy, especially after fresh snow or when temperatures hover around freezing. Ensure your rental car has snow tires, and always check the weather forecast before heading out.
If you’re new to winter driving, avoid unplowed or icy roads. Apps like WeatherBug and the Alaska Department of Transportation’s 511 app offer real-time road conditions and weather alerts to help you plan your trip.
Anchorage is truly an outdoor lover’s dream, and winter sports are one of the best ways to experience the beauty of Alaska. With your AVIS rental car, you’ll be well-prepared to explore the area’s stunning winter destinations, from icy lakes perfect for fishing to pristine slopes for skiing. Happy winter adventuring!