Nordic Skiing Near Anchorage
For Nordic skiing enthusiasts, Anchorage is among the top competitive venues in the world. In fact, Anchorage's Kincaid Park is one of only two Nordic ski areas in the U.S. certified for international 5K, 10K, 15K, and 30K competition.
Nordic Ski Trails
Kincaid Park
31 miles (50 km) of trails groomed for both skate and diagonal skiing - some lighted, intermediate to advanced. Kincaid Weather Hotline: 248-8929. Kincaid Park Trail Map
Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
Begins right downtown. A groomed 11-mile trail (18 km) that follows scenic Cook Inlet to Kincaid Park. Mostly flat terrain and excellent views.
Lanie Fleischer Chester Creek Trail Extends from the Coastal Trail at Westchester Lagoon east along a greenbelt for another 6 miles (10 km) of trail to Goose Lake.
Russian Jack Springs
Eight miles of cross-country trails - some lighted. Trails connect with Mahaffey and Chester Creek Trail. View map
Hillside/Bicentennial Parks
Access this trail system from several points including Campbell Airstrip Road, Abbott Road behind Service High School, Hillside Park, and the northern parking lot of the Hilltop Downhill Ski Area. 32 km of maintained cross-country ski trails - some lighted - and many km left ungroomed for back country skiing. Hillside Weather Hotline: (907) 346-2322. Hillside Trail System Map
Campbell Track View Map
Eagle River Nature Center
An extensive trail network, nature programs and guided hikes. A Public Use cabin and Yurt are available for rent on a reservation only basis. The network of trails range from easy rolling valleys to rugged passes. View Map
Hatcher Pass
Nestled between mountain peaks just north of Anchorage, this area is a training site of the U.S. Olympic cross-country ski team. Skiers can catch a glimpse of Alaska's gold mining history while enjoying the groomed trails or challenging a mountain face while telemarking.
The Nordic Ski Association of Anchorage (NSAA)
NSAA offers the Nordic ski enthusiast abroad range of information about skiing in Anchorage. Members receive a subscription to Alaska Nordic Skier and a chance to support and encourage Nordic Skiing around Alaska. Funds received are used for the grooming and maintenance of more than 130 kilometers of ski trails.
NSAA Ski Association of Anchorage sells a trail map that includes Kincaid, Bicentennial, Mahaffey, Russian Jack, & Bartlett parks. anchoragenordicski.com (907) 276-7609.
