Snowboarding
Anchorage offers something for all skill levels - from beginning downhill slopes, to double black diamond (expert) areas, to back country powder. Here are the highlights!
Hilltop Ski Area
Hilltop slopes are perfectly suited for the beginning snowboarder, or for the rider who needs a confidence builder before heading for steeper slopes. The area is also very popular with snowboarders who want to hone their aerial arsenal on the popular "Mongoline," the area's permanent half pipe. Web site
Hilltop Ski Area is proud to be the Snowboarding venue for the 2001 Special Olympics World Winter Games. Located on the south end of the Anchorage bowl.
Alpenglow at Arctic Valley
Situated in the valley just above tree line, skiers are afforded wide open spaces and an expansive view of downtown Anchorage, Cook Inlet, Mount Susitna and the Alaska Range.
The skiing facility at Arctic Valley was originally established for military recreation in the 1940s. Today, the adjoining "Alpenglow" portion of the mountain is operated by Anchorage Ski Club, which encourages a friendly family atmosphere in the lodge and on the slopes. Thirty minutes north of downtown. Web site
Alyeska Resort
Alaska's world-class ski area is 40 scenic miles south of downtown Anchorage - and an increasingly popular international snowboard and alpine skiing destination. It is the home of World Cup Silver Medallist and Olympic competitor Rosey Fletcher.
In addition to Olympic-caliber slopes, snowboarders and sightseers alike can ride the resort's 60-passenger tram to a mountaintop facility for breathtaking views of Turnagain Arm and the surrounding Chugach Mountains. The resort has a professional quality half pipe and is host to many of the USASA Alaska Snowboard Series amateur competitions. Competitions in both half pipe and slalom events serve as qualifiers for Nationals. Web site
Hatcher Pass
Nestled between mountain peaks just north of Anchorage is the destination of choice for backcountry snowboarders. With elevation up to 4,600 feet and over 3,000 acres of varied terrain it’s easy to find untracked snow when riding here.
The MotherLode Lodge serves as a winter resort, restaurant, and base camp for a snowcat operation. Guided trips are available for snowboarders and skiers, with runs up to 3,000 vertical feet and up to 2 miles long. www.motherlodelodge.com
This area is also popular with skiers, snowmachiners, hikers, and those who just like to get out and play in one of Alaska's most beautiful settings.
Associations/Organizations
Alyeska Ski & Snowboard Club
Phone: (907) 783-2166, Hotline (907) 783-2160
