As the fall season fades, Anchorage transforms into a winter wonderland. Ice skaters slide across frozen city ponds. Cross-country skiers glide down sun-dappled forest trails. Crystalline chunks of sea ice stud the Cook Inlet coast, and the snow-capped Chugach Mountains become the perfect playground for snowshoeing, snowmachining, skiing, and sledding. Create your own amazing winter images with these Anchroage winter photo tips:

• Hit the trails! Anchorage has 105 miles of cross-country ski trails maintained by Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage, Girdwood Nordic Ski Club, and Anchorage Parks and Recreation. To find the latest conditions, check Anchorage's real-time map of grooming conditions for Nordic trails.

• Go frozen. The municipality also maintains multiple outdoor lake skating spots and hockey rinks, and shares a report on current Anchorage ice skating conditions.

• Find a pro. Guided tour options can help take you even further into the backcountry this winter.

• Stay up late. Anchorage is one of the best places in the world for northern lights photographs. Find out how to chase auroras in Anchorage.

Browse the gallery below for additional Anchorage winter inspiration, and follow the links to find even more ways to enjoy the city in the snow season.