From kid-friendly hills to longer, steeper slopes, Anchorage is dotted with perfect places to set down a sled and build up some speed. Local sledding hills come in a variety of shapes, lengths, inclines and altitudes, and there are more than enough runs to keep thrill-seekers busy all winter long. Plan a trip to a neighborhood park or a hillside with Chugach State Park views, then hit the slopes. 

1. Service High School: Tucked against Far North Bicentennial Park at the foot of the Chugach Mountains, the sledding hill at Service High School offers a relatively short, steep run. Located adjacent to the soccer field at the eastern edge of the campus, this popular hill is ideal for tubing. 

2. Kincaid Park: The long, gradual slope at Kincaid Park provides extended runs and broad views of Cook Inlet, Mount Susitna, and jets coming in to land at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. Nearby picnic facilities make it the ideal place to spend a long afternoon, and easy access to the surrounding cross-country ski trails make it perfect for all kinds of snow sport enthusiasts. 

3. Balto Seppala Park: This neighborhood park in West Anchorage is great for young sledders or those looking for a shorter, gentler slope. Located just down the road from Lake Spenard and Lake Hood, Balto Seppala makes for a fun outdoor break before warming up with hot chocolate from a nearby cafe.  

4. Mountain View Elementary School: Ideal for the youngest sledders, this East Anchorage neighborhood sledding hill provides a short incline with slopes of varying lengths, perfect for burning some energy before lunch at a neighborhood restaurant or a trip to the nearby Alaska Museum of Science and Nature (check schedules for current opening information).  

5. Russian Jack Springs Park: Another East Anchorage gem, the sledding hill at Russian Jack Springs Park is a gradual, gentle slope with enough length to build up some solid momentum. Bonus: The neighboring Mann Leiser Memorial Greenhouse (when open) provides a vibrant indoor oasis for warming up after a day of sledding.  

6. Eagle River Town Square Park: Nestled in the heart of Eagle River, the sledding hill at Eagle River Town Square Park is an accessible, easy slope perfect for younger sledders. Bonus: A quick drive to the Eagle River Nature Center, the Town Square Park sledding hill is a great way to pick up some speed before or after stretching out on the local trails.

7. Arctic Valley Ski Area: Located at the winding end of Arctic Valley Road, this local ski area offers an all-ages tube park with scenic views of the Anchorage Bowl and the surrounding Chugach Mountains. The drive up requires four-wheel drive or studded tires in the winter, but the view at the top is worth the journey, and an on-site cafe allows sledders to pick up a snack or warm beverage in between runs.  

While Arctic Valley Ski Area offers tube rentals, other local sledding hills are bring-your-own-ride locations, so be sure to arrive prepared with your favorite sled or saucer. To make the most of your time on the hill, dress in layers and wear boots with good traction, and waterproof outerwear — with the right equipment, a trip to an Anchorage sledding hill can last all day.