Alaska Winter Activities

Alaska Winter Activities...

For those that enjoy winter, Alaska offers a wide range of activities from nordic skiing on groomed trails to dog sledding to remote cabins. Skiing remains very popular in the urban areas with miles of groomed trails for cross-country skiing and alpine ski areas close to Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau. These downhill areas and near by public lands provide great telemarking, snowboarding and downhill skiing. Remote areas are now being accessed by helicopter and snow cats which opens huge areas of untouched slopes.

Dog mushing and skijoring are also very popular and a variety of trips can be experienced- some for the beginner and others for experienced mushers looking for a remote wilderness adventure. Snowmobiling is a growing sport and a n integral part of life in rural Alaska. Groomed trails for snowmobiles can be found in the Mat-Su Valley, along the Glenn Highway and in the Resurrection Pass area.

Several wilderness lodges are now open during the winter months allowing a base for guests to experience the range of activities available. Winter is also the best time to view the northern lights, visible in northern latitudes from September through April. For those that enjoy winter sports, Alaska represents a world class destination.

Choose your eco and cultural tourism provider by activity or location through AWRTA's PLAN YOUR TRIP database.

Recommended Publications...

Skiing in Alaska- Downhill & Cross Country
1997. Elizabeth Tower. A comprehensive guide to alpine/downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, back country touring and snowboarding. Contains maps of 24 downhill ski areas and cross-country trail systems and provides local contacts for equipment rental, ski instruction, snow reports and accommodations.

Sled Dog Trails
1984. Mary Shields. Provides a personal account of dog sledding in AlaskaÍs interior.