Ski Arctic Valley, Anchorage

What: One of the best areas to enjoy fresh powder in the Chugach range. Given its base elevation, arctic valley is usually one of the first areas ready for skiing, often as early as October. You can either ski this area on backcountry skiis or enjoy the small 3 lift ski area during operating season.

When to go: Ideally accessed between October and April. The ski season at the arctic valley resort can often run all the way into May depending on snow conditions.

How to get there: https://goo.gl/maps/WUC9iyv9fPtaridS6

Tips:

• The high base elevation also means that it can be a tricky drive getting up there. The road can often take hours to get sufficiently plowed after a big snow storm so make sure you check on conditions prior to leaving the house.
• When you make it to the arctic valley parking lot, you will see the area served by lifts – tickets can be pre-purchased online or at the counter. There is a nice restaurant serving food and beer as well. If you prefer not to use lifts, you can skin up some of the surrounding valleys such as Mt Gordon Lyons without interfering with the ski resort area.
• The area gets a lot of wind, so try to hit the slopes sometime shortly after a big snow fall for best conditions.