How to Go Skiing in Alpenglow, Alaska

Situated in Chugach State Park just east of Anchorage, Alaska, Alpenglow Ski Resort covers 320 acres of skiable terrain. The ski resort operates four lifts over 25 trails that range up to 3/4-mile long, the majority of which are designed for advanced or expert skiers. The vertical drop is 1,400 feet. Run by members of the Anchorage Ski Club, Alpenglow is the only major ski resort in the United States operated entirely by volunteer labor.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access
• Credit card to book your ski trip

Plan Your Ski Trip to Alpenglow

1. Book your accommodations online at the Anchorage Convention and Visitors Bureau Web site (see Resources below). Their phone number is [phone].
2. Make your reservations for accommodations at one of the many lodges or hotels in the Arctic Valley region, or stay in cheaper accommodations in Anchorage and use one of the many shuttle services to get into Chugash State Park.
3. Book flight reservations into Ted Stevens International Airport in Anchorage, Alaska.
4. Check on ski conditions before arriving at the resort through the official Alpenglow Web site (see Resources below). Since Alpenglow is run by an all-volunteer force, the resort may be closed due to weather or special events.

Arrive at Alpenglow

5. Check in with the Denali Ski Patrol for safety information, weather conditions and tips about the best runs on any given day.
6. Dress for extreme weather, since Alpenglow receives more than 250 inches of snowfall a year, and conditions can change abruptly.
7. Join the Anchorage Ski Club, the volunteer organization that patrols and operates the Alpenglow Ski Resort, via the official Alpenglow Web site (see Resources below). Membership in the ASC offers many benefits, including discounts on lift tickets and free parking.

Hit the Slopes at Alpenglow!

8. Prepare to save some money since lift tickets are reasonably priced. The resort is open on weekends only, however, and night skiing is not available.
9. Consider a half-day lift ticket if you'll be mixing an afternoon of skiing with other activities in the area.
10. Buy a season pass at Alpenglow, which will save you a lot of money if you're planning an extended stay in Alaska.

Tips & Warnings

• Use an online booking resource to locate a variety of lodging options in the Arctic Valley region.
• The roads into Alpenglow can get very icy during the winter months, so use one of the many shuttle services in the Arctic Valley, or rent a vehicle with all-wheel drive and a set of snow chains to reach the resort.

Who Can Help: