How to Plan a Snowboarding Trip to Alaska

Alaska is one of the best snowboarding destinations in the United States. From the excitement of backcountry boarding in the Alaskan wilderness to the simple enjoyment of boarding down groomed trails at a modern ski resort, Alaska is every snowboarder's dream. Here are some tips to help you plan a snowboarding trip to Alaska.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Visit the Alyeska Ski Resort in scenic Girdwood, Alaska. Alyeska is the most popular snowboarding site in Alaska and has been named by "Ski Magazine" as one of the top 25 resorts in the U.S. Alyeska is considered to have one of the best snowboard parks in Alaska and offers snowboarding programs for beginners and up.

2. Check out Moose Mountain, near Fairbanks, which has over 1,250 feet of vertical slopes, with terrain that varies from beginner hills to more advanced, expert trails. Moose Mountain is shielded from wind due to its southern exposure and therefore enjoys several hours of sun each day--a rare event in Alaska.

3. Go to the Eaglecrest Ski Area, located near Juneau on Douglas Island. Eaglecrest has been referred to as the "best little ski area in the world." The snowboard season at Eaglecrest runs from early December until mid-April.

4. Try Alpenglow at Arctic Valley (near Anchorage), famous for its snowboard parks. Snowboarders from all over the state come to Alpenglow to try the half pipe.

5. Board the backcountry. Southeastern Alaska offers unparalleled backcountry to snowboarding enthusiasts. Valdez, Alaska, is an especially popular site for those boarders seeking the ultimate rides off the beaten path.

Tips & Warnings

• Use caution, especially when boarding the backcountry. Backcountry Alaska can be very dangerous due to avalanches, extreme weather conditions and wild animals. Be sure to go snowboarding with a friend, and let people know where you are going and how long you expect to be gone.