10 Best Places For Snowboarding In Alaska, USA

snowboarding in alaska
Louise
Louise 
Updated
| 5 min read

Nestled in the northwestern edge of the United States, Alaska is a captivating state that is famous for its enchanting wilderness and rich wildlife. On record, this state is home to a total of 100,000 glaciers that cover approximately 5% of its land. Aside from its breathtaking natural features, this place is known for its delicious cold-water seafood. Salmon is cooked in more ways than one in Alaska, from smoked and cured to candied. In terms of attractions, Glacier National Park and Preserve, Kenai Fjords National Park, and Denali National Park and Preserve are some of the most-visited destinations on this side of the country. There are plenty of places to stay as well, ranging from cabin rentals to an igloo glass hotel. If you are planning a visit to this beautiful state soon, you may also include snowboarding in your travel agenda. To know more, check out our list of the best places for snowboarding in Alaska, USA.

1. Alyeska Resort

Alyeska Resort
Source: Photo by Flickr user Antti T. Nissinen

Alaska is a charming state with lots of outdoor opportunities for adventure seekers. In addition to places for kayaking, the state also features an abundance of snowboarding sites. Alyeska Resort bills itself as the resort for Alaskans, which offers a huge discount for locals. Tourists are also welcomed with open arms in this four-star resort. Aside from its abundance of amenities, most tourists come to this hotel for its exceptional snowboarding and skiing terrain, which calls itself a playground for all skill levels. Alyeska Resort boasts 1610 ac (652 ha) of skiable land with 76 accessible trails. Beginners need not worry as this resort has well-maintained, tree-lined runs that are easy to navigate.

Alyeska Resort

Address: 1000 Arlberg Ave, Girdwood, AK 99587, United States

Website: Alyeska Resort

Opening hours: 24hours (daily)

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2. Valdez

Valdez, Alaska
Source: Photo by Flickr user Joseph used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Valdez is a marvelous city in the state of Alaska, which is another top destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. It offers lots of things to do for locals and tourists alike, from water activities and excursion trips to winter sports. Skiers and snowboarders drive to Alaska Snowboard Guides along Richardson Highway for their adrenaline-pumping sports. This agency guarantees an unforgettable experience in the snow for its clients. Participants are taken to Thompson Pass, which is the most perfect part of the city for all types of winter sports. Because of its excellent, powder-like terrains, the place is not just ideal for snowboarding but also heliskiing and heliboarding.

Valdez

Address: Valdez, Alaska

Website: Valdez

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3. Hilltop Ski Area

Hilltop Ski Area
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Xnatedawgx used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Hilltop Ski Area is situated in Anchorage, Alaska. It is a fabulous ski and snowboarding destination that has been in operation since 1984. Owned and managed by an NGO, this winter paradise’s main goal is to serve not just a magical playground for the youth of the city but also visitors from other countries. Hilltop Ski Area has exceptional amenities that delight its guests, including 30 ac (12 ha) of well-groomed terrains perfect for all skill levels, a triple Riblet chairlift, a platter lift, and a handle tow. Plus, other features include a Ski Jump Complex, a jump park, and another bicentennial park for Nordic skiing.

Hilltop Ski Area

Address: 7015 Abbott Rd, Anchorage, AK 99507, United States

Website: Hilltop Ski Area

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 3am - 8pm; Sat: 9am - 8pm; Sun: 9am - 5pm

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4. Eaglecrest Ski Area

Eaglecrest Ski Area, steep run
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jsayre64 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

If you are planning an adventure to Douglas Island in Alaska anytime soon, you might be interested in some old winter sports. Located on the island is Eaglecrest Ski Area, a remarkable community-owned ski area right across Gastineau Channel. It bills itself as Alaska’s best-kept secret and home to enormous mountains covering more than 640 ac (259 ha) of land. Snowboarders can also expect a delightful 493 m (1617 ft) vertical drop. There’s also a functional mountain lift in the ski area for guests’ convenience.

Eaglecrest Ski Area

Address: 3000 Fish Creek Rd, Juneau, AK 99801, United States

Website: Eaglecrest Ski Area

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8:30am - 4:30pm (office hours)

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5. Thompson Pass

Thompson Pass Pan_fixed
Source: Photo by Flickr user Sarah Goslee used under CC BY 2.0

Situated northwest of the city of Valdez, Alaska, Thompson Pass is a snowy gap in the Chugach Mountains, which stands at 2,926 m (9,600 ft). It is recorded that this place gets an average of 12 m (472 in) of snow, annually. Due to these features, Thompson Pass has become one of the most-visited snowboarding destinations in Alaska. Both locals and tourists frequent the area to take advantage of its terrains. More interestingly, Thompson Pass has become a favorite venue for a lot of ski movies.

Thompson Pass

Address: Valdez-Cordova Census Area, Alaska, United States

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6. Moose Mountain Ski and Snowboard Resort

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Known as one of the most popular ski resorts in Alaska, Moose Mountain Ski and Snowboard Resort is a 4.5-star resort that is ideal for all types of people, including kids. It is considered the largest ski and snowboard area in interior Alaska, which covers 750 ac (304 ha) of land. Skiers and snowboarders get to enjoy 91 m (1300 ft) of vertical runs and a bunch of them face southside. Moose Mountain Ski and Snowboard Resort has slopes for its guests of varying skill levels. Black diamond runs are perfect for professionals, while the beginner tow by the lodge is popular among budding winter sports enthusiasts. Getting here is also easy as this resort has school buses and an excellent lift system.

Moose Mountain Ski and Snowboard Resort

Address: 3450 Moose Mountain Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99709, United States

Website: Moose Mountain Ski and Snowboard Resort

Opening hours: 24hours (daily)

Price: From 25 USD

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7. Arctic Valley

Splitboarding Arctic to Indian. Chugach State Park, Alaska
Source: Photo by Flickr user Paxson Woelber used under CC BY 2.0

Also referred to as Alpenglow, Arctic Valley is another fantastic ski area in Anchorage, Alaska. It offers picturesque nature views and efficient chairlift rides, which makes getting to and out of the ski area a hassle-free experience. Arctic Valley guarantees a safe and family-friendly environment for everyone. Snowboarders and alpine skiers are drawn to this ski resort. For kids who are too young for this sport, they can go sledding or build snow forts. Tracks are groomed on a daily basis in Arctic Valley. There’s also a food park and an area for backcountry skiing as added attractions.

Arctic Valley

Address: Arctic Valley Rd, Eagle River, AK 99577, United States

Website: Arctic Valley

Opening hours: Wed - Fri: 1pm - 7:30pm; Sat - Sun: 10:30am - 7:30pm (closed on Mon - Tue)

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8. Mt Eyak Ski Area

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Have you already added the lovely town of Cordova to your future Alaskan escapade? This enchanting town has a myriad of attractions to offer its visitors, and one of them is Mt Eyak Ski Area. Located in Ski Hill Road, this remarkable area is a fantastic ski and snowboard paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. Operated by Sheridan Ski Club, it showcases an American Steel chairlift system for easy transport. From the base to the top of the lift, expect an elevation of up to 365 m (1198 ft) above the ground and a drop of 244 m (800 ft) vertically. Thirty different trails in Mt Eyak Ski Area are accessible to guests, and they are of varying difficulty levels. Aside from these features, the resort has a rental shop and a food place.

Mt Eyak Ski Area

Address: Ski Hill Rd, Cordova, AK 99574, United States

Website: Mt Eyak Ski Area

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9. Majestic Heli Ski

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Daydreaming of a wonderful adrenaline-rushing snowboarding adventure in Alaska? You might want to experience the fun and excitement that awaits you at Majestic Heli Ski. This place takes pride in its exceptional amenities and less trafficked location. Not only that, but its 5000 vertical ft (1524 m) drop of a powdery and pristine landscape is another hit among adventure seekers. Thousands of square miles of endless terrains in this park feature a multitude of slopes that can accommodate beginners, veteran skiers, and snowboarders alike. Plus, the lifts at Majestic Heli Ski are all fully operational.

Majestic Heli Ski

Address: 16162 West Glenn Highway, Sutton, AK 99674

Website: Majestic Heli Ski

Opening hours: 8am –10pm (daily)

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10. Hillberg Ski Area

Hillberg Ski Area
Source: Photo by Flickr user Arctic Warrior

Looking for exceptional ski resorts in Alaska that are beginner-friendly? One of the top choices for you is Hillberg Ski Area in Anchorage. This fantastic resort provides guests with beginner-intermediate slopes. Ski and snowboard equipment is also available for rent. So no need to bring things that will just take up too much space in your ride. Additionally, Hillberg Ski Area showcases convenient lifts such as chairlifts, T-bar lift, and surface lifts, Aside from skiing and snowboarding, dog sledding is another enjoyable activity the park offers. Lessons are also offered for beginners and non-pros.

Hillberg Ski Area

Address: 23400 41st St, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, AK 99506, United States

Website: Hillberg Ski Area

Opening hours: Thu - Fri: 4pm - 8pm; Sat - Sun: 12pm - 8pm (closed on Mon - Wed)

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Snowboard and ski to your hearts content in Alaska

Alaska is a breathtaking US state that offers a multitude of outdoor opportunities for its visitors. There are golf courses as well as cruises for tourists to check out as well. Because of its diverse and picturesque terrains, it has become a favorite hideaway destination for people who want to take a break from the noise and pollution of city life. Snowboarding, skiing, and sledding are just some of the exciting winter activities that you can do on this side of the US. If you plan to visit Alaska anytime soon, use this list as your guide in planning an itinerary.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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She is a lover of life and a very optimistic person. She thinks of herself as a vessel of a billion possibilities, which can harness limitless potential. Trying new experiences, going places she's...Read more

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