Anchorage, AK
March 11-18 Tue-Tue
Intermediate to Advanced
6 days of skiing in and beyond Anchorage, AK. The urban area of Anchorage has plenty of snow in March and many groomed ski areas which we’ll ski on. The coastal trail is wonderful for it’s scenic route along Turnagain Arm. At Kincaide Park & Hillside there are miles of groomed trails. We’ll venture off the groomed trails in the nearby Chugach Mtns skiing the Powerline trail or other options. We will also drive north and ski for a day in the Hatcher Pass area, known for its scenic beauty and xcountry skiing. Depending on weather and road conditions we can possibly drive to Talkeetna, ski along the way, and hopefully catch a glimpse of Denali. Other options will be to ski on frozen lakes such as Eklutna lake and Portage lake where we can ski to the base of Portage Glacier. Another option, depending on snow conditions, is a non groomed ski to Skookum Glacier or the Historic Iditarod Trail. If we’re lucky, we may even see the Northern Lights at some point!
Our exact itinerary will depend on weather, snow conditions, and group ambitions. Flexibility is required and there are options for everyone with intermediate to advanced skill levels. Weather can be warm & mild or it can be blustery and cold. Because the group is small and we drive to most areas, it’s important that you are able to ski 10 miles and be able to handle wind, blowing snow, etc. On prior trips I have not had any really cold temps there in March because it’s near the coast and moderated. However, it’s Alaska and I can’t predict the conditions.
Our transportation will be a large rented SUV with 4 wheel drive which we will transport ourselves and all gear in. Lodging is at a very nice house in Anchorage that is fully equipped and close to everything. There are interesting art, cultural, and historical museums in Anchorage which can also be visited if there is time.
Itinerary:
- Day 1: 3/11 Tuesday, Fly into Anchorage, go to lodging, (ABNB house in Anchorage), buy food
- Day 2 through day 7 will be ski days
- Day 8: 3/18 Tuesday, fly home
Trip limit: 6 people (includes leader)
Cost: $1135, includes 7 nights lodging, 7 days of (2) rental cars + gas & trailhead parking fees
Not included: the following are extra expenses for this trip that each person will be responsible for.
- Airfare: Everyone will arrange and purchase their own flight.
- Food: The cost of food that the group prepares & shares at the house, or you can go to nearby restaurants, or get take out. (we did a variety of these options last year).
- Other possible expenses could be an extra baggage fee for oversize luggage (skis, boots, poles). This varies for airlines & customer benefits so I am not able to estimate it for everyone.
Trip Leader: Susan Watt, susniam@gmail.com