Alaskan Ski Adventure

Trip rating:  Intermediate to Advanced Ski
Basecamp:  Anchorage, AK and Beyond

7 days of Alaskan ski adventure! Let’s sample some urban skiing on over 100 miles of groomed trails which encircle and meander through the City of Anchorage and beyond.  We’ll ski the coastal trail for 11 miles from downtown to Kincaid Park. Following the sea edge where dramatic ice boulders are seen on the beaches, and explore Earthquake Park along the way.  Our second day around Anchorage we’ll ski a backcountry touring trail up into the surrounding Chugach Mtns. or other options depending on group choices. If we’re lucky, we’ll be skiing under Northern Lights!

After 2 days and 3 nights in Anchorage, we head 40 miles north in rented SUVs, to Hatcher Pass. We’ll stay in cabins at Hatcher Pass Lodge for 2 nights. We can ski groomed trails up to Independence Mine and the Gold Mint trail or follow other groomed trails in the area. We can ski a 3rd day at Hatcher Pass or go to Palmer and ski in that area where we stay for the next 2 nights. If possible, we can ski up to the Matanuska Glacier while we’re in that area. We then return to Anchorage in time to catch our flights home. 

Dining/meals: Jointly prepare & share meals in Anchorage. Meals at Hatcher Pass Lodge can be purchased in their restaurant. (Breakfast & lunch could be self-prepared in rooms). Other meals can be cooked at the house in Palmer or purchased at restaurants.

Itinerary:
Day 1:  3/24 Thursday, Fly into Anchorage, go to lodging, (ABNB house in Anchorage)
Day 2:  3/25 Friday, Ski Coastal trail
Day 3:  3/26 Saturday,  Group choice, possible ungroomed XC ski trail in Chugach Mtns, or other options
Day 4: 3/27 Sunday,  Drive to Hatcher Pass, check into cabins at Hatcher Pass Lodge & ski Independence Mine trail
Day 5: 3/28 Monday,  Depending on conditions, ski the Gold Mint Trail (ungroomed) or other groomed trails in the area
Day 6: 3/29 Tuesday,  Drive to Palmer & spend 2 nights in a large AirBNB house. Explore ski trail options in the area
Day 7:  3/30 Wednesday, Drive up to & ski the Matanuska Glacier
Day 8:  3/31 Thursday, Drive back to Anchorage and fly home

Trip limit: 8 including trip leader
Cost: $720/member, per person.  Includes 7 nights lodging and 2 rental vehicles for the group.  Costs not included will be airfare at $360 – $400  (everyone will purchase their own flight), extra baggage fee for oversize luggage (i.e. skis, boots, poles – may vary by airline), food, and shared gas expenses.
Trip Leader:  Susan Watt,  susniam@gmail.com