By Susan Watt / Trip Leader
A group of nine skiers traveled to Alaska in mid-March to explore ski options in our northern neighbor. We based in Anchorage in a cozy house and used 2 SUVs to transport ourselves to ski destinations. The weather was varied, as one would expect early spring to be at those latitudes. However, it’s tempered by the marine air since Anchorage is on the coast and the elevations are low.
Our first day out was up the Powerline Pass trail in the Chugach Mtns. Unfortunately, the wind was blowing hard and light snow was pelting our faces as we skied toward the pass. Some of the group turned back and drove down to Hilltop Ski Area and enjoyed the great network of groomed trails. Three of the group skied on a little further until the high winds dampened their enthusiasm.
The next day was a trip to Eklutna Lake, which was a favorite last year when we skied it in sunshine. This year, not so much, with wind blowing down the lake and overcast skies which obscured the normally fantastic views. Still, it was great to be out there on the frozen lake surface and the group found skiing back on a trail along the lake edge in the trees, a bit less windy.
A trip to Talkeetna from Anchorage is a longer drive, but has been popular on the last two trips for its quaint ambiance and the chance to see Denali! This year didn’t disappoint and the group who went enjoyed skiing some groomed trails in a lake area, the “big” mountain view, and the small town. Three of us opted to stay in Anchorage and we skied the coastal trail from Kinkade Park to the north end of Anchorage. It’s a 10.5 mile ski on a trail that follows the coastline.
The trip to Hatcher Pass was a highlight and the group skied out the Gold Mint Trail. They enjoyed sunshine, spectacular views, and varied snow conditions that day on an ungroomed backcountry route. Much to my disappointment, I was sick with what felt like a cold and had to sit out that day and the next.
Another new route was explored on the Historic Iditarod Trail close to Turnagain Pass. I had hoped to ski to Portage Glacier again this year but high winds and generally poor weather thwarted that plan. Our last day in Anchorage was spent skiing various trails in Kinkade Park and the Coastal Trail. That day, some of us enjoyed an up close view of a young moose browsing next to the trail! After 2 sick days, I felt better and was able to ski 10 miles the last day. After I got home, I tested and was positive for Covid! Yikes, I felt badly for exposing others, but no one else in the group got it from me. All in all, it was another good trip and there are still more ski opportunities that I haven’t explored yet on this Alaskan Ski Adventure. Here’s a link to our photos from the trip: https://photos.app.goo.gl/XPt53aRn4SW13aYMA