Bluebird skies and brisk alpine air greeted early risers at Arctic Valley this Christmas Eve, with overnight lows dipping to 10°F. Arctic Valley ski resort is located in Alaska, United States, and offers 25 runs spread over 320 acres of skiable terrain.
Wind
Humidity
While the base snowpack currently stands at a modest 8 inches—about 68% below the seasonal average—the resort is holding strong thanks to a recent dusting and more snow on the horizon. Skiers can look forward to 1.2 inches of fresh powder over the next 72 hours, with a promising 4 inches forecasted in the 5-day outlook. Groomers are working overtime to maintain smooth corduroy on open runs, and while natural coverage is thin, conditions remain rideable for early-season turns.
Exciting news for travelers: Alaska Airlines passengers can ski free with a boarding pass, making this a perfect time to hit the slopes. The tube park is on track to open next week—pending snow conditions—adding family-friendly fun to the mix. Arctic Valley’s inclusion in the Indy Pass gives more skiers access to this community-loved gem tucked in the Chugach. With lift operations running through the holiday weekend, and a festive air settling over the valley, now’s the time to carve your holiday memories into Alaska’s winter canvas.
Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) shows how much water the snow holds. This is ideal for year-to-year tracking of real snowfall and water resources. Measurements from Anchorage Hillside.
Snowpack depth measures how much snow has accumulated in the area. This is a key indicator of powder quality, trail coverage, and how epic your runs are going to be this season at Arctic Valley.
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Arctic Valley impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
Arctic Valley Ski Resort in Alaska is located in the Chugach Mountains, which is a subrange of the larger Pacific Coast Ranges. The resort offers skiers and snowboarders stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including the steep slopes and rugged terrain that are characteristic of the area. Some of the prominent peaks in the Chugach Mountains near Arctic Valley include Mount Gordon Lyon, Mount Gordon Lyon, Mount Yukla, and Mount Rumble.
The terrain at Arctic Valley Ski Resort is known for its challenging runs, deep powder snow, and varied terrain. Skiers and snowboarders can enjoy a mix of groomed trails, open bowls, and tree runs, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. The resort also offers backcountry skiing opportunities for those looking to explore the untouched wilderness of the Chugach Mountains.
The resort has a total vertical drop of 1,400 feet and is known for its challenging backcountry terrain. The best trails at Arctic Valley are the black diamond runs, such as the Chugach trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. An interesting fact is that the resort was originally built as a military training site during World War II. For beginners, the Bunny Hill trail is recommended, which offers a gentle slope for learning. The Sourdough Mining Company is a great apres ski bar to visit, with a cozy atmosphere and excellent food and drinks.
Night Skiing | No |
Lift Count | 4 Lifts |
Hourly Lift Capacity | 3200 per hour |
Base Elevation | 762 Meters |
Terrain Park | Yes |
Acreage | 320 Acres |
Established | 1937 |
Run Count | 25 Trails |
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, partly sunny, with a high near 13. northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Arctic Valley is expected to receive up to 4.62" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
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Nationwide, skiers and snowboarders are eyeing the latest snowfall reports and forecasts as resorts prepare for a fresh dusting. In Washington State, Nohrsc Sawmill Ridge has received 2 inches of new snow over the past 24 hours, with a base depth of 170 inches. While not a ski resort, the nearby Crystal Mountain Resort will surely benefit from this snowfall, ... Read more