Northerly winds with gusts up to 40 mph will continue through late tonight. The areas most likely to see the strongest wind gusts include the portions of Chugiak and Birchwood west of the Glenn Highway, JBER and Government Hill, Downtown Anchorage and all of west Anchorage. For the rest of Anchorage and Eagle River, winds will be much lighter. Winds along the Kenai Peninsula will be strongest from Nikiski to Kenai, with gusts up to 45 mph. Winds will then slowly diminish through Tuesday morning.
Brave the brisk Alaskan air with overnight temps dipping to -6°F at Eagle River High School Cross Country Ski Trails this December 29, 2025. The Eagle River High School Cross Country Ski Trails in Alaska offer well-groomed trails with stunning views of the Chugach Mountains.
Wind
Humidity
Though the snowpack sits at just 8 inches—over 70% below average—it’s enough to keep the trails groomed and skiable for those eager to glide under clear winter skies. With a Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) of 2.4 inches, the base is holding firm but thin, so beginners may want to stick to flatter loops while seasoned skiers can still carve out a satisfying session with caution. No new snowfall is expected in the immediate forecast, so conditions will remain consistent—crisp, fast, and a bit icy in the mornings.
This low-snow December follows a regional trend, as Anchorage locals trade snow shovels for skate blades amid what some are calling a “false winter.” Despite the lack of fresh powder, the trails remain open and maintained, making Eagle River one of the few reliable ski spots in the vicinity. Bundle up, bring your wax of choice for chilly conditions, and make the most of this uniquely sparse yet serene Alaskan winter trail experience.
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 Eagle River High School Cross Country Ski Trails.
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Eagle River High School Cross Country Ski Trails impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
The Eagle River High School Cross Country Ski Trails are located in the Chugach Mountains in Alaska. The ski resort offers a variety of terrain including gentle slopes, challenging steeps, and winding trails through the forest. The mountain ranges surrounding the resort include the Chugach Mountains, which are known for their rugged peaks and stunning views of the surrounding area. The resort also features a variety of mountain aspects, including north-facing slopes that provide excellent skiing conditions throughout the winter months.
Beginners will enjoy the easy Beaver Loop while more advanced skiers can challenge themselves on the challenging Raptor or Glacier Loop. An interesting fact is that the trails were originally built by a team of volunteers, and are still maintained by community efforts. For beginners, we suggest starting with the Beaver Loop, which is flat and easy. After skiing, head to the nearby Moose's Tooth Pub and Pizzaria for some delicious beer and pizza.
Lift Count | 11 Lifts |
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, a chance of snow, mainly after 3pm. increasing clouds, with a high near 14. calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph in the afternoon. chance of precipitation is 40%.
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Alaska’s heaviest new snowfall is currently concentrated in the southeastern region. Eaglecrest Ski Area near Juneau leads the state with 12" of fresh snow in the last 24 hours at its summit and 7" at the base, with an additional 37" forecast over the next five days. Nearby, Long Lake reports 8" of new snow and 32" in the forecast, ... Read more