A crisp Alaskan morning greets skiers at Hilltop Ski Area this December 29, 2025, with overnight temperatures dipping to -6°F. Hilltop Ski Area in Anchorage, Alaska is a small resort with a relaxed atmosphere and great beginner terrain.
Wind
Humidity
The snowpack sits at 8 inches—well below the seasonal average, down more than 70%—but thanks to Hilltop’s recently expanded snowmaking capabilities, the slopes remain open and groomed. Despite the natural shortfall, conditions are fair for beginner and intermediate runs, with machine-made snow providing a firm, but skiable surface. No new snowfall is forecasted today, so early-morning carvers will find consistent, fast conditions across the open terrain.
Following a strong opening weekend earlier this season, Hilltop continues to buzz with local energy, bolstered by recent solstice celebrations and community events. Safety remains a top priority following last week’s incident involving armed burglars; increased patrols are reassuring guests and families. Looking ahead, the newly upgraded snow production setup is showing promise, ensuring an extended and more reliable season. While powder hounds may need to wait a bit longer, Hilltop remains a lively winter destination and an ideal spot for a quick carve under the Anchorage skyline.
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 Hilltop Ski Area.
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Hilltop Ski Area impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
The Hilltop Ski Area is located in Anchorage, Alaska and is surrounded by several mountain ranges and aspects. Some of the pertinent mountain ranges and aspects in the area include:
1. Chugach Mountains: The Hilltop Ski Area is situated at the base of the Chugach Mountains, which offer stunning views and challenging terrain for skiing and snowboarding.
2. Talkeetna Mountains: The Talkeetna Mountains are located to the north of Anchorage and provide a picturesque backdrop for the ski resort.
3. Kenai Mountains: To the south of Anchorage, the Kenai Mountains are another prominent mountain range that can be seen from the Hilltop Ski Area.
4. Alyeska Resort: While not directly adjacent to Hilltop, the larger Alyeska Resort in Girdwood is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding in Alaska and is located in the Chugach Mountains.
Overall, the Hilltop Ski Area offers a unique alpine experience with stunning views of the surrounding mountain ranges in Alaska.
The best trails are the Bunny Hill and the Muskrat Run which both offer gentle slopes for those new to skiing. An interesting fact is that the ski area was originally a landfill that was transformed into a ski hill in the 1980s. For beginner skiers, a private lesson with one of Hilltop's experienced instructors is highly recommended. The best après ski bar is the Hilltop Pub which offers a cozy atmosphere, good beer selection and a delicious pub menu.
Night Skiing | Yes |
Lift Count | 3 Lifts |
Hourly Lift Capacity | 1350 per hour |
Base Elevation | 183 Meters |
Terrain Park | Yes |
Acreage | 30 Acres |
Established | 1983 |
Run Count | 10 Trails |
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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Campbell Airstrip Cross Country Ski Trails
Russian Jack Trail System
Bartlett High School Cross Country Ski Trails
Arctic Valley
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