Crisp winter air and fresh tracks await skiers at the Russian Jack Trail System this January 11. Russian Jack Trail System is a popular cross-country ski resort located in Anchorage, Alaska.
Wind
Humidity
Overnight temperatures held at a brisk 16°F, preserving the 20-inch snowpack that blankets the trails. While current snow depth is significantly below average for this time of year—down nearly 29 inches—the trails remain skiable, particularly for classic cross-country and skate skiers looking for an early season outing. The snow is moderately compact with a Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) of 3.9 inches, offering a firm but glidable base ideal for morning laps.
Fresh snow is on the radar this week, with 1.3 inches forecasted in the next 24 hours and a total of 3 inches expected over the next five days. This could refresh trail conditions heading into the weekend. Grooming crews are actively maintaining high-traffic loops to ensure smooth skiing, though some off-track areas may have thin coverage. No major local news or advisories are currently reported, making it a peaceful time to enjoy the natural beauty of Anchorage’s urban trail system. Layer up and head out early to enjoy the best of winter solitude.
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 Russian Jack Trail System.
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Russian Jack Trail System impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
The Russian Jack Trail System is located in Anchorage, Alaska and is primarily known for its cross-country skiing trails. The ski resort is not located in a mountainous area, so there are no specific mountain ranges or mountain aspects associated with the Russian Jack Trail System. The trails in the system wind through wooded areas and fields, providing skiers with a scenic and enjoyable experience.
The resort offers 20 kilometers of groomed trails for both classical and skate skiing, with the best trails being the Moose and Raven Loops. The resort is named after a Siberian Husky that led Leonhard Seppala's team in the famous 1925 Serum Run, which delivered diphtheria antitoxin to the town of Nome. For beginners, the easiest trail is the Lynx Loop, which is flat and well-groomed. The best après-ski bar in the area is Moose's Tooth Pub & Pizzaria, which is known for its award-winning craft beers and wood-fired pizzas.
Night Skiing | Yes |
Run Count | 14 Trails |
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, snow, mainly before 3pm. high near 14. south wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the afternoon. chance of precipitation is 80%. new snow accumulation of around an inch possible.
Russian Jack Trail System is expected to receive up to 3.89" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
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Alaska is currently seeing some of the highest snowfall totals in the southern coastal regions. Notably, Turnagain Pass has received 7" in the past 24 hours and is forecasted for 35" over the next five days, with current snowpack at 58". Nearby Grandview (near Seward) logged 5" with 37" expected, and Mt. Alyeska, home of Alyeska Resort near Girdwood, saw ... Read more