Start your New Year with a brisk adventure at the Russian Jack Trail System, where January 1, 2026, brings clear skies and classic Alaskan chill. Russian Jack Trail System is a popular cross-country ski resort located in Anchorage, Alaska.
Wind
Humidity
Overnight temperatures dipped to -4°F, preserving a modest but skiable snowpack currently measured at 8 inches—significantly below seasonal norms by over 60%. Despite the thin base, trails remain open for classic and skate skiing, though conditions are variable and better suited for intermediate to advanced skiers who can navigate occasional exposed patches and firmer sections.
Looking ahead, a light dusting of 2 inches is forecasted over the next five days, offering a slight refresh to the trails but not enough to significantly boost coverage. Skiers are advised to use caution on lower elevation routes and near trail edges where coverage is thinnest. No major updates or alerts have been issued in local news, keeping the focus on nature’s quiet and the peaceful rhythm of gliding through snowy birch forest. Bundle up, wax your skis for cold snow, and enjoy a serene start to 2026 on this lightly frosted gem in the heart of Anchorage.
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, mostly sunny, with a high near 8. north wind around 5 mph.
Russian Jack Trail System is expected to receive up to 2.31" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
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Alaska ski conditions remain stable this week with modest snowfall expected in select regions. Eaglecrest Ski Area near Juneau is currently seeing the heaviest action, reporting 7 inches of new snow in the past 24 hours and a 5-day forecast of 3 more inches. Long Lake and Flower Mountain, also near Juneau, show deep snowpacks (54" and 79" respectively) and ... Read more