A chilly overnight low of 18°F has preserved Hillside Cross Country Ski Trails’ modest 8-inch snowpack, offering a firm yet skiable base for those eager to get outside this holiday weekend. Hillside Cross Country Ski Trails is a popular ski resort in Anchorage, Alaska, offering over 50 kilometers of groomed trails for cross country skiing.
Wind
Humidity
While the trails remain open, conditions are thin and variable, and classic tracks are shallow in many areas. Skate lanes are groomed where possible but may be patchy—expect occasional exposed vegetation and icy spots. A light dusting of 0.1" of snow is forecasted over the next 24 to 72 hours, providing minimal relief to the dry conditions.
With the snowpack measuring nearly 71% below average and a Snow Water Equivalent of just 2.5 inches, Anchorage’s historically low-snow December is making headlines—and not for powder days. As local news notes, idle snowplows and bustling ice rinks are defining this unusual winter. For skiers at Hillside, it’s a chance to savor the solitude and get creative with route choices, but caution is advised. Wax for cold, dry conditions and check with local grooming reports before heading out.
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 Hillside Cross Country Ski Trails.
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Hillside Cross Country Ski Trails impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
Hillside-Cross-Country-Ski-Trails ski resort in Alaska is located in the Chugach Mountains, which are part of the Pacific Coast Ranges. The resort's ski trails are situated on the slopes of the Chugach Mountains, offering skiers stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
Some of the pertinent mountain aspects of the resort include:
1. The Chugach Mountains: The Chugach Mountains are known for their rugged terrain, deep snow, and stunning scenery. Skiers at Hillside-Cross-Country-Ski-Trails can enjoy skiing on the slopes of these majestic mountains.
2. The Turnagain Arm: The resort overlooks the stunning Turnagain Arm, a waterway in the Cook Inlet that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers.
3. Flattop Mountain: Flattop Mountain is a prominent peak in the Chugach Mountains, visible from the ski trails at Hillside-Cross-Country-Ski-Trails. Skiers can enjoy skiing with views of this iconic mountain in the background.
4. Hatcher Pass: Hatcher Pass is located nearby and offers additional skiing opportunities for visitors to the resort. Skiers can explore the backcountry trails and pristine snowfields of Hatcher Pass, taking in the beauty of the Talkeetna Mountains.
Overall, the mountain ranges and aspects surrounding Hillside-Cross-Country-Ski-Trails ski resort in Alaska provide skiers with a unique and unforgettable skiing experience in a stunning natural setting.
The best trails for beginners are the Blue Loop and Pink Loop, while the more experienced skiers can enjoy the challenging Black Loop. An interesting fact about Hillside is that it was originally a communication station for the US Army during World War II. For beginners, it's suggested to take lessons from the experienced instructors at the ski school. After a long day of skiing, the best place to unwind and relax is the Sourdough Mining Company restaurant and bar, which offers delicious food and drinks in a cozy atmosphere.
Night Skiing | Yes |
Run Count | 18 Trails |
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, a chance of snow, mainly before noon. mostly cloudy, with a temperature falling to around 11 by 5pm. north wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. chance of precipitation is 50%.
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Southeast Alaska will see the heaviest snowfall in the coming days, with Long Lake near Juneau forecasted for 64 inches over five days and snow depths already above 30". Nearby, Eaglecrest Ski Area is expecting 53” at both base and summit, making it the top pick for powder hounds this week. Other notable Southeast locales include Davies Creek (58”) and ... Read more