Winter Weather Advisory
2025-12-05T07:00:00-09:00

* WHAT...Mixed precipitation and snow. Additional snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches and ice accumulations of a light glaze. Locally higher snowfall amounts are possible along the Anchorage Hillside northeast to Eagle River and Palmer. * WHERE...Anchorage / Eagle River (all elevations), and Lower Matanuska Valley. * WHEN...Until 7 AM AKST Friday. * IMPACTS...Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Thursday evening and Friday morning commutes. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...A mix of snow, freezing rain and sleet will slowly transition to mainly snow this evening into tonight. Periods of moderate snowfall rates are possible overnight through early Friday, especially along parts of the Anchorage Hillside north to Eagle River and Palmer. Snow will taper off by mid morning on Friday.


Hillside Cross Country Ski Trails Ski Report

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Last Updated: December 4, 2025

After an unseasonably warm start to December, Hillside Cross Country Ski Trails is finally seeing a glimmer of winter’s return. Hillside Cross Country Ski Trails is a popular ski resort in Anchorage, Alaska, offering over 50 kilometers of groomed trails for cross country skiing.


0"

New Snowfall

7.0"

Snowpack

°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity


Summary

Overnight temperatures held steady at 32°F, preserving the modest 7-inch snowpack—well below average for this time of year by nearly 51%. Despite this, early risers may find groomed stretches on higher terrain offering marginal, yet skiable surfaces. Classic skis are still your best bet, but be prepared for occasional thin patches. The Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) sits at 2 inches, indicating a drier snow base that may not hold up to heavy traffic.

Good news is on the horizon: snow is in the forecast, with just over an inch expected in the next 24 hours and nearly 5 inches over the next three days. A total of 5 inches is projected by the 5-day mark—welcome relief for Anchorage skiers starved of early-season snowfall. As local headlines note, Anchorage has endured a rare December with idle plows and an extended skating season, but the tide may be turning. With snow finally on its way, wax your skis and stay tuned—Hillside could be back in stride by the weekend.


Hourly Snowfall Totals

Recent & Projected

Snowpack Percent Normal

51%

Max Recorded Snowpack

114"

Snowfall Past 24 Hours

0.0"

Snowfall Next 24 Hours

1"

Snowfall Next 72 Hours

5"

Snowfall Next 5 Days

5"

Terrain Surface

NA

Powder Score

NA
       

Weather Forecast

Seasonal Comparison

Year over year snow water equivalent


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.

Regional Snowpack Depth

Snow levels measured 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.

Historical Air Temperature

Temperature fluctuations 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.

About the Area


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

Hillside Cross Country Ski Trails FAQ


How much snow did Hillside Cross Country Ski Trails receive over the past day?

The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.


What's the weather like at Hillside Cross Country Ski Trails today?

Weather today, snow likely, mainly after noon. patchy freezing fog before 9am. mostly cloudy, with a high near 30. calm wind becoming west around 5 mph. chance of precipitation is 60%. new snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.


How much new snowfall is forecasted for Hillside Cross Country Ski Trails this week?

Hillside Cross Country Ski Trails is expected to receive up to 5.11" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.


What are some ski resorts near Hillside Cross Country Ski Trails?

Campbell Airstrip Cross Country Ski Trails
Hilltop Ski Area
Russian Jack Trail System
Bartlett High School Cross Country Ski Trails
Kincaid Park Cross Country Ski Trails


What are ski area conditions in Alaska like right now?

Heavy snowfall is expected across parts of southern Alaska, especially around the Kenai Peninsula and Prince William Sound. The standout is Grandview, AK, near the Alyeska Resort and Turnagain Pass, which recorded a staggering 267" in the last 24 hours with 14" more forecasted. Alyeska Resort, one of Alaska's premier ski destinations, is also expecting an additional 12" over the ... Read more