Hilltop Ski Area is carving into Jan 23, 2026, with crisp temps and fresh energy. Hilltop Ski Area in Anchorage, Alaska is a small resort with a relaxed atmosphere and great beginner terrain.
Wind
Humidity
After an overnight low of 24°F, the slopes opened to a 19-inch snowpack—thinner than average by about 35%, but still offering a solid base for groomed runs and terrain park fun. While it's not the deepest snow year, Hilltop’s expanded snowmaking system has kept trails ride-ready, and the recent solstice celebration has fueled a festive atmosphere across the mountain. Skiers and snowboarders can expect packed powder on main runs, with occasional icy patches in shaded zones.
Looking ahead, skies promise more excitement: nearly an inch of snow is forecasted in the next 72 hours, with a significant 9 inches expected over the next five days—potentially refreshing the base just in time for the weekend. With Alyeska and Hilltop now fully open and drawing crowds, Anchorage is buzzing with winter adventure. Despite the odd newsworthy moment—from bear encounters to controlled burns—Hilltop remains a safe, family-friendly destination. Be sure to check lift times and trail updates, and don’t miss the newly enhanced snowmaking zones—Hilltop’s efforts are paying off, delivering some of the most consistent riding conditions in the region this season.
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, areas of freezing fog before noon. mostly sunny, with a high near 35. east wind around 5 mph.
Hilltop Ski Area is expected to receive up to 9.44" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
Hillside Cross Country Ski Trails
Campbell Airstrip Cross Country Ski Trails
Russian Jack Trail System
Bartlett High School Cross Country Ski Trails
Arctic Valley
Alaska is gearing up for a significant snow event over the next five days, with the heaviest accumulations expected in Southcentral and Southeast regions. Mt. Alyeska, Alaska’s premier resort near Girdwood, leads with a projected 24 inches of new snow and already boasts a strong snowpack of 35". Neighboring Turnagain Pass, a favorite for backcountry enthusiasts, is expecting 18" with ... Read more