Hilltop Ski Area Ski Report
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 19, 2025
Hilltop Ski Area is open and welcoming skiers with crisp, wintry conditions this December 19, 2025. Hilltop Ski Area in Anchorage, Alaska is a small resort with a relaxed atmosphere and great beginner terrain.
Snowfall Totals & Snow Forecast
Hourly Snowfall
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Wind
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Humidity
Summary
Overnight temperatures dipped to a brisk -6°F, preserving the modest 8-inch snowpack currently on the mountain. While this depth is nearly 56% below the seasonal average, recent snowmaking upgrades—including major improvements to Hilltop’s snow production system—are helping maintain solid coverage on core trails. The Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) stands at 2.5 inches, enough to keep groomed runs firm and fast for early-season carving. No significant new snowfall is forecasted in the next 24 hours, but conditions remain ideal for beginners and intermediate riders looking to enjoy a day on the slopes in Anchorage’s backyard.
Excitement is building around Hilltop's ongoing transformation. The area recently doubled its snowmaking capacity, enabling earlier openings and more reliable snow surfaces—a welcome development as natural snowfalls remain sporadic across Southcentral Alaska. Meanwhile, Anchorage continues to emerge as a launchpad for Alaskan adventure, with Hilltop offering accessible family-friendly terrain just minutes from downtown. Visitors are advised to dress for cold temperatures, check for trail updates, and be aware of recent security improvements following reports of a burglary incident earlier this week. Despite the thinner snowpack, Hilltop promises a fun, safe winter experience with plenty of groomed terrain open today.
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 Hilltop Ski Area.
Historical Air Temperature
Temperature fluctuations at Hilltop Ski Area
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Hilltop Ski Area impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
About the Area
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 |
Hilltop Ski Area FAQ
How much snow did Hilltop Ski Area receive over the past day?
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
What's the weather like at Hilltop Ski Area today?
Weather today, sunny, with a high near 6. north wind around 5 mph.
What are some ski resorts near Hilltop Ski Area?
Hillside Cross Country Ski Trails
Campbell Airstrip Cross Country Ski Trails
Russian Jack Trail System
Bartlett High School Cross Country Ski Trails
Arctic Valley
What are ski area conditions in Alaska like right now?
Alaska ski conditions are holding steady with deep snowpack in some key areas, but no significant new snowfall in the past 24 hours across most of the state. The heaviest current snow depth is reported at Alyeska Weather Top near Girdwood's Alyeska Resort with 50" of snowpack. Turnagain Pass (near the popular backcountry zones close to Anchorage) is also reporting ... Read more