Top Outdoor Activities in Anchorage in Winter

To experience some of the best winter outdoor activities Alaska has to offer, look to its largest city, Anchorage. Here and in the surrounding towns and mountains you’ll find an array of adventures for an unforgettable vacation. Pack your warmest jacket and your fuzziest hat and get ready for a unique holiday experience.

Cross Country Skiing 

A thick quilt of snow covers the city in the depths of winter, when summer bike trails are groomed into ribbons of cross country skiing paradise. Take a pair of classic or skate skis for a swish along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, where you’ll be treated to views of Cook Inlet, the Anchorage skyline against the backdrop of the Chugach mountains, and possibly even a moose or two. The Chester Creek Trail and the Campbell Creek Trail head inland towards the mountains and also offer miles of groomed tracks. Kincaid Park is another popular cross country ski destination, with miles of groomed trails winding through hilly, forested terrain. Over 100 miles of ski trails abound in Anchorage, so you’ll have your choice of destinations. Several outfitters in town rent cross country ski gear. 

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Ice Skating

When the city freezes over with a coating of ice, residents lace up their skates and take to the lakes. Several public lakes are groomed for ice skating, and the most popular is Westchester Lagoon. Close to downtown and on the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, Westchester is conveniently located. You’ll find meandering skating trails, warming barrels, and a hockey rink. There are several more hot-mopped lakes around town including Cheney, Jewel, and Goose Lakes. Play it Again Sports or AMH in Spenard (near to Westchester) can rent you the skates you need. 

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Fat Biking

Cruise along a snowy trail on a bike with massive tires that allows you to pedal in soft snow. The newly popular activity has blossomed in Anchorage, where you ride on over 100 miles of groomed trails. Impromptu singletrack trails also pop up in winter, so you can enjoy a ride through the forest alongside main trails or in some of the city’s larger parks such as Kincaid or Far North Bicentennial. Tours and rentals are both available from several operators in town. 

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Winter Hiking & Snowshoeing 

The front range of the Chugach Mountains in Chugach State Park are a perfect place to tromp around in giant snowshoes, enjoying the wilderness at a slower pace. Fluffy powder blankets the peaks, creating the environment snowshoes were created for. Take off from the Glen Alps or Prospect Heights trailheads; while there are plenty of packed trails here, it’s easy to stamp out your own trail with the proper gear. 

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Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding

Alyeska Resort, located about 40 minutes from Anchorage in Girdwood, offers world-class skiing and snowboarding. With over 1,600 skiable acres, it provides options for all skill levels, plus scenic tram rides for those who want to enjoy the mountain views without hitting the slopes. Nordic skiing is also popular around the resort, as is its relaxing and luxurious Nordic Spa. If you prefer not to venture out of town, you’ll find downhill skiing right in Anchorage at Hilltop Ski Area. 

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Fur Rondy Festival & Iditarod Ceremonial Start

Time your trip for late February to early March, when the city comes alive to celebrate winter. The Fur Rendezvous (“Rondy”) Festival was created in 1936 to coincide with miners and trappers returning to the city to trade. Today you’ll be treated to ten days of activities that include the Fur Auction, the Running of the Reindeer (Anchorage’s take on the Running of the Bulls), snowshoe softball, an incredible snow sculpture competition, carnival rides, live music, and much more. 

Fur Rondy is timed to coincide with the start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in early March, when the ceremonial start of the race is in Anchorage. Mushers glide town the streets of Anchorage pulled by energetic dogs and to the sound of the cheering crowd. Though the official race start is further north the next day in Willow, there’s much fanfare here in Anchorage, and visitors have a chance to interact with mushers and witness the teams of dogs up close.

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