Anchorage Sports Travel Tips by onebadcat

Theme: Skiing/Snowboarding

Arctic Valley to Indian is a 22 mile one-way route that first drops 1000' to the valley floor then follows Ship Creek as it gains 1300 ft. to Indian Pass. Most people ski this trip in a day and try to travel light and fast although I am told it makes a beautiful overnight as well.

This is not a technical traverse but may require some route finding skills (if the weather goes bad) and a strong set of legs. The solitude and quiet of this area is only broken by birds and an occasional passing skier as no snowmachines are allowed here. The surounding ridges and peaks are beautiful and at your sides all day long. Most people will wait to tackle this trip until February or March so that temperatures and daylight are at a maximum. Pick a sunny day and wear layers so you can strip down if needed.

I would advise getting together with at least one friend for this traverse for safety and for company. Most people ski Arctic Valley to Indian instead of Indian to Arctic because it allows for a slow steady climb to Indian Pass then a QUICK drop down to the parking lot. I like to go this direction so I can have a few beers at the Brown Bear Saloon at days end. Whichever way you choose a vehicle should be arranged for both ends as this is a one-way ski.

Check with local ski clubs or post messages at AMH or REI to find a ride or partners.

Equipment: Make sure you have a pack with food, plenty of water, possibly a flask of schnapps and enough extra clothes. Plan for the worst weather not the best! A compass and map would be a wise investment though if other skiers have broken trail not entirely necessary. Classic or backcountry X-C gear is the norm here although I have seen some people grunting through on telemark setups. If you need to rent gear in Anchorage try REI or to buy a cheap used setup try Play It Again Sports.

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Address: Anchorage, AK
Directions: Drive north on the Glenn Highway to Arctic Valley Road. Park before the ski area at a turnout. Second vehicle at Indian or pickup at Brown Bear Saloon 15 miles south of Anchorage on the Seward Highway.

Theme: Skiing/Snowboarding

The reason I love this ski trip so much is that it gets you out into the mounatins 15 minutes from downtown. 10 minutes from my house!

This is a day ski from the Glen Alps trailhead to Ship Lake Pass (with the possibility of climbing The Wedge, The Ramp or skiing to Hidden Lake). It is a 12 mile round trip ski in a gorgeous part of Anchorage's wild backyard with many opportunities for viewing moose, ptarmagain and fox. Elevation gain on this trip is between 2000 and 3000 feet depending on your turn-around point.

Starting at Glen Alps parking lot you ski out to Powerline Trail. From here I usually like to drop down to a snow bridge and cross Campbell Creek. Start gaining elevation while you traverse SE down the valley. Eventually you will see a long gradual valley open up to your left. Start climbing. Hidden Lake is up in a tarn on your left, The Ramp is the peak at the end of the valley on your left, The Wedge is the peak up valley to your right and Ship Lake Pass is the saddle that connects the two peaks.

All your work on the way up is rewarded by an effortles glide back to the Powerline Trail. Even a few good turns in here if you are lucky!

Equipment: Make sure you have a pack with food, plenty of water and enough extra clothes. Plan for the worst not the best - this area gets a lot of wind so watch the weather! Classic or backcountry X-C gear is the best here although telemark setups would work too. If you need to rent gear in Anchorage try REI or to buy a cheap used setup try Play It Again Sports. Skins would be helpful but are definitely not necessary.

Tire studs or 4WD may be necessary. $5 day use fee or $40 annual state park sticker available at REI and other contractors.

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Address: Anchorage, Alaska
Directions: Head south on the Seward Highway. Exit at O'Malley. Go east 3.5 miles and turn right on Hillside Drive. Go left at Upper Huffman Road. Go right at Toilsome Hill Drive then 2 miles to Glen Alps Parking.
Website: http://www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/units/chugach/

Theme: Skiing/Snowboarding

Powerline Trail is an access corridor for many different hikes/ski routes but also makes a great ski from end to end. The trail itself stretches 12 miles from Prospect Heights all the way to Indian a community on the Seward Highway. In the winter you shouldn't attempt to cross the pass because of probable avalanche danger. This gives you about 8 miles of trail to safely ski or you can explore the mile wide valley off trail.

The reason this trail is called Powerline is obvious as you follow the power poles up into the valley. This is a very gradual climb in a wide open valley and is suitable for all experience levels. Some years the main trail is groomed others it isn't. Most days you will see at least one moose in the valley. A great spot to watch the late season rut!

About 15 minutes from downtown.

Equipment: Make sure you have some extra clothes and water. This area gets a lot of wind so have a windbreaker to throw on if it picks up. Great for classic, backcountry or skating X-C gear. If you need to rent gear in Anchorage try REI or to buy a cheap used setup try Play It Again Sports.

Tire studs or 4WD may be necessary. $5 day use fee or $40 annual state park sticker available at REI and other contractors.

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Address: Anchorage, Alaska
Directions: Head south on the Seward Highway. Exit at O'Malley. Go east 3.5 miles and turn right on Hillside Drive. Go left at Upper Huffman Road. Go right at Toilsome Hill Drive then 2 miles to Glen Alps Parking.
Website: http://www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/units/chugach/

Theme: Skiing/Snowboarding

The Middle Fork Loop is the perfect route if you only have the afternoon to be out in the woods. The trail starts at Prospect Heights parking area and decends into the woods then crosses Campbell Creek. From here it climbs up to the shoulder of Rusty Point then descends again to Campbell Creek. You then connect with Powerline Trail for the ski back to your car. It is 9 miles of great scenery and often great wildlife viewing.

After a fresh snowfall this can be one of the best short skis within the city limits. Also a popular snowshoeing area.

Equipment: Make sure you have some extra clothes and water. Great for classic or backcountry X-C gear. If you need to rent gear in Anchorage try REI or to buy a cheap used setup try Play It Again Sports.

$5 day use fee or $40 annual state park sticker available at REI and other contractors.

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Address: Anchorage, Alaska
Directions: Head south on the Seward Highway. Exit at O'Malley. Go east 3.5 miles and veer left on Hillside Drive. Right on Upper O'Malley Drive. Left at Prospect Drive then 1 mile to Prospect Heights Parking.
Website: http://www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/units/chugach/

Theme: Hiking

This is a truly spectacular hike in an easily accessible part of Chugach State Park. No matter how high you get on Bird Ridge you will have awesome views of Turnagain Arm. With it's south-facing slopes this hike is one of the first to clear of snow making it a great spring warm-up. If you make it to the top you can sit in a protected nook with lush green ridges and peaks rolling out at your feet and watch eagles and ravens glide on updrafts in search of food. And, the wildflowers can be great up here during spring. High point on the ridge is a 13 mile round trip with 5500 feet of elevation gain but with treeline ending about half way up you don't need to go all the way to enjoy the views.

From the trailhead follow the unmistakable 'improved trail' a quarter mile to the outhouses. Here you will start to climb big time! Don't let the first mile or so get to you - it is the steepest (or so it seems) part of the hike. As you climb toward treeline the trail will get a bit narrower but is still very easy to follow. A lot of people will turn around or at least take a break at the first major bump in the ridge. This is the first of at least four 'false summits' on the way to the true high point. Just keep in mind that once you have reached that first bump the going gets easier as you wander the ridge toward the true high point.

Equipment: Good footwear is a must! Bring extra clothes, water and food as conditions tend to change from top to bottom. Can be quite a bit of wind on top so be prepared in those conditions for gusts.

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Address: Anchorage Area, Alaska
Directions: To get to the Bird Ridge Trailhead drive roughly 20 miles south from Anchorage on the Seward Highway. The parking area is on the left marked with a huge Chugach State Park sign at mile marker 102 just past the town of Indian.
Website: http://www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/units/chugach/

Theme: Hiking

This is a fantastic ridge walk in the rugged tundra that lies above the Eagle River valley. Views of Eagle River and surrounding Chugach State Park are awesome on a clear summer day. Water is scarce at best so bring what you need with you. Mount Magnificent is 5 miles round-trip with an elevation gain of 2300 feet and Mount Significant is 14 miles and 5200 feet of elevation gain (significantly harder day). Despite the mileage and climbing the hardest part of your adventure may be finding the trailhead. It is worth the search!

The hike starts in a residential area above Eagle River at a gravel turnout. From the 'parking area' follow the steep path through overgrown bushes up to an abandoned road. Follow this wide trail all the way to a flat area at an area known as 'mile hi pass'. There is a good lookout knoll up to your left with great berry picking in season. If you are hiking out to Mt Mag or Mt Sig follow the trail to your right and uphill to the ridge. From here you follow the ridgeline and the trail fades in and out of the tundra as you make your way to Mt Mag. You will go over two high points in the ridge before dropping down into a minor valley. From the depression stay left of the ridge and traverse a bit until you are below the true summit then go up to the top. (you will see a faint trail here to guide you) Don't forget to sign the summit register. To continue to Mt Significant you keep following the ridgelines up and down to a final climb to the summit. It is 4 miles to the climb up Mt Sig from Mt Mag. You should have a map for this part of the hike as there are intersecting ridges along the way that will steer you the wrong direction if taken.

Equipment: Bring extra clothes, water and food. Wear good footwear as the trail is steep and rocky in palces. Weather can change fast in the mountains so have an extra jacket at the very least.

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Address: Eagle River Area (North Anchorage Bowl), Alaska
Directions: Glenn Hwy N to Hiland Dr. Right off exit ramp, through Eagle River to intersection with Eagle River Rd. Right to a Y intersection at Mile Hi Rd. Left. Switchback (the road changes names) to a turnout with a sign 'No Parking Beyond Here'. Park.
Website: http://www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/units/chugach/

Theme: Hiking

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Address: Chugach State Park, Anchorage, Alaska
Directions: Seward Hwy South to Tudor Rd. Left (east) on Tudor 3 miles. Right on Campbell Airstrip Rd. This turns into Basher Drive a gravel road. Take this a few miles to roads end. Park in the wide gravel area. This is Stuckagain Heights Trailhead. Unsigned.
Website: http://www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/units/chugach/