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Ski Alaska: the steep, the deep and the dangerous

laska. The very name sends a chill down the spine of most skiers and snowboarder. Famed for the extremely steep terrain, this American state is know for being the territory of the most experienced skiers and snowboarders in the world.

The steep, sharp tooth-like mountains of Alaska are unmistakable. Every year the snow sports press run pictures of skiers of snowboarders that resemble ants as they riding down these awesome mountains, chancing their lives away, and illustrating the size and remoteness of the Alaskan ranges.

Alaska has a handful of ski resorts such as Alyeska, Mount Eyak Ski Area, and Mount Aurora SkiLand (home to the most northerly chairlift in North America!) but it's the big, backcountry descents on the steep mountains with weightless powder snow, which is Alaska's main draw. Some of the most dangerous first descents in the world have been made in Alaska; it's a land of heli-skiing, hiking, and backcountry snow sports.

Alaska still has very much a frontier feel; its ski areas are yet to become heavily commercialised as other resorts in North America have. The fact that Alaska is a long way from the majority of the North America population means that lift lines are rarely an issue, and you're likely to have plenty of space to yourself once you're on the hill.

Alyeska, is Alaska's premier ski resort and was recently voted as one of the top 25 ski resorts in North America by Ski Magazine. In contrast to Alaska's expert only reputation, Alyeska is known for offering territory of all activities and is popular with families. With an average snowfall of more than 631 inches (16 meters!) it likely to be some time before Global warming starts to affect in Alaska, and with its northerly latitude, the winter is long - starting in mid November and continuing until April and even longer if conditions permit. There are 1400 acres of ski-able terrain, all served by 9 lifts and have a capacity of 10335 skiers per hour.

There is some accommodation in Alyeska itself, but if you prefer greater choice and more nightlife in a city environment, there are a range of hotels in Anchorage, which, at just 40 miles away, makes a day trip perfectly feasible.

But, if you fancy heading north to Alaska for a ski or snowboard trip, remember to bring your thermals. Alaska snow is the coldest in the USA, but that's what keeps the powder so fresh.


Adam Singleton is an online, freelance journalist and keen gardener. He lives in Scotland with his two dogs.