Skiing

Cross-country skiing is extremely popular in Anchorage. Locals ski or skate-ski on trails in town at Kincaid Park or Hillside and farther away at Girdwood Valley, Turnagain Pass, and Chugach State Park. Downhill skiing is convenient to Downtown. A number of cross-country ski events are held annually in Anchorage.

Alaska Mountaineering & Hiking. The locally owned outdoors shop Alaska Mountaineering & Hiking has a highly experienced staff and plenty of cross-country skis for sale or rent. 2633 Spenard Rd., Spenard, Anchorage, Alaska, 99503. 907/272–1811; www.alaskamountaineering.com.

Hilltop Ski Area. Conveniently located on the eastern edge of town, Hilltop Ski Area is a beginner-friendly slope and a favorite for families. Abbott Rd. near Hillside Dr., East Anchorage, Anchorage, Alaska, 99507. 907/346–2167; www.hilltopskiarea.org.

Kincaid Park. On 1,400 acres of rolling, timbered hills and bordered on the west by Cook Inlet, Kincaid Park is a scenic treasure with maintained trails groomed for diagonal and skate-skiing. National cross-country skiing events (including U.S. Olympic team qualifying events) are sometimes held along the 60 km (37 miles) of interwoven trails—including 20 km (12 miles) that are lighted for night skiing. The park is open year-round: for skiing in winter; and for mountain biking, hiking, and other outdoor activities in summer. Main entrance at far west end of Raspberry Rd., 9401 W. Raspberry Rd., Southwest Anchorage, Anchorage, Alaska, 99502.