13 Best Winter Activities to Do in Alaska!

Recreation doesn't stop when the temps drop! There are almost more activities available in the winter. From skiing to ice fishing, the reward increases with the layers of clothing. Witness immaculate sunsets and sunrises through crisp winter air. Immerse yourself in some of the most rare scenery in the country. These are some of our absolute must-do activities for anyone in Alaska this winter. Make sure to enjoy every moment of the season!

Backcountry skiing in Turnagain Pass

For adventure-seeking backcountry skiers, Turnagain Pass is the perfect spot. Just south of Anchorage on the Kenai Peninsula, the dramatic mountains rise with deep, stable snowpack waiting to be explored. Enjoy a snow-filled day of untracked terrain away from the crowds in one of Alaska's finest roadside ski spots.

Heliskiing in Thompson Pass

VHSG is the ultimate heli-ski adventure, offering unparalleled access to the world's most extraordinary ski terrain. Highly trained and experienced guides, vast amounts of fresh powder, and a fantastic luxurious lodge at the base of Thompson Pass in the Chugach Mountains are just a few of the elements that make this choice one of the best on the planet. Prepare to fly across mile-wide glaciers and ski down amazing, knife-edge ridgelines and towering peaks!

Snowshoeing in Chugach State Park

Explore the spectacular winter scenery of Chugach State Park outside of Anchorage. Their guided snowshoeing ventures are ideal for those just getting started and experienced snowshoers. Strap on your winter boots, and let them provide the snowshoes and poles needed.

Ice climbing on the Turnagain Arm

Tired of the same old hikes? Branch out and find your thrill in Turnagain Arm! Just south of Anchorage and north of Girdwood, the Seward Highway awaits with its breathtaking cliffs. No matter your skill level, you won't forget the adventure you'll find here. Satisfy your craving for thrills by exploring the height of Turnagain Arm!

Skiing at Alyeska Resort

Alyeska Resort is an adrenaline-filled playground for all levels of skiers and riders. With 76 named trails, 1,610 skiable acres, and 669" of snow annually, it offers an exceptional challenge for both beginners and expert skiers. Riding 7 total lifts to a 2,500 ft. vertical rise, Alyeska Resort is a wintry playground.

Hiking in the Chugach Mountains

Explore the dramatic Chugach Mountains - take a 20-minute drive from downtown Anchorage, and you'll find yourself surrounded by an outdoor adventure playground of Chugach State Park and Chugach National Forest. With an array of amazing hikes and trails to explore, it'll be an unforgettable trip!

Fat biking in Hatcher Pass

Unlock the hidden gems of Hatcher Pass! Explore the tucked-away trails and largely unspoiled terrain on two supremely adventurous wheels - a fat bike. With an extended winter season and plenty of powder, your winter sports dreams are just a pedal away!

Cross-country skiing in Kincaid Park, Anchorage, AK

Kincaid Park is the ultimate cross-country skiing destination. With over a dozen miles of stunning and varied terrain, the park offers something for all skill levels, from sedate, family-friendly outings to intense expert workouts. And to top it off, 12-15 miles are equipped with lights for skiing bliss during the night.

Winter camping in Hatcher Pass

Escape to Hatcher Pass and prepare for that winter camping trip you've always dreamed of! This 300,000-acre region of rugged mountain terrain, glaciers, and summits higher than 6,000 feet is a winter wonderland waiting to be explored. Only an hour and 20 minutes away from Anchorage and 20 minutes away from Palmer and Wasilla, Hatcher Pass is the perfect place to explore the wild Alaskan winter.

Snow machine tours in Denali National Park

This could well be the most unique way to experience the park. After the road closes for the winter and plowing ends, recreation is open to the public. Rev up that machine and rocket into the heart of the big mountains in Alaska, and even take a couple of days to camp and soak it in if you can.

Dogsledding on the Chena River

Discover the stunning wilderness of Alaska in an extraordinary way - dogsledding. Be enthralled by their passionate Alaskan Huskies as you learn the art of mushing, culminating in a 20-minute scenic ride along the beautiful Chena River. Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Ski traversing in Johnson Pass

Encounter the wilds of winter with the Johnson Pass. Take the Trail Creek route 1 mile from the south and traverse through 7.88 miles of unspoiled terrain. Make your way to the edge of North Johnson Pass and let the journey begin. Enjoy an unparalleled ski-traversing trek and make winter memories that you'll always cherish.

Ice fishing on the Chena River

From fishing on four road-accessible ponds to crossing four bridges above the Chena River, the Chena River Recreation Area offers something for any outdoor enthusiast! Whether you'd like to paddle along the clear-running waters in a canoe, kayak, or raft or try to catch a prize fish, the Chena River has something to offer you!

This text was created by the author with the assistance of GPT-3, a large-scale language generation model developed by OpenAI. The author reviewed, edited, and revised the draft language to their satisfaction and is fully responsible for the content of this publication.

Share your favorites!
Alaska Search
Best Things To Do Near You
Best Places To Go Near You
Select a Alaska town to find
the Best Things-To-Do and Places To Go around you
Haines County
Ketchikan Gateway County
Sitka County
Yakutat County