MAIN Sports Ski Resorts Alaska Skiing, Snowboarding, Snow Reports

There's lots of rugged terrain, beautiful vistas and snow, snow, everywhere but - surprising - only one major ski resort in Alaska.

Located 40 miles from Anchorage in Girdwood, the Alyeska Ski Resort offers lots of deep powder for avid skiers and adventure-seeking snowboarders. The resort has a professional quality half pipe and is host to many of the USASA Alaska Snowboard Series amateur competitions.

Upon arrival, a tram whisks snow lovers up the Chugach Mountains 2,300 feet above sea level with spectacular views of the Turnagain Arm of the Cook Inlet and seven glaciers. Outdoor fun is not only limited to the winter months, however, as Alyeska also offers a variety of summer activities including paragliding, mountain bike riding, horse back riding, and white water rafting during the warmer months.

Otherwise, leave the skis and snowboard behind ad opt to go "heli-skiing" from Alyeska, where helicopters fly high over the Chugach National Forest for breathtaking views of fjords, glaciers and wildlife.

In addition to Alyeska, located 45 miles from Anchorage is Hatcher Pass, most known to snowboarders for its primo backcountry trails and miles of untracked snow. High atop the Talkeetna Mountains are found groomed ski trails, one of which serve as the training site for the U.S. Cross-Country Ski Team.

Meanwhile, a short hop from Juneau lies the Eaglecrest ski area, located on Douglas Island, offering 31 alpine runs, a few miles of Nordic trails, a tubing hill and a terrain park for boarders.

More about skiing in Alaska around the Web:

Skiing in Alaska - Complete directory of ski areas, related ski clubs & organizations throughout the state, from ExploreNorth.com

Alaska Ski Trail Reports - Visitor-submitted reports on ski conditions near Fairbanks, Anchorage and other regions throughout the state.

Alaska Outdoors Directory Forums - Join a discussion or start your own in this busy community forum with information swaps on skiing, snowmobiling, snowboarding, camping, hunting and more.

Outdoor Recreation in Alaska - About.com travel guide with information and suggested locations for downhill and nordic skiing, skijoring (or dog-pulled skiing) snowmobiling and camping areas.

Anchorage Daily News - Outdoors - News reports and feature stories on skiing, hunting and other outdoor fun throughout Alaska.

also see in Winter Sports -> Snowboarding

also see related features -> Expert Skiing Tips

How to Choose the Right Skis | How to Ski

How to Buy the Right Ski Boots