Alaska's ski and snowboard resorts offer powdered slopes without the crowds of its lower 48 counterparts. Alyeska Resort, one of Alaska's most popular ski resorts, was buried with 880 inches of snowfall during the 2009-2010 season. The mountain, located 40 minutes from Anchorage, only has nine lifts accessing 1,400 ski-able acres. The major reason Alaska receives little ski and snowboard interest is the lack of daylight, and extreme weather during the winter season -- December receives a little more than seven hours of sunlight. Popular ski resorts in Alaska include Arctic Valley and Eaglecrest. An aerial way to ski and snowboard Alaska is replacing a ski lift with a helicopter. Heli-skiing provides an opportunity to board virgin powder in Alaska's back-country. Chugach Powder Guides, based at Alyeska Resort, takes flight to 700,000 acres in the Chugach Mountain Range.
Mushing across endless white meadows with a team of huskies is an unforgettable experience. Popularized by the Iditarod, dog sledding adventures are now readily available in Alaska. Austin's Alaska Adventures has been introducing new sledders to the sport since 1976. The company offers two trips -- Golsovia Lodge and Iditarod -- to take in dog sledding. The Golsovia Lodge trip is an opportunity to mush your own dog sled team through the Alaska wilderness. The Iditarod trip takes in the final days of the great race. The Alaska Husky Ranch, located in Gustavus, is a visitor center and dog training school. Guests can interact with huskies, watch demonstrations and try their hands at mushing.
When the summer time hiking trails turn white, boots are exchanged for snowshoes. Guided snowshoeing is available at many of the ski resorts, like Alyseka Resort. But many parks, like Kincaid Park near Anchorage, provide marked trails to get on the snow by yourself. North of Anchorage is one of Alaska's most popular snowshoe areas, Nancy Lake State Recreation Area offers 40 miles worth of trails and more than 100 lakes.
Ripping through the winter wilderness on a snowmobile is an adrenaline-fueled experience. Snowmobiles have become a popular way to get on the snow in Alaska because they can take you almost anywhere fast. Glacier City Snowmobile Tours takes beginners into the Chugach Mountain Range for frozen waterfalls, snowy meadows and a ride out onto a glacier. For those interested in a solo snowmobile adventure, Alaska Toy Rental, located in Wasilla, has a full range of snowmobiles for daily rental.
