Top 10 winter sports in Alaska

This state is a dream place to enjoy winter sports in a naturally beautiful environment. This northern country has numerous activities for all levels and ages. We will tell you which are the top 10 winter sports in Alaska that you cannot miss to have guaranteed fun with your family, partner or friends.

1. Skiing: the most popular sport in Alaska

Skiing is one of the most popular sports in Alaska and is practiced by people of all ages. You can ski at winter resorts such as Alyeska Ski Resort in Girdwood or Eaglecrest Ski Area in Juneau. There, skiers of all levels enjoy slopes of varying difficulty and stunning mountain views.

We recommend hiring a guide if you are a beginner, or if you want to explore off-piste areas.

Group ski lessons for beginners cost around $50 per hour, while private lessons are around $100 per hour.

2. Snowboarding: Another guaranteed fun option

Snowboarding is another very popular sport in Alaska and is also for all ages. Winter resorts such as Alyeska Ski Resort or Eaglecrest Ski Area welcome snowboard lovers from all over the world.

Snowboarders of all levels can enjoy slopes of varying difficulty and magnificent mountain views. Of course, you will need special equipment such as snowboards, snowboard boots, bindings, waterproof outerwear, and snowboard goggles and gloves.

Among the best places to snowboard in Alaska:

• Alyeska Ski Area in Anchorage.
• Arctic Valley Ski Area in Anchorage.
• Hilltop Ski Area in Anchorage.
• Eaglecrest Ski Area in Juneau.
• Alaska Powder Descents in Juneau.

Group snowboard lessons for beginners range from $60 per hour, while private lessons cost around $120 per hour.

3. Heliskiing: For the experienced only

This is a variation of skiing for those who prefer action and adventure, it consists of skiing off-piste. It is reached by helicopter as opposed to a conventional chairlift that all skiers use.

Live the luxury experience of heliskiing to the fullest and descend virgin slopes inaccessible by other means. Trace your line in the snow! Don’t forget your skis, ski boots, ski poles, waterproof outerwear, ski goggles, gloves and backpack for your safety equipment.

Due to the risk of this sport, it is recommended that it be practiced by those over 18 years of age with plenty of previous experience, excellent physical condition and special preparation for extreme weather conditions.

From $750 per person, Alaska Powder Descents in Juneau offers heliskiing tours.

4. Dog Sledding (Mushing)

Embark on an epic adventure through Alaska’s winter landscapes on a dog sled. Enjoy the silence and beauty of the surroundings, while connecting with these incredible animals.

Waterproof warm clothing, snow boots, hat, gloves and sunglasses or snow goggles are essential items for this adventure for all ages.

Dog mushing tours for a 30-minute ride can be booked through companies such as Martin Buser and Family from $150 per person.

Remember to book well in advance during the high season, from June to September.

Do you want to learn how to drive a dog sled? Individual classes cost around $200.

5. Snowshoeing: going on a family trip

Snowshoeing can become a relaxing alternative to enjoy the winter nature of Alaska. The routes and difficulties are many, from short and easy trails to long and demanding trails. Be careful: although it may seem very simple, always choose a trail that is suitable for your level of experience and physical condition. With snowshoes, waterproof outerwear, snow boots, a hat, gloves, and sunglasses or snow goggles, you’ll be prepared for all the conditions required for this beautiful sport.

Among its many activities, Denali National Park promotes guided snowshoeing tours from $50 per person.

6. Ice Skating

Glide across the ice at one of Alaska’s many skating rinks. Music, lights, and the company of friends or family are the ideal setting for this activity for all ages.

Put on your ice skates, waterproof outerwear, a hat, and gloves to avoid any mishaps, and get skating!

Where? You can do it at the Anchorage Convention Center, which is open to the public for $10 per person. Have a great time with your family, as it’s an activity for all ages All ages.

If you’ve never skated before, beginner and children’s classes range from $20 per session. Start by holding on to a railing or ask an instructor to help you avoid serious injuries or falls.

7. Curling: Alaskan traditions

Challenge your precision and strategy in a game of curling, a traditional winter sport in Alaska. Slide granite stones across the ice and rack up points. And get your curling shoes, waterproof outerwear, hat and gloves ready.

For all ages, you’ll find options for youth and senior leagues.

If you want to learn for the first time and get into Alaskan winter traditions, the Anchorage Curling Club offers introductory curling sessions for $20 per person.

Do you want to explore new experiences?

8. Motorcycle rides: guaranteed adventure on snow or on the road

If speed and adventure are your thing, a motorcycle ride will surprise you, so get your camera ready to document every corner you reach. Your photos will be getting liked on social media!

To ​​rent your motorcycle, you can do it with agencies like MotoQuest that have BMW vehicles and the average per day is between 150 and 290 USD. Tip: the more days you pay, the lower the total cost per day.

Do you prefer snowmobiles? Rod’s Alaskan Guide Service takes you on a tour of Alaska’s majestic snowy landscapes with tours that start at 169 USD per person.

Equip yourself with a helmet, waterproof outerwear, snow boots, hat and gloves, as well as bring a valid driver’s license.

And please follow the corresponding safety rules and drive responsibly.

9. Ice climbing

Ice climbing is perhaps considered a risky sport and to do it requires specialized equipment and a lot of experience, so it is recommended that those who wish to climb in these special conditions be over 18 and have previous experience in sport climbing or mountaineering.

Your equipment should include ice axes, crampons, a helmet, waterproof outerwear, snow boots, a hat, gloves, and sunglasses or snow goggles.

Among the ways to get to know the glaciers (by air, water, or land), Alaska.org has guided ice climbing tours starting at $300 USD per person.

We always recommend the support of an experienced guide if you are a beginner or if you want to climb more challenging routes.

10. Snowkiting

Have you ever thought about the feeling of flying over the snow while propelled by a kite? Combine the thrill of skiing or snowboarding with the adrenaline of kiteboarding in the snow and take home the most exciting memories.

Pick up your snowkite kite, harness, snowboard or skis, helmet, waterproof outerwear, snow boots, hat, gloves, and sunglasses or snow goggles and start your adventure.

For those who are just learning this sport or have little experience, experts advise moving in open areas with little wind for initial practices. Anything to avoid serious injuries and ruin your trip.

As with other sports such as ice climbing, you must be over 18 years old and have experience in snowboarding or skiing and kiteboarding.

Hiring guided snowkiting tours from Alaska Powder Guides estimates that the costs will start at 450 USD per person.

If you are going to do any of these sports…

• As we point out in the description of each sport, take into account your level of experience, physical condition and preferences when choosing your activity.
• Also wear waterproof warm clothing, snow boots, a hat, gloves and sunglasses or snow goggles. You can also check out our article What clothes to wear in Alaska according to the season to pack your suitcase and buy the necessary clothing for your trip in time.
• Among the outdoor sports stores with the best customer ratings is Alaska Outdoor Gear Rental, with two branches in Anchorage and Fairbanks. There you will find all the necessary clothing and also offers rental equipment you need, from bicycles to everything related to fishing and camping.
• Protect your skin with sunscreen, even on cloudy days.
• Drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty. As in any environment, you are doing sports and you have to take this into account as well.
• Last but not least, do not leave trash on the trails and respect wildlife. Live in harmony with the wonderful natural environment that surrounds you: do not ruin it.

As we finish this tour of the top 10 winter sports in Alaska, we hope to have inspired you. From snowy ski slopes to exciting snowmobile or road trips, Alaska is an incredible country with a palette of unique experiences for all tastes and experience levels.

With our With these tips, you can start planning your trip to discover the treasures of this great state. Dare to challenge the cold and experience the magic of snow in Alaska!

Do you have any questions? Contact our specialists at We Travel USA so they can provide you with more information and advise you appropriately on what you need.