 Alyeska,
Alaska - Known as the local's hill for Anchorage's
dedicated rippers and off-season fishermen, Alyeska was
rarely visited by Lower 48ers before the Chugach heli scene
went off. Now this resort is a favorite option for "outsiders,"
as we're all referred to up there, looking to ski instead
of enduring heli downtime in a dirtbag hotel. Alyeska is
skunk-proof: When week-long storms roll in and shut down
the Chugach backcountry, you'll get more turns than your
quads can stand at the resort. With wetter snow and the
occasional fog shroud that can make it feel like you're
skiing in a milk bottle, it's not quite Valdez, but it is
a manageable sampling of the wild summits that dominate
the southeast portion of the state. It's also a haul-about
a five-hour flight from Salt Lake-but the bowls, faces,
consistent snow, and stunning views of the mountain-lined
Turnagain Arm, make the slog worth it. Visit late in the
season: December and January are characterized by such short
days, locals get excited when they see their own shadows.
Statistics:
Vertical Drop: 2,500'
Top Elevation: 3,939'
Lifts: 9 (1 aerial tram, 6 chairs, 2 surface)
Terrain:  11%
 52%  37%
Trails: 68
Longest Run: 10,560'
Skiable acres: 1,000
Annual Snowfall: 720"
Cross Country: 50 km
Snowboards: Yes/pipe
Hours: 10:30 AM - 5:30 PM daily
Night Skiing: 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM, Fri - Sat
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