This Tiny Alaskan Town Is The Grandest Winter Wonderland You’ll Ever Visit
By Megan McDonald|Updated on January 11, 2024(Originally published January 20, 2019)
×
Megan McDonald
Author
Megan McDonald is a writer, photographer, and owner of humu media, an Alaska-based digital media agency. She spends her free time traveling with her husband and daughter around the US and the world.
If you’re looking for a place in Alaska to experience everything winter has to offer, look no further. This tiny Alaska winter wonderland is one of the best places to go during your winter weekend! A Girdwood, Alaska winter is filled with picturesque snow-drenched mountains, frozen ponds to ice skate, and plenty of places to ski! Grab your ski gear and book a flight, it’s time to get your winter on.
Girdwood, Alaska is a tiny little town about 40 miles outside of Anchorage. And there's nothing quite like a Girdwood Alaska winter.
This town has a population of less than 3,000 residents, but boasts one very cool fact: it is the northernmost temperate rainforest in North America! Due to this amazing climate fact, Girdwood accumulates massive amounts of snow during the winter! This makes it a ski and snowboard paradise. You'll never have to worry about having enough fresh powder to hit the slopes here.
Home to an award-winning ski resort, Alyeska Resort is a hub of winter activity.
With six dining options, a ski mountain that gets over 600" of fresh powder a season, and a gorgeous frozen lake to skate on, Alyeska offers winter tourists a great stop on their trip to Girdwood! There's fun for the whole family, whether they want to be out on the mountains every day or relaxing at the resort lodge.
Advertisement
Alyeska Resort boasts seven lifts, and it's one of the only ski resorts with a base that starts at sea level.
With a vertical rise of 2,500 feet, it has a reputation as "steep and deep." It hosts 76 trails over 1,610 skiable acres! They also offer two magic carpets, and it is a great spot for all levels of skiers. Don't be intimated by the seriousness of the mountain; there are trails of all levels as well as lessons for beginners.
Advertisement
The Ski Inn is another lovely little place to stay in Girdwood. This Inn is located conveniently right downtown.
This is a boutique inn just steps from many Girdwood amenities, including restaurants, coffee shops, and a market. For more of a small-town feel versus being immersed in nature and the mountains, this is the way to go.
While the Hand Tram on the trail may be shut down for the winter, that doesn't stop the amazing views peeking out from the trail. In the winter, the trail is like a path through a winter wonderland; tall pine trees, weighed down with thick, fresh snow. It makes for a beautiful afternoon trek. Winter hiking is an often underrated activity that showcases completely different kinds of natural beauty from spring and summer hiking.
Another thing that Girdwood can boast about is its cross-country ski trails!
Moose Meadows Ski Loop is a favorite for cross-country skiers of all skill levels. But don't forget the 5k Nordic Loop! It's an excellent moderate to difficult trail that must be skied counter-clockwise. Skiing through the trees is heavenly, and it's frequently very quiet. You'll feel like you have the whole mountain to yourself.
There are so many adventurous options in Girdwood! Chugach Powder Guides is an excellent choice for backcountry exploring around the area.
With heli-ski trips, there are hundreds of thousands of backcountry acres to explore, and your guide will know the perfect spots to take you. They also offer guided trips of ski-touring and snow biking! An excellent choice if you're looking for more of a winter adventure on your trip. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
After an amazing day in the Girdwood Alaska winter, no matter what you choose to do, the perfect end is always a great restaurant.
Chair 5 is renowned for its awesome pizza, whether you choose its regular pizza or the delicious deep dish. They also have a full menu of flavorful choices, and an excellent beer and wine selection. You may enter starving after a long day of being active on the slopes, but we can guarantee you won't leave hungry!
Advertisement
If you're looking for a dinner option that's a little more upscale, definitely head to the Double Musky Inn.
Built in 1962, this restaurant is a staple in Girdwood cuisine. With crowd favorites like the famous pepper steak, and New Orleans-style dishes with Alaskan seafood, this restaurant has been featured in countless articles, and just hit "Best Of " on the Food Network Channel for Best Steak in America! You can't beat that.
What is your favorite thing to do when you visit Girdwood? Have you been to this beautiful mountainous destination? Tell us in the comments section below! We love to hear about your firsthand experiences of these unique destinations.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
More to Explore
Skiing In Alaska
CC|January 11, 2024
Where are there other skiing spots in Alaska?
There’s something really special about this region of Alaska, both for its impressive resorts and its natural alignment towards snow and skiing. But it’s not the only spot to visit. Check out these other skiing spots in Alaska while you’re at it.
Hilltop Ski Area, 7015 Abbott Road, Anchorage
Arctic Valley Ski Area, Mile 7 Arctic Valley Road, Anchorage
Eyak Ski Area, #1 Ski Hill Road, Cordova
Ski Land, 2315 Ski Land Road, Fairbanks
Moose Mountain, Moose Mountain Road, Fairbanks
Birch Hill Ski and Snowboard Area, Building 1172, Fort Wainwright
Eaglecrest Ski Area, 3000 Fish Creek Road, Juneau
Alyeska, 1000 Arlberg Avenue, Girdwood
Where can I hike in Alaska?
If a winter hiking expedition inspires you, there are plenty more trails to explore in Alaska all year round. Check out these beautiful hiking spots in Alaska.
