Hilltop Ski Area - Anchorage, Alaska

Address:Girdwood, Alaska
Tel: (907) 346-1446

Hilltop Ski Area is owned by a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering youth programs by providing children's programs on the snow. Just ten minutes away from the city of Anchorage, Hilltop is located conveniently and has a family feeling to it. Top it off with the staggering amount of programs dedicated to children between ages 2 to 16 years and you have a great family vacation spot!

With their season running from November to April, and open seven days a week, patrons can have a great time any time. Twilight skiing, available from 3pm to 9pm Monday through Thursday, allows families to come together, while those looking for an all day adventure can come on Saturdays and Sundays from 9am to 9pm and ski or ride their heart out.

Three lifts climb up the mountain which has 10 different skill leveled trails with five beginner cruising lanes, two intermediate slopes, and three diamond trails to challenge any rider. Hilltop's smaller summit of 894 feet may not be the largest in the area, but its 75km of groomed cross and back country trails more than make up for the lack in elevation. Snowboarders have a halfpipe as well as a small terrain park all to themselves, complete with rails and jumps to help make the terrain more challenging. There is also an adjacent ski jumping flume that will get your blood racing as you plunge down the slide and shoot up into the air. However, it should be noted that an extra fee is required for the flume as this property is not owned by Hilltop.

Hilltop's focus on fostering connections with children has resulted in a myriad of lessons and programming options for kids. You have the basic learn-to-ski and board lessons for adults and teens of course, but along with that come the "Tiny Turners" program for ages 2 to 5 years, and the 4 to 5 year old "Kinder Ski" kids. Finally, watch out for the "Hot Doggers," aged 6 to 16 years old, as they fly down the mountain with the skill and finesse acquired from expertly qualified onsite instructors.

Make sure to check out the bustling nightlife in Anchorage, home to the famous Iditarod National Dog Sledding race. This race is televised all over the world and garners attention from the media and winter enthusiasts alike. Or check out the various film festivals, art walks on the 1st Friday of the month, movie theaters, or restaurants from all walks and tastes of life. Curl up in national chain hotels or any number of privately owned motels, lodges, or cozy bed and breakfasts.

However you spend your day at Hilltop, rest assured you'll fall asleep like a baby at the end of the day with the sounds of children's' laughter and the scenery of Alaska painting your dreams.

Hilltop offers an exciting after school program called Hotdoggers for kids 6 - 14. We have a beautiful new lodge, snack bar, night skiing, rental shop, terrain park, half pipe and snowmaking facilities. Our ski school offers programs for all ages abilities and we work with Alpine Alternatives to provide ski instructions to those with disabilities.