ANCHORAGE, Alaska—
Southcentral Alaska snowfall is producing deep powder across the region, which makes the drive to nearby ski areas more difficult -- but the skiing when people get there that much more worth it.Alyeska Resort said it had clear conditions and good skiing in its ski report Friday. Night skiing until 9 p.m. is open Thursday through Saturday and continues through Mar. 24.
• Temperatures of 9, 5 and 2 degrees were reported at the base, middle and top of the mountain, which had 50, 94 and 118 inches of snow respectively. The mountain received about nine inches of new snow Friday.
• Winds were blowing from zero to 5 mph with excellent visibility and clear conditions.
• Chairlifts were open until 5:30 p.m. During night skiing lifts will operate until 9 p.m., with the exception of Chair 1 and the tram, which close at 8:30 p.m.
Hilltop Ski Area is open seven days a week, including 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
• Temperatures were reported at 8 degrees with partly cloudy skies and light winds.
• All runs at the ski area are currently open, except Ram’s Head.
• About 1.5 inches of new snow are reported, with trails groomed.
Arctic Valley Ski Area is now open for weekend hours, including 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday. Half-days are expected to start shortly, beginning at 3 p.m. each day.
No new temperature data was available for Arctic Valley Friday, but the ski area’s website says its new Tube Park for inner tubes will be opening Saturday. The park has two two-hour sessions planned from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., with each session costing $12; Anchorage Ski Club members are eligible for a discount.
The ski area pays the military to maintain the six-mile-long Arctic Valley Road and charges a use fee to drive it, either $5 per vehicle or $25 for a season pass. Buses and commercial vehicles pay $2 per passenger.
For more information, you can visit the ski areas’ websites or call their snow hotlines:
Alyeska Resort, 907-754-7669
Hilltop Ski Area, 907-346-2167
Arctic Valley Ski Area, 907-428-1208
