Glenn Highway Scenic Byway -- Cross Country Skiing

Go Cross-Country Skiing

Winter on the Glenn Highway doesn't mean hibernating indoors! Get out and enjoy some of the best cross-country ski trails in the state, from Anchorage to the very end of this scenic byway, and everywhere in between.
Cross-country skiing opportunities abound off the Glenn
Kincaid Park: Anchorage has several excellent ski trails, but the trails at Kincaid Park are by far some of the best. Located in South Anchorage off Raspberry Road, this park has over 60km of trails, 20km of which are lighted for winter activities. You can also access the Coastal Trail from here. More information regarding park hours and directions can be found at www.muni.org/parks/parkdistrictsw.cfm.

Beach Lake: Just outside Eagle River and along the Glenn is Beach Lake trail system. Take the South Birchwood exit off the Glenn and take a left past Chugiak High school. Just past the high school on the left, you will see a small chalet and parking. There are over 15k of trails for every skill level. Much of the system is lighted and it is groomed regularly.

Eklutna Lake: Take the Eklutna exit at Mile 26 of the Glenn Highway and drive back approximately 10 miles to Eklutna Lake. There are 12 miles of easy ski trails around the lake.

Hatcher Pass: Cross-country skiers returning to their cabin The Hatcher Pass area is a very popular winter recreation spot for skiers and snowboarders. Driving the Glenn, take the Fishhook Road/Hatcher Pass exit at Mile 49.5. The ski area parking lot is located at Mile 10.6. There are miles of groomed trails, some of which ascend as high as 4,000 feet in the Gold Cord Bowl. This area is used as a winter training spot for the U.S. Cross-Country Ski Team.

Sheep Mountain: Sheep Mountain is located at Mile 113 of the Glenn. The lodge here offers winter accommodations for skiers and snowmachiners. The lodge is open on weekends through the winter, and there are more than 12 miles of groomed trails, as well as endless backcountry skiing opportunities.