Alaska Outdoor Reports

Archangel Road, Hatcher Pass Today 10AM by Rebecca Shaffer

Skjored at 8:30 am. 42 degrees at the parking lot. The road is freshly groomed and not the least bit icy. Fresh snow, with corduroy. Base is slightly soft. Here's hoping foot traffic stays to the edges. Potential for deep holes and ruts will grow as the day goes on. Flat light but amazing ski. Also, Hatcher Pass Road is dry and clear.

Archangel Road Yesterday 11PM by ZackS

Ran the groomer over Archangel Rd to the bridge late Sat night. Re-set both sets of tracks and the skate lane on top of the fresh snow. It should make for a great Easter ski on Sunday! Support grooming by the Mat-Su Ski Club

Hillside Yesterday 11AM by Ben Arians

Remarkably decent skate skiing at Hillside today, NSAA snow machine packed the entire system (maybe not the BLM? ), and despite some ruts, it was quite good after last night's freeze. Thanks to NSAA for that, there was a pretty good number of people out enjoying the snow and sun. Spring skiing is back on!

Archangel Road Friday 11PM by Jerry Hupp

Mat-Su Ski Club packed the non-motorized section of Archangel Road on Friday evening. Probably will be a bit soft for fat bikes and walkers, but ok for skiing. Support grooming by the Mat-Su Ski Club

Hillside Friday 4PM by Alison Arians

Thank you, NSAA, for grooming the Hillside trails today!!! Several laps of a snowmachine packed the lighted loop nicely. The classic skiing was lovely, and skating would be great, too!!

Glen Alps Friday 1PM by cavalley

Skied Powerline as some earlier poster suggested and I was so happy I did. Worth the effort of a very thick and slushy drive up. I had a fantastic time, lots of fresh snow and sun shining nearly the entire time, definitely got lucky with my timing!

Archangel Road Friday 12PM by Jeffkase

For some reason last nights post did not show up? Anyway. 8â heavy snow at AA. Packed the road to the bridge parking lot. Snow began to fall as I left last night

Hillside Friday 9AM by Skijoring Ladybugs

One foot of fresh snow (and still lightly falling) at 1000' bodes well for higher elevations. The new snow is drier/lighter than yesterday's glop, so skiing should be near April-epic.

Eklutna Lake Thursday 6PM by Gailyn

Anyone know what Eklutna is like right now? Skiable at all?

Glen Alps Thursday 2PM by Chris Hellmann

Donât put the XC skis away yet. There was about a foot of snow this afternoon on the Powerline trail.

Archangel Road Thursday 9AM by Jeff Kase

Due to the large spring snow fall we just received we are unable to groom midweek but will (try) have the trails groomed for the weekend.

Hillside Wednesday 12PM by Julian Mason

The trails are soggy wet from winter snow melt and current rain and snow. A few selfish bikers have made big ruts. Enthusiasm for damaging the trails may be reduced by the large number of black bear tracks on top of the new snow.

Rabbit Creek Valley Tuesday 9AM by Awayne eski

Started a little late around 9:30am. First half mile or so the trail has little snow, but after that the crust riding was quite good all the way to the lake. Very few people. The crust got softer as you approach the lake, so stayed on the hiking trail that last section, but majority of valley crust was still firm and rideable as we rode out between 11am-noon.

Far North Bicentennial Park Monday 8AM by Andesite

Does anyone know if Far North trails are dry enough for running and relatively free of ice/mud/lake-sized puddles?

Archangel Road Sunday Apr 14 by Zack S

Ran the groomer over the non-motorized trail from the parking lot to the bridge Sunday night. Very hard packed base with recycled corn on top. Did not re-set the two pair of deep tracks since they were holding up fine. Crust skiing was OK (not great) this morning. Should be good for another week at Archangel, then time to hang the skiis or go high. For groomer skating at Archangel, best to time your arrival between morning hard freeze and late afternoon melt - sometime 11a-4p depending on daily temps. Support grooming by the Mat-Su Ski Club

Archangel Road Sunday Apr 14 by Erin

Skied out of the Snowbird hut, and found a Salomon running shoe right before getting down into the Reed Lakes valley. Left it at the Archangel trailhead if it's yours! Skating out the road was slushy but still holding up ok.

Kincaid Park Sunday Apr 14 by Zach H.

Kincaid bike trail was basically all clear except a couple small spots of ice/snow. The coastal trail had a lot more snow and icy spots but they were easy to roll over even with a road bike. It was early in the day so it may be better or worse once itâs warmed up a bit. It was no problem really, just slowed ya down a bit. Riding again tomorrow.

Turnagain Arm Trail Sunday Apr 14 by KO

Hiked from McHugh to Potter and back. Some mud and slick trail spots on the McHugh end, all within the first 1/4 mile to 1/2 mile of the trail. Otherwise trail conditions are very good. Lots of people on the trail this weekend.

Bird to Gird Trail Saturday Apr 13 by Tracy

I found one glove on the trail today. I left it by the fee collection box at the first parking lot near Indian where the paved trail starts. Photo of glove will be posted on FB.

Kenai Lake Rest Stop Saturday Apr 13 by pH

Anyone been over to Gull Rock? Is trail clear, icy, full of blow-down?? Thanks.

Archangel Road Friday Apr 12 by Ashley Wise

Groomed the non-motorized section tonight. The road is in great shape with 2 new inches of snow. Fresh corduroy and the classic track is in great shape. Support grooming by the Mat-Su Ski Club

Archangel Road Friday Apr 12 by Randal Bladel

Did Archangel and / or the Independence Mine trails get snow? If so, will either one be groomed for skiing tomorrow? Thanks.

Campbell Creek Trail Thursday Apr 11 by TC

Campbell Creek trail from Elmore to the Seward Hwy still has a few long patches ice. It is particularly bad between the Campbell Creek bridge and Lake Otis (adjacent to the public park and playground). There is evidence of the muni chipping up some of the stretches, but sadly this trail has not seen the same degree of ice clearing as Chester Creek trail.

Bean Creek Thursday Apr 11 by Heidi

Cody, Two weeks ago (March 30), Bean Creek trail was about 60% mud and 40% ice. Walking was the only available travel mode.

Chester Creek Trail Wednesday Apr 10 by John

What differenced couple of days and more plowing make! The trail is essentially clear and the tiny amounts remaining mostly near the Russian Jack end don't have long on a day like this. Thanks to folks at the Muni for staying on this. One of the trail's regulars said that it was now time to get the tricycle out.

South Resurrection Pass Trail Wednesday Apr 10 by cody

Anyone know the conditions on South Resurrection Pass trail? Wondering if skiing or walking is the best travel mode these days from Bean creek. Thanks.

Chester Creek Trail Wednesday Apr 10 by Bike commuter

I wanted to thank the Muni and possibly APU staff for the amazing job of clearing the trails this spring. Your work over the last two weeks was noticed and appreciated. Thanks you!

Archangel Road Wednesday Apr 10 by Chris Jones

MSSC groomed the non-motorized section for skate and classic. Skate lanes are good. Classic tracks ruddy but ski-able. Lotsa fat tires on the crust havin fun, it's bullet proof solid in the am, but getting a little bumpy for skating. Support Mat-Su Ski Club. Donate!

Archangel Road Tuesday Apr 9 by Mindy

Great crust skiing along Archangel Road

Chester Creek Trail Monday Apr 8 by John

Possibly a little less ice than reported on Friday, but still lots of it in the shady spots although the Muni has done some plowing and sweeping. It doesn't look like it's going to be gone before at least a few more days.

Independence Mine Monday Apr 8 by Bob

Groomed trails were very nice at midday for skating. Crust skiing good until early afternoon, a bit soft by 2 or 3.

Archangel Road Monday Apr 8 by Ed Strabel

MSSC regroomed Archangel for Skating and Classic. Excellent condition for Skating - "Fast" and good edging. The Classic tracks are fair to good.

Neighborhood streets Sunday Apr 7 by Alan S

Ship Creek multi-use Trail, Anchorage Port area

No snow. Some melty puddles.

Hatcher Pass Sunday Apr 7 by Gary

Skied up Gold Mint Trail again. The crust is good, likely for a few more days if it gets cold. The further you go the better it gets. Left the trail after about a mile. Glorious day of crust up there. Perfect 10 after about 2 miles.

Hatcher Pass Sunday Apr 7 by Dave

Found a tripod on Gold Mint today. Call me at (907) 229-7969 to claim it.

Hillside Singletrack Trails Sunday Apr 7 by Julian Mason

Original STA trails, new STA trails, and ski trails are a delightful mix of water ice, crunchy snow, and mud. Time to stop riding to avoid making more ruts. Walkers can help by mashing mud back into ruts.Found loppers on The Hive. Post to claim.

Eklutna Lake Sunday Apr 7 by Chris J

Trail is 99% snow free and firm. Encounter snow after mile 8 or so, small patches you can ride or avoid. Went as far as Kanchee Campground (mile 9.5), but I'm sure it's ridable even after that. ATVs are allowed now, Sun-Wed. Lake still has ice, not sure on thickness but I wouldn't trust it.

Independence Mine Sunday Apr 7 by wayne

Dust on crust! Off trail is ski-able, but sunnier slopes got pretty soft around 2PM. Trails up and around the mine are solid, all the mountain trails are ski-able. Looked like road to Hatcher Pass had been groomed recently

Resurrection Pass Sunday Apr 7 by joy

Hiked to Romig cabin. Was muddy, icy and snowy. Not skiable. We wished we had brought traction for all the ice but they probably would've gotten lost in the mud....

Turnagain Arm Trail Saturday Apr 6 by Travis P

Ran from Potter's Marsh to McHugh Trailhead and back. Conditions are like summer, with some well setup muddy spots in the usual places. No snow or ice to speak of, and lots of people on the trail today.

Hatcher Pass Saturday Apr 6 by Gary

crust skied the Gold Mint trail Saturday. The first few miles are on a pockmarked trail, but the crust is decent up the valley. It is a little tricky, but the crust was bomber, people were biking it too. Might go back again, as there is so little snow elsewhere this season.

Archangel Road Saturday Apr 6 by Jeff

Groomed up to the gate in prep for the OUthouse race. Support grooming by the Mat-Su Ski Club

Near Point Friday Apr 5 by Joel

From Bashar Trailhead. A fair bit of snow, ice, and mud, but not bad overall. We did it in running shoes. Ice patches on the way down can be tricky.

Chester Creek Trail Friday Apr 5 by John

Alternating ice and dry pavement with black ice in parts in the cool mornings. During the afternoon the ice has a coat of water. Bikes with studs, even road bikes with studs OK, walkers and runners exercise caution.

Archangel Road Thursday Apr 4 by Ed Strabel

Mat-Su Ski Club re-groomed Archangel Rd for classic and skating. Skate lane smooth and fast classic tracks are thin. NO WIND! Hard freeze last night. Bomb proof crust this AM.

Archangel Road Thursday Apr 4 by Ed Strabel

Forgot to add that the Race to the Uut House, (Number 2) will be held at Archangel Rd Saturday AM . Registration at 9:30 AM (FREE). 7 KM, but skis like a 10 K because of the 750 climb to the finish line at the outhouse. Skate division starts at 10:30. Classic division starts at 10:31. Go crust skiing after the race back down to your car.

Bird to Gird Trail Wednesday Apr 3 by Julian Mason

Clear, except for easy to pass odds and ends of snow. Sunshine is dangerous. Take and apply sunscreen.

Kincaid Park Wednesday Apr 3 by Ethan D Laufer

General report for all but specifically want to address trail sharing issue at Kincaid Bluff. For decades bikers like myself have been riding the bluff trail in the early season because it gets dry first and is a spectacular trail. I have been hiking/running and biking that trail since I was about 8. I'm 50 now. I have ridden the trail twice this season, most recently last night. It did not disappoint. However, both times I rode the trail I encountered hikers that informed me that I was not allowed to ride the trail and that bikers ruin the trail. I may have lost my cool some and if you are that hiker I sincerely apologize. To be clear. Unless otherwise stated our trails are multi-use. We SHARE. We all enjoy the great trails in Anchorage. I am an avid nordic skiier and have encountered hikers on the ski trails, trails that are user funded and truly off-limits to hikers. I am a fat-biker and have encountered trails truly ruined by hikers. Last night was the first time I've had a negative interaction with a hiker over trail use. I hope it is the last. I challenge the notion that bikers ruin the bluff trail (the recent earthquake is a different matter). Sharing is good.

Bird to Gird Trail Wednesday Apr 3 by David h Pahlke

only one patch of snow sat probably gone now, parking at ball field is closed park at campground

Kincaid Park Wednesday Apr 3 by MOA Nordic Map

NSAA groomed Jodhpur Loop - water, ice, dirt and thin spots. Last day of grooming - Yes. Support grooming by the Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage