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LifeAnchorage · January 14, 2026

Arctic Valley almost opens

After weeks of waiting, Arctic Valley Ski Area in Anchorage is finally within reach of opening thanks to a big January snowfall.

Daily Alaska staff · January 14, 2026 · Anchorage

Arctic Valley Ski Area, a non-profit ski hill above Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, is targeting a January 17 opening after nearly 20 inches of fresh January snow.

Tubing is already running at the hill, and crews are working to pack and shape the new snow. Lifts are close to spinning but the hill still needs about one more foot of coverage before they can open safely, which affects when Anchorage families can start skiing there this season.

The storm marks a turnaround after a slow, thin start to winter in the Chugach foothills. Arctic Valley runs lean and volunteer-powered, so snow timing and coverage matter more there than at larger, commercially run areas.

When it opens, Arctic Valley is typically the fastest option for Anchorage families to get in ski laps without driving out to Girdwood.

In this story

Questions people ask

When does Arctic Valley Ski Area open

It's targeting January 17 if conditions cooperate after nearly 20 inches of fresh January snow fell.

How much snow has Arctic Valley gotten

Nearly 20 inches of fresh snow fell in January.

Is anything open at Arctic Valley right now

Yes, tubing is already running while crews prepare the lifts.

What does Arctic Valley still need to open lifts

The hill wants about one more foot of snow before the lifts can spin safely.

Evidence

Sources

Claims and where they come from

  • Arctic Valley Ski Area is targeting a January 17 opening after nearly 20 inches of fresh January snow. · youtube.com
  • Tubing is already running at Arctic Valley while crews prepare for lifts to open. · youtube.com
  • Arctic Valley Ski Area is a non-profit, volunteer-powered hill above Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. · youtube.com

Produced with AI assistance, narrated with Slav Lund's voice clone with his consent, and reviewed by a person before publishing. How we use AI →

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