Reviewed by: Old School, DoubleDiamond, from Chugiak, Alaska
Summary: Hmmmm.... when I first came Alaska in 1982 I immediately went skiing at Alyeska. Boy, was I bummed. Having come from Tahoe and Utah, I just couldn't deal with the tiny mountain and poor snow quality. I quit skiing all together.
I got back into it in the late 80's again for a couple of years, but still didn't really like Alyeska, mainly because the snow always sucked or it was freezing butt cold.
I started skiing again a couple of years ago and I have enjoyed it much more. One reason is the newer skis. They really tame the wet heavy snow that I seemed to always find myself doing face plants in before. I never was willing to stick with it long enough to become proficient in impossible snow conditions like some of the locals. Let me tell you... there are some very good crud/pow skiers here.
I still think someone needs to teach the groomers how to run a machine. They always seem to start the job but never finish it, and I've never seen a machine policing up during the day.
The views are fantastic if you can actually see through the fog and clouds.
I would not recommend planning a trip here unless the snow sucks everywhere else. Most serious skiers that I know fly to the lower 48 for their ski vacations. That should tell you something. Go to Whistler, Utah, Tahoe or Colorado.
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Reviewed by: Frosty The Snow Pimp, DoubleDiamond, from Anchorage, AK, USA
Summary: Overall it's a excellent mountain and very challenging to the majority of people. "I'd rather be at Vail." I do sometimes get bored of the lack of new trails, but you can always attempt to brave new jumps and drop offs. And hey, for the price, it's a lot better deal than any other place I've been to so far.
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Reviewed by: AK Snowboarder, DoubleDiamond, from Anchorage, AK, USA
Summary: Alyeska has been named the second most difficult (lift-accessible) mountain in North America. Up here, it's the survival of the fittest . . . Huge cliffs, STEEP terrain, incredible snow, the occasional cloudless day . . . If you're up to the challenge, go for it. It's got about three or four good "family" (ie: green circle) runs (although VERY short), so it might be better to take the kids to Hilltop in Anchorage if you're looking for some easier terrain . . . Probably one of the best resorts out there 75% of the time . . . the other 25% is either very close to that good or hovering around 4/5 stars . . .
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