Hillside Park Nordic Skiing Trails

Mountain Foothills Nordic Skiing Adventure

You'll find Anchorage's most challenging and rewarding Nordic skiing at Hillside Park, where 25+ kilometers of groomed trails wind through mountain foothills between Service High School and Chugach State Park. These wooded, hilly trails offer everything from gentle loops for beginners to the steepest climbs in the city for experienced skiers.

Trail Difficulty & Options

Spencer Loop: The city's biggest climb challenge - you'll feel your legs burn as you tackle Anchorage's most strenuous Nordic terrain. This trail rewards advanced skiers with incredible mountain views and serious elevation gain.

Randy's Loop: A gentler introduction near Service High School stadium that's perfect when you're building endurance or showing newcomers the sport. The mild terrain lets you focus on technique without extreme elevation changes.

Night Skiing: Eight kilometers of lighted trails mean you can ski after work during Alaska's long winter nights. The illuminated mountain trails create an almost magical atmosphere you won't find at urban trail systems.

Access & Getting There

Best Parking: Drive one mile east of Service High School (7011 Abbott Road) to the main trailhead parking area. This puts you closest to the trail network center with easy access to all difficulty levels.

Alternative Access: Park at Hilltop Ski Area's north end if the main lot's full. It's just one block further east and connects to the same trail system.

Trail Maintenance & Conditions

The Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage (NSAA) maintains these trails with regular grooming throughout the ski season. You'll experience professionally maintained tracks that rival destination ski resorts, right in your backyard. The 5.5-kilometer multi-use corridor connects into Anchorage's extensive cross-city skiing network.