Image of Arctic Valley Ski Area
Arctic Valley Ski Area will open to skiers and snowboarders this Saturday for the first time this winter. Following a rough start to the season and with many ski areas already closing for the season the Alaskan ski area will most likely be the last and final ski resort to open for the 2014-2015 ski season.
“Although we do have good coverage, it is early-season conditions so there are many unmarked obstacles including rocks, bushes, tundra, squirrels, etc.,” warned Arctic Valley’s Facebook page.
The base of Arctic Valley is at 2,500 feet, with surrounding mountains rising to about 4,000 feet. Lift prices are $35 for adults, $30 for students, seniors and military members and $15 for children under 13 — prices significantly less than those at Alyeska Resort in Girdwood.
In the past, Arctic Valley has opened as late as mid-February.
“A late season opening does have an effect on us,” said John Koltun, president of the Anchorage Ski Club, which operates Arctic Valley. “A substantial amount of our money comes from lift tickets.”
“We have a niche of the type of people we attract. We can’t do a lot of grooming like Alyeska, but we can have really good snow. It’s more of an intermediate to advanced ski area, and backcountry skiers coming up to practice a lot and use our lift.”