| Alaska. The very name sends a chill down the | | | | the North America population means that lift lines |
| spine of most skiers and snowboarder. Famed for | | | | are rarely an issue, and you're likely to have |
| the extremely steep terrain, this American state | | | | plenty of space to yourself once you're on the hill. |
| is know for being the territory of the most | | | | Alyeska, is Alaska's premier ski resort and was |
| experienced skiers and snowboarders in the world. | | | | recently voted as one of the top 25 ski resorts in |
| The steep, sharp tooth-like mountains of Alaska | | | | North America by Ski Magazine. In contrast to |
| are unmistakable. Every year the snow sports | | | | Alaska's expert only reputation, Alyeska is known |
| press run pictures of skiers of snowboarders that | | | | for offering territory of all activities and is popular |
| resemble ants as they riding down these | | | | with families. With an average snowfall of more |
| awesome mountains, chancing their lives away, | | | | than 631 inches (16 meters!) it likely to be some |
| and illustrating the size and remoteness of the | | | | time before Global warming starts to affect in |
| Alaskan ranges. | | | | Alaska, and with its northerly latitude, the winter is |
| Alaska has a handful of ski resorts such as | | | | long - starting in mid November and continuing until |
| Alyeska, Mount Eyak Ski Area, and Mount Aurora | | | | April and even longer if conditions permit. There |
| SkiLand (home to the most northerly chairlift in | | | | are 1400 acres of ski-able terrain, all served by 9 |
| North America!) but it's the big, backcountry | | | | lifts and have a capacity of 10335 skiers per hour. |
| descents on the steep mountains with weightless | | | | There is some accommodation in Alyeska itself, |
| powder snow, which is Alaska's main draw. Some | | | | but if you prefer greater choice and more nightlife |
| of the most dangerous first descents in the world | | | | in a city environment, there are a range of hotels |
| have been made in Alaska; it's a land of heli-skiing, | | | | in Anchorage, which, at just 40 miles away, |
| hiking, and backcountry snow sports. | | | | makes a day trip perfectly feasible. |
| Alaska still has very much a frontier feel; its ski | | | | But, if you fancy heading north to Alaska for a |
| areas are yet to become heavily commercialised | | | | ski or snowboard trip, remember to bring your |
| as other resorts in North America have. The fact | | | | thermals. Alaska snow is the coldest in the USA, |
| that Alaska is a long way from the majority of | | | | but that's what keeps the powder so fresh. |