If you see buses carrying skiers and ski racks of skis up a ski hill instead of chair lifts, you will know you are at Moose Mountain!
Just outside of Fairbanks, Alaska, this ski area seems smallish until you discover it has 35 trails and good snow with over 1,200 feet of vertical. Although most people don't think of skiing in Alaska during its frigidly cold winters, they make their way to Moose Mountain because it is known for facing south and thereby hosting temperatures 20 to 30 degrees warmer than anywhere nearby. Taking the ten-minute ride to the top on the bus also gives you time to warm up.
You really feel far away and in the wilderness when you read the names of the runs. Most of them are about bears or moose. Bear Bowl. Baby bear. Brother bear. Way bear. Grizzly Gulch! Moose Mountain fits the bill for a real Alaskan ski vacation.
Most of the trails are geared towards expert skiers, there are about a third of the trails suitable for intermediate skiers, and Moose Meadow is gentle enough for beginners to learn how to ski and practice their turns. Most of the runs are very well groomed.
Tickets are affordable at about $35 a day and on Fridays are discounted.
Moose Mountain Lodge is quite small but a pretty log building that is warm and comfortable. There is also a terrain park at Moose Mountain and over five miles of cross country ski trails.
If you are vacationing in Fairbanks, then skiing Moose Mountain is a great way to spend your weekend because it is only open for skiing on weekends---giving you the rest of your vacation days for other activities.
The best idea if you ski Moose Mountain is to stay in Fairbanks where there is a wide variety of accommodations at all price levels. Pike's Waterfront Lodge sits along the Chena River and has a rustic feel to it. A Moose In The Garden B&B is a lovely log cabin with great views and comes with a home cooked breakfast. And the Anschen Log House is well liked for its charm, location, authentic log cabin feel, hospitality and delicious home cooked breakfasts. All of the above would fit in perfectly with a ski-oriented vacation in Alaska.
As long as you are in Fairbanks there are a few things you should take time out to do. One is to visit Running Deer Ranch. You have to call ahead to reserve your spot to walk with the reindeer on the ranch. Where else can you do that?! Then, make your way to the Wedgewood Resort to take a look at the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum of over 74 antique autos.
The University of Alaska is nearby, so you can also visit their museum which features the history of gold mining and the natural history of Alaska. For a fun totally touristy thing to do while you are in Fairbanks you can't miss taking a whirl through the El Dorado Gold Mine for its tour, train ride, and panning for gold.
