Float Over Winter: A Beginner’s Snowshoeing Adventure in Alaska’s Glen Alps
Gentle miles, big views, and a winter skill you’ll use for life.
The first step off the packed trail sounds like a whisper—snow settling, pleased you’ve chosen the soft line. Anchorage spreads below like a luminous blueprint, the Cook Inlet silvering under the weak sun while the Chugach Mountains rise with the quiet assurance of old stone. Glen Alps invites you forward, the wind offering a cool nudge, the hemlocks lifting icy shoulders as you pass. Snowshoes splay and catch, then float; within minutes, your stride finds rhythm. The landscape approves.
Trail Wisdom
Layer for movement, not bulk
Wear a wicking base, insulating midlayer, and a breathable shell. Avoid cotton—once it’s wet, it stays cold.
Boots matter more than you think
Choose waterproof, insulated boots with good ankle support to keep feet warm and stable in uneven snow.
Give moose the right-of-way
Keep at least 50 yards from moose and never step between a cow and calf. If ears pin back, you’re too close.
Fight glare and wind
Bring sunglasses and a buff or balaclava—low winter sun and breeze can be harsh on exposed faces.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Short detour to the Glen Alps overlook for a wide-angle view of Anchorage and Cook Inlet
- •Powerline Pass viewpoint just beyond the main loop for big-valley scale on clear days
Wildlife
Moose, Willow ptarmigan
Conservation Note
Stay on established winter routes to protect fragile vegetation and the subnivean world beneath the snowpack. Give wildlife ample space and pack out all waste.
Chugach State Park was established in 1970 and spans roughly 495,000 acres; nearby Flattop is Alaska’s most-climbed peak.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Longer daylight, Shoulder-season wildlife sightings
Challenges: Breakup slush, Icy sections, Unpredictable snowpack
Late spring can deliver variable conditions—some snowshoeable patches, some mud. Expect mixed traction and dress for wet snow.
summer
Best for: Panoramic hiking, Wildflower viewing
Challenges: Mosquitoes, Crowds at trailhead
Snowshoes retire, but Glen Alps shines for hiking with nearly endless daylight and broad views over Anchorage.
fall
Best for: Crisp air and early snow dustings, Low-angle photography
Challenges: Icy mornings, Rapid weather changes
A transitional season with a chance of first snow. Trails can be slick—microspikes may be helpful before deep snow returns.
winter
Best for: Snowshoeing, Clear, cold vistas
Challenges: Short daylight, Cold temps and wind, Icy access road
Prime time for this tour. Dress warm, start on time, and expect firm, packed routes after cold spells.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Waterproof Insulated BootsEssential
Keeps feet warm and dry while providing ankle support on uneven snowy terrain.
Synthetic/Wool Base LayersEssential
Wicks sweat and maintains warmth without trapping moisture against your skin.
Warm, Waterproof GlovesEssential
Protects hands from wind and snow while allowing dexterity for poles and camera.
Sunglasses with UV Protection
Snow glare is intense—even on overcast days—so eye protection makes the day more comfortable.
Common Questions
Do I need prior snowshoeing experience?
No. This tour is designed for beginners; your guide will coach you through the basics and set a comfortable pace.
What’s included in the tour price?
Snowshoes, trekking poles, a prepacked snack, and a professional naturalist guide. Transportation is included for non-private bookings from the Egan Center; private bookings include Anchorage pickup.
What if there isn’t enough snow?
If conditions don’t allow snowshoeing, the tour shifts to a winter hike or you can opt for a full refund—decided the morning of your tour.
How difficult is the route?
Plan for about 2.5 miles and 400 feet of elevation gain. It’s easy for some and moderate for others, with short hills on packed snow.
What if I’m the only person booked?
There’s a two-person minimum. If you’re solo, you can switch dates, upgrade to a private tour, or receive a full refund.
Is there an age minimum?
Yes—participants should be 8 years or older and able to walk steadily on snowy, uneven terrain.
What to Pack
Insulated waterproof boots (warm, dry feet make or break winter outings); Wool or synthetic base layers (stay warm even if you sweat); Sunglasses and sunscreen (snow glare can be intense even on cloudy days); Thermos with a hot drink (quick warmth and morale boost during breaks).
Did You Know
At roughly 495,000 acres, Chugach State Park is one of the largest state parks in the United States, and nearby Flattop Mountain is considered Alaska’s most-climbed peak.
Quick Travel Tips
Check road conditions to Glen Alps—winter tires are strongly recommended; Morning tours often bring calmer winds and clearer views; If meeting at the trailhead, bring a card for the Chugach State Park day-use fee; Daylight is limited in mid-winter—arrive early and carry a small headlamp just in case.
Local Flavor
Warm up back in Anchorage with a slice and a pint at Moose’s Tooth Pub & Pizzeria or sample small-batch ales at Anchorage Brewing Company. For a hearty Alaskan plate, Spenard Roadhouse delivers comfort with flair, while Glacier Brewhouse offers halibut and wood-fired fare that tastes like the North.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC). Trailhead: Glen Alps/Flattop parking area, ~30 minutes from downtown Anchorage. Cell service: Spotty to fair at the trailhead, limited on trail. Permits/fees: Chugach State Park day-use parking fee if you self-drive; guided trips bundle logistics and safety.
Sustainability Note
Travel on packed routes to protect winter vegetation and the hidden subnivean ecosystem. Keep 50+ yards from moose, use reusable bottles, and pack out every wrapper—winter hides litter that reappears in spring.
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