Winter transforms the Chugach Mountains surrounding Anchorage into a fierce playground of snow and silence. Here, snowshoe and ski routes invite everyone—from casual adventurers to seasoned trailblazers—to engage with a landscape that pushes back with steep climbs and soft, deep drifts. Trails vary in length and difficulty but share one defining characteristic: they challenge you to move thoughtfully through a winter world that’s unapologetically wild.

Start at the Glen Alps Trailhead, where the most accessible path stretches about 3.5 miles round trip with a moderate 900-foot elevation gain. The forest stands thick, branches heavy with snow, as the wind whispers ahead, urging you forward. It’s practical for fresh snowshoeing and cross-country skiing alike, offering steady climbs and open ridges that frame sprawling views of Anchorage below—a reminder of the city’s quiet pulse against the mountain’s steady heart.

For those seeking a longer route, the Winner Creek Trail extends roughly 4 miles with an elevation gain nearing 1,200 feet. The creek, mostly silent under its icy blanket, dares you deeper into the woods where frozen waterfalls glisten and the snow tightens around your boots. This trail combines technical sections with gentler stretches, providing a balanced test of endurance and focus. Skiers will find variable terrain that shifts from groomed paths to untouched powder fields, demanding versatility and a steady pace.

A more demanding option is the Flattop Mountain trail, official yet fiercely itself. The ascent covers 3.3 miles with over 1,400 feet climbed, pushing your stamina and technique. The route climbs through dense spruce, giving way to panoramic ridgelines where clouds skate low, breaking sunlight into shards. The wind here isn’t just a background hum—it commands presence, reminding you that this mountain expects respect.

Safety and preparation remain key. Dress in breathable layers that manage sweat and cold, and carry hydration even when the air feels frigid and dry—the body still loses moisture climbing in winter. Snow boots with insulated waterproofing and either snowshoes or climbing skins are essential to navigate the terrain without sinking, and timing trips for late morning to early afternoon helps avoid frostbite risks during colder dawns and dusks.

Each route shared invites you to a dialogue with the Chugach—whether it’s feeling the crunch of frozen lake edges or testing balance over a narrow, iced-over bridge. These journeys are less about conquering and more about engaging with a landscape fiercely itself, where every step counts and winter’s pulse beats steady underfoot.