Cross-country and snowshoeing

The 10-km. Winner Creek trail leaves from Alyeska's base and wanders through woods, across meadows and up and down gentle hills. The trail is not groomed, and locals recommend it for snowshoeing.

Groomed and tracked trails are in the nearby Moose Meadow area—locals will point you there. It's groomed and tracked by a volunteer trails committee. Rental equipment is available at the Hotel Alyeska's rental shop. In spring, you need to wait late enough into the morning for the ice cover to melt. Lessons are not regularly scheduled, so make advance reservations with the ski school by calling 754-2280.

If you are a serious cross-country enthusiast, Anchorage is the place to go. About 115 km. of groomed cross-country trails are in Kincaid, Russian Jack and Far North Bicentennial parks. Kincaid Park is the best developed, with more than 1,500 acres covered by trails for all abilities. The Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage (561-0949; grooming report, 248-6667) maintains the trails, all supported by donations and volunteer labor (Hint: If you use the trails, please make a donation.). NSAA puts out a great map of the trails, printed on a water-resistant paper.