Spring Skiing in Eastern Alaska - Ultimate 5 Day Family Friendly Road

A long lost bucket list trip came to full fruition over a hunch and 18hrs notice. "Should we bring our skis?" "Yes." Absolutely yes, it's the only acceptable answer. De-planing in Anchorage, we picked up the Turo truck and hit the road for Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve with an internet dump of info clinging to our thoughts and a paper map from the Visitors booth at the Ted Stevens Intl. Airport. No real plan other than the main mission of- get to McCarthy and go beyond to see the historic and monumental Kennecott Mine.

Spring skiing can be really variable, but being prepared and enjoying what's available made this adventure feel like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, yet also one that was totally doable and one I plan to repeat, especially with kids!

Day 1 Anchorage to Glennallen

3-4 hours of driving if you're casual about it, maybe stopping in Palmer to hit the grocery store for snacks and supplies. This is the last place to have a selection of supplies.
Overnight at the Star Gazer Yurt, a glamp in Glennallen. Bring layers!

Day 2 Glennallen to McCarthy

4-5 hours of driving.
Stop off at Kuskulana Bridge.
Stay at Ma Johnsons.

Plan a full stop at the iconic Kuskulana Bridge. Seriously, pull the car over after crossing it! Follow the trail below and a footbridge lies beneath. 238ft above a huge gorge. Built by the ol' boys back in 1910 for a railroad. Long after, the State tore up the track and laid wood plank for single lane vehicle traffic, it had no guardrail until the 80's. Could you imagine?! No.

This eventual dirt road dead ends at the McCarthy foot bridge where you pay to overnight park your car. You can also camp there too. Cross the foot bridge and you're less than a half mile walk into town. Leave whatever you don't need in the car! Spend the night at Ma Johnson's (a historic hotel and lodge) and get to know the town. A convenient store with baked goods, two restaurants, a bar, a weed shop, museum, everything you need!

McCarthy serves as an adventure base with flight seeing tours, drop offs, and more by several flight services. Imagine a two hour flight to go see Mount St. Elias up close! In summer and fall months, you could hike endlessly, exploring the various mining claims above the Kennecott Mine. Or skip along the Roots glacier to swimming lakes above.

*Funny side note- The majority of the staff is not from Alaska. I overheard a conversation between the van driver and another hotel worker, "Have you been bit yet?" Referring to a mosquito! Ha! What?! It was so silly! The Alaskans were the tourists it felt at times, so it was a bit of a trip.

Day 3 McCarthy to Kennecott Mine

5 miles, several shuttles are available on repeat.
Explore Kennecott Mine, this can be self guided or guided.
Stay at the Kennicott Glacier Lodge.
Ski - Tour up the Bonanza Mine Road and enjoy insane views of the Kennecott Glacier with chill turns.

Take time to explore this well preserved historic site. You'll learn of its monumental mark, its story of determination, ingenuity, and true grit. It also helps to get a grasp on the size of country you're in and how far you can really go!

Spend the night at the Kennicott Glacier Lodge and be completely taken care of. You'll love its homey feel. In the evenings you have the mines to yourself when everyone else is shuttled away. A coursed dinner, breakfast and a sack lunch was the best surprise to have in such a remote corner of the world.

The routes above Kennecott offer incredible views of the Root Glacier, Kennecott Glacier, Stairway Icefall, and the surrounding Wrangell St. Elias Mountains including Mount Blackburn, a stunning 12,000ft peak. Incredible hiking during summer months, but we caught it early in spring so loads of skiing!

For families, there are plenty of lower-angle ski touring options. More experienced skiers can push higher and steeper depending on conditions.

Day 4 Kennecott Mine to Thompson Pass

4 hours of driving.
Ski - Pull off at Thompson Pass, you might find a few skin tracks to follow! Easy to moderate terrain with advanced beyond into infinity.
Keystone Canyon.

After leaving Kennecott, we headed south toward Valdez. For skiers, Thompson Pass needs little introduction, and for this trip, it had the best snow! Massive annual snowfall, huge terrain, and endless touring opportunities make it one of the premier ski destinations in North America, incredible views over the Chugach Mountains.

After earning our turns, we dropped into Valdez for a well-deserved pizza at Mike’s Palace. Then doubled back to Palmer. This makes for a long day so if you've got time, overnight in Valdez. This pit stop is worth it for Keystone Canyon and the relaxed vibes of Valdez.

Day 5 Valdez to Palmer and Hatcher Pass

4-5 hours of driving.
Stay at an AirBnB in Palmer.
Ski - Tour in any direction.

Waking up in Palmer sets the day up for plenty of time to go skiing in Hatcher Pass and make it to the airport by the afternoon.

Hatcher Pass is one big play ground! One of the most family-friendly ski touring zones in Alaska. Gentle terrain, historic mining ruins, and easy access allow families to get into the mountains without committing to a major expedition. Ski over to Independence Mine, or find steeper lines the further you go.

In less than a week you can experience: