There’s nothing like waking up after a snowstorm and seeing a fresh layer of powder begging to be carved into sledding tracks. Anchorage is packed with hills that cater to everyone from thrill‑seekers to toddlers, and as your resident winter fun ambassador, I’ve tried them all. Below are my favorite sledding spots in town along with some hard‑won tips to keep you smiling instead of wiping snow out of your ears. Locations are approximate!
Kincaid Park
Most Anchorage families know Kincaid Park as a cross‑country ski mecca, but the sledding hill near the Outdoor Center is equally legendary. Built from leftover berms of a 1950s missile base, this run drops into a gully and offers sweeping views of Denali on clear days. Lighting along the slope lets you keep riding after sunset, and the nearby chalet offers restrooms and a warm‑up spot when it’s open. Because the hill is so popular, you’ll often find a festive crowd cheering each other on – just watch out for the occasional speed demon.
Russian Jack Springs Park
If you’ve got younger kids or want something a little gentler, the sledding hill behind the chalet at Russian Jack is the ticket. The slope is moderate and padded around light poles to prevent painful run‑ins. There’s lighting for evening sessions and easy access to restrooms when the chalet is open. It’s a great place to introduce beginners to sledding without the steep drop‑offs of more advanced hills. Bring hot cocoa and plan to stay awhile – you might meet half your neighborhood there.
Centennial Park
Head east to Centennial Park for a more rustic sledding experience. This park features a couple of ski‑hill‑like runs carved directly out of the forest. The slopes are unlit, so plan to go during daylight, and bring a headlamp if you’re pushing it toward dusk. The setting feels wilder than some of the in‑town hills, and the runs are long enough to satisfy teens looking for a bit more excitement.
The Arctic Valley “Luge”
Ready for the big leagues? The infamous “Luge” off Arctic Valley Road is an epic sled run that drops nearly 500 feet in less than a mile. It follows an old jeep trail down Joint Base Elmendorf‑Richardson and can take three to five minutes to descend. When conditions are soft and snowy, it’s a scenic cruise through a frosted forest. Once the snow gets packed and icy, it transforms into a rollercoaster of thrills, chills and spills. Families often shuttle sledders to the top and pick them up at the bottom, but kids need to be able to steer and stop on their own – wipe‑outs happen.
My Safety & Comfort Tips
Choose the right sled: A rectangular plastic sled with grooves on the bottom tracks better and cushions bumps when you add a pillow or pad.
Buddy up: Younger kids should ride with an older child or adult until they can steer and stop themselves.
Stay upright: Sit up with your feet forward and hands ready to brake. Skip the head‑first runs – steering with your face is a bad idea.
Consider helmets: When the Luge gets icy, speeds can hit 12–15 mph; helmets can prevent headaches.
Know the road: Arctic Valley Road passes through Joint Base Elmendorf‑Richardson, and the sled run can close for military training. Check the JBER iSportsman site before you go.
Those are my go‑to hills when the snow is fresh and the sled is waxed. Have a favorite sledding spot I missed? Drop a comment below and let me know what hill I should test drive next. Anchorage is full of hidden gems, and I’m always up for adding another run to my winter bucket list.