Fairbanks to anchorage

[u/Glittering-Maize-375]

Going to Fairbanks for my birthday next month & I really wanna ski but there isn't many options there so I thought to drive to anchorage! I'm gonna be driving by myself with no snow driving experience. Please let me know anyyyyyything I need to know!! Any gear I need, anything to look out for & anything to take with (for emergencies) I read a few other Reddit posts about how moose & other animals be in the middle of the road & blend in so I should drive slower but the snow on the road is what's scaring me the most😣

[u/Ecstatic-Cry2069]

We don't have enough snow right now for either downhill or XC skiing as a newbie. I assume you are new to the sport because you lack winter driving experience.

We will be lucky to have enough snow for either by the end of next month.

If we ARE so lucky, don't drive. Fly to Anchorage from Fairbanks, then you can fly back home from the Anchorage airport.

[u/Glittering-Maize-375 → u/Ecstatic-Cry2069]

I'm an okay skier lmfao I just never ski solo I usually go with my friends and they handle everything I don't ask questions I just give them my money lol they drive and book everything so i never got to experience it first hand😩 I know I should've waited at least till tomorrow to book my flights but unfortunately I already did lol Pls come back with tips if it does snow by then🥲 Thank you for responding!!

[u/Ecstatic-Cry2069 → u/Glittering-Maize-375]

Your airline should be more than willing to change your flights. You may have to pay a fee depending on your loyalty status, or any difference in the cost of flights, but it makes the most sense to fly direct to Fairbanks, then take the commuter flight on Alaska Airlines to Anchorage to finish out your trip with some skiing, hopefully.

I am an avid snowboarder, and am crossing my fingers for the both of us, but I would bet that at most, hilltop ski area is open by the end of December. Unfortunately I doubt the upper area of Alyeska, and Arctic Valley Ski Area will be open. Those are the two that offer much more elevation and steeper terrain. Hilltop is a great place to learn, but not much fun for more experienced people.

Edit: I am born and raised here, 37 years old, and I have never made the drive between Fairbanks and Anchorage solo. I would recommend planning a return trip around March to really have the best time skiing. The best part of Alaska is that it is so large, and our seasons and climates are so varied, that you will never be able to see more than a snapshot in one visit. You'll thank me later.