Does Denali Have a Ski Resort?

Denali National Park and Preserve is a vast, rugged, and unpopulated area located in the heart of Alaska. The park is home to Mount Denali, the highest peak in North America, and is also home to a variety of other popular activities, such as camping, hiking, backpacking, wildlife viewing and skiing. Many people flock to Denali each year for its stunning views and unparalleled outdoor experiences.

So does Denali have a ski resort? Unfortunately not.

While the park does have plenty of snow-covered mountains and slopes perfect for skiing or snowboarding, no official resort has been developed within the boundaries of Denali. This is due to the remote location of the park as well as its protected status by the National Park Service.

However, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy skiing and snowboarding in Denali. The nearby town of Healy has several ski hills open during the winter months that offer terrain suitable for all skill levels. Additionally, visitors can access backcountry skiing areas within Denali’s boundaries with a permit from the National Park Service.

For those looking for more amenities than what is available in Healy or on backcountry trips within the park’s boundaries, there are several options located just outside Denali’s borders. Nearby towns like Fairbanks offer full-service ski resorts with groomed trails, lifts and restaurants. There are also various ski tour operators that offer trips into remote areas outside of Denali’s borders where skiers can find untouched powdery slopes.

Conclusion:

Denali does not have an official ski resort located inside its boundaries due to its remote location and protected status by the National Park Service; however there are still plenty of opportunities for skiing or snowboarding within or near the park. Visitors can access local hills in nearby Healy or take trips outside of the park’s borders to fully serviced resorts or untouched backcountry areas.

Photo of author

Chris Powell