Winter stay questions
Weather, daylight, driving, the house and the rules.
Is Anchorage worth visiting in winter?
Yes, especially from February to early April. You get reliable snow, four downhill ski areas within two hours, lit cross-country trails in town, dog sledding, snowmachine tours, the northern lights, and Fur Rendezvous and the Iditarod start in early March.
How cold is Anchorage in winter?
Milder than most people expect, thanks to the ocean. January is usually the coldest month, with typical highs in the low 20s °F, lows near 10 °F and occasional cold snaps below zero. The Hillside can run a few degrees colder and snowier than the city below. See the month-by-month highs and lows in our winter guide.
How much daylight is there?
About 5½ hours at the December solstice, about 9 hours by mid-February and nearly 12 by mid-March. Night skiing and lit Nordic trails make good use of the dark afternoons.
How far is Hillside Haven from skiing?
About 15 minutes to Hilltop Ski Area and the Hillside Nordic trails, about 40 minutes to Arctic Valley, about 45 minutes to Alyeska Resort in Girdwood and about 1 hour 45 minutes to Skeetawk at Hatcher Pass.
How far is it from the airport and downtown?
About 20 minutes to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport and about 20 to 25 minutes to downtown. Restaurants and grocery stores are about 8 minutes away.
Do we need a car? Do we need four-wheel drive?
Plan to rent a car at the airport; the Hillside is residential and spread out. Winter is the cheapest time of year to rent in Anchorage (summer is the opposite). All-wheel or four-wheel drive makes Hillside hills and snowy highways easier but isn't required. Main roads are plowed and sanded, and good tires often matter more than AWD.
What happens if the power goes out?
The house keeps running. A backup generator powers the whole house during an outage: heat, lights, Wi-Fi, the kitchen, everything. The house also has in-floor heating and two gas fireplaces.
How many people does the house sleep?
Up to 13 guests in six bedrooms: two kings, a queen, a full and a twin, plus a queen futon in the office and a sofa bed in the TV room. There are three full baths and a half bath. Larger groups may be possible in special circumstances, so please reach out to the hosts.
Is the house good for kids and babies?
Yes. There is a pack 'n play, a high chair, children's books and toys, a kids' table, a TV and play room, and board games and puzzles. Hilltop Ski Area nearby is mostly beginner terrain and lit at night.
Can we see the northern lights from the house?
Possibly on strong nights, from the decks. For the best chance, drive about 15 minutes up to the Glen Alps overlook in Chugach State Park, away from city lights.
Are pets allowed? Can we host an event?
No pets, no smoking, and no parties or events. The primary renter must be at least 25.
Is the house wheelchair accessible?
No. The house is on several levels and stairs are required.
Is the whole house private?
Yes, apart from the garage and a separate mother-in-law suite below the house, which has its own entrance and no access to the main home.
What are check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is after 4 pm and check-out is before 11 am. Ask the hosts if you need flexibility.
Where is the best place to book?
You can book direct through Alaskan Hosts, or on Airbnb or Vrbo. Winter rates run about $650 to $750 a night for the whole house, with holidays at the higher end.
Still have a question?
Call or text Alaskan Hosts at (907) 231-2773, or message through your booking platform.