5K Nordic Loop

Skiing and Biking

30min-1hour

3.6mile

700 ft gain

Overview

The 5K Nordic Loop is one of the newest trails in Girdwood. It’s a multi-use trail in the fall and summer but converts to ski-only in the winter. This trail sits in the lower Winner Creek Drainage and parallels the famous Winner Creek Trail from Alyeska Resort. The Girdwood Nordic Ski Club built and maintains the trail system during the winter.  It is also the site selection for the Girdwood Bike Park. 

 

Getting There

The 5K Nordic loop is 45 minutes from Anchorage and right next to Alyeska Resort. The paved parking lot is at the end of Arlberg Road.  

Skiing 

This trail compliments the Moose Meadows ski trail by adding an increased level of difficulty not found elsewhere in the valley. The trail system is considered advanced to intermediate level cross-country skiing with three major downhill sections. Two of the downhills have turns at the bottom. The direction of skiing is counter-clockwise with excellent XC ski tracks. The 5K Loops connects to Moose Meadows providing a longer tour based upon your desire. The trail system is maintained by Girdwood Nordic Ski Club and you can check the trail conditions at their website. Please wait 2-4 hours after grooming before skiing the trails as this will allow them time to set-up.  For More detailed information see Nordic Ski Trails in Girdwood.

Biking and Multi-use 

During the summer and fall, the 5K loop is a multi-use trail. Since the trail parallels the Alyeska access for the Winner Creek trail, there are numerous locations to access Winner Creek from the 5K Loop.  If you are wanting to bike the lower Winner Creek trail, taking the 5K to one of the access trails allows you to by-pass the very first part of the Winner Creek Trail. The first section of the Alyeska access to Winner Creek trail is usually quite busy with people and makes biking quite difficult. The trail system gains elevation so be prepared to climb some hills.  

The 5k loop is also the new home of the Girdwood Bike Park. There are approximately 2 miles and growing, of single-track trails interlaced between the main 5K trail system.

Summer and Winter Use

Summer the trail is multi-use and is an excellent biking trail. People will walk it with their dogs and use it as access to the Girdwood Bike Park. However, in the winter, it is ONLY for skiing. NO Biking or Walking!