Skiing, snowboarding draw JBER crowds

  • Published
  • By Airman Ty-Rico Lea
  • JBER Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  The air is cold and crisp as people board the ski lift clad in their snowsuits and cold-weather gear. The sun is shining and the view from the top of the lift is breathtaking. One person stops before heading down the slope and stares at the "Sleeping Lady" mountain in the distance before barreling down the slope on his skis. The smile on his face tells the whole story; he is really enjoying what he is doing.

Hundreds of people from the JBER community came out to enjoy a warm weekend and ski, snowboard or tube the hills of Hillberg Monday.

JBER's Hillberg ski area continues its business as a hallmark ski resort inviting all base military and spouses to shred the mountain top snowboarding, tubing and skiing.
The Hillberg ski area, managed by the 673d Force Support Squadron, also has a grill and deli restaurant that accepts meal cards.

From time to time, the ski area hosts events like the Big Air competition, coming up Feb. 19, in which participants snowboard down the hill picking up speed and then throw themselves into the air, vaulting off a ramp and performing aerial maneuvers.

According to www.elmendorf-richardson.com, there will be dog sled rides on Hillberg Lake Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Tickets are sold inside the ski lodge. For more information about these events, please visit the 'race league' or 'events' page.

"I enjoy the simplicity of the Hillberg ski resort," said Airman 1st Class Hannah Clendening, 673d Medical Operations Squadron aerospace medical technician. "The hill is a good place to learn the fundamentals of not only skiing but snowboarding and tubing."

The Hillberg ski area is located at 23400 4th Street nestled on the back side of the Elmendorf side of the base, and features beginner to intermediate slopes with an automated chairlift, sledding tow and a handle tow for expedient access to the top of the mountain. A spacious lodge offers a lounge with a fireplace, snack bar and ski rental section, and a small pro shop provides goods such as hats, goggles, gloves and accessories. Certified technicians are available to take care of any gear maintenance.
"What I like about the Hillberg ski area is that it's made for families; it's a great start if you ever want to get kids involved with snow," said Air Force Lt. Gen. Steve Hoog, commander, Alaskan Command; commander, Eleventh Air Force; and commander, Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Command Region. "So I think Hillberg is a great location that spans anywhere from the brand-new skier or brand-new tuber to the most experienced skiers and tubers."

Groups of people are given spots for their recreational activities.

Hillberg offers skiing and snowboarding lessons by appointment. The ski area is open through March.

"I come to the ski resort as often as I can to enjoy snowboarding and skiing," said Clendening.

Cross-country skiing enthusiasts will find more than 11 miles of marked and groomed trails traversing the Eagleglen Golf Course.

Lessons for cross-country skiing are available through Outdoor Recreation.
An ice skating rink, ice fishing, and a tubing hill with its own lift system are also available at Hillberg.

Downhill ski and snowboarding equipment for the entire family is available to rent by the day, week or whole season.

"I recommend the Hillberg ski resort to any and [everyone] who enjoys getting out, along with family and friends who enjoy winter sports," said Clendening.

The Hillberg ski resort main desk can be reached at 552-4838.