Construction at Anchorage’s Hilltop bike park is in high gear ahead of August opening

Construction has kicked into full gear for Hilltop Ski Area’s bike park, which is set to open in just a few weeks.

The bike park is a new venture for the nonprofit ski area and will enable Hilltop to be open year round, said Trevor Bird, Hilltop’s general manager. Once construction is complete, Hilltop will be home to the first lift-assisted bike trails in the Anchorage Bowl — providing another option for riders in addition to the downhill bike park that’s been operating for several years at Alyeska Resort in Girdwood.

Hilltop’s mountain bike trails will span the length of the hill and are being constructed to accommodate a variety of skill levels, ranging from family-friendly to advanced. Beetle-killed spruce trees from the area have been repurposed and used on portions of the trails.

Other features include a pump track at the base of the hill for skills building, roll-in features and wooden takeoff ramps for numerous jumps.

Bird is currently looking to fill lift operator, bike patrol and ticket office positions before the Aug. 7 grand opening event.