Photos: Spring hiking near Anchorage

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Hikers near the top of Bird Ridge on Thursday, April 30, 2015.

The low-snow winter that was a bummer for skiers is becoming a boon for springtime hikers.

Trail conditions in Anchorage and the surrounding areas are well ahead of schedule for this time of year, with several low-lying and south-facing routes already attracting throngs of spring hikers.

"It's definitely earlier," said Shane Prosser, who answered the phone at the Alaska Mountaineering and Hiking store Friday.

Read more: Area hiking trails starting to dry out