The Hilltop Ski Area Yellow course plays in the trees a lot more than the Main 18 hole course. The holes are much shorter, but the trees will make the short fairways tricky. Birdies are there for the taking on all holes, but bad bounces and rolls can leave you with bogies also.

The baskets are classic yellow DISCatchers and there are gravel tees. There are tee signs that are the bare minimum, just the hole number. Maps are available at the base next to the pay station.

It is an easier walk to get around the Yellow course, you only go halfway up the mountain at most. The first two holes are pretty open, and the rest are in the lines of trees that separate the ski runs. Elevation change is significant on the wooded holes, and the pins are in heavily protected positions. Overshooting the pin or a bad ricochet can leave you with tough recovery shots. A bad roll from a missed putt got me at least once.

The wooded element that is a small factor is on the main course is a major factor here, but holes are all very short and there are half as many of them. I enjoy difficult shots through trees, but these are almost mid range or putter throws exclusively.

The cost is $5 per day, and includes the main course as well. There is a pay box, and PayPal is an option as well. A fair price in my humble opinion.

An extra 9 holes is a good bonus when you pay to play. Yellow course is kind of opposite feel of the Main 18. It is a nice supplemental course that is goes quickly and doesn't require as much climbing to play. The elevation change is just as consistent but fairways are compact and crowded with trees.

I played it one time, and was two under par. 4 birdies, 2 bogies and 3 pars. It is both fun and frustrating. The baskets are tantalizingly close to the tees, and the good runs are exhilarating. It cuts both ways, anything less than par feels like a terrible failure.

As far as a nine hole course goes, I would say this one is good but not exceptional. Not really any standout signature hole, or a memorable cumulative experience. It is certainly worth a try if you are going to the Hilltop Ski Area to play the Main course. Overall I would say if you're in Anchorage and playing disc golf Hilltop should be on the itinerary. The 27 holes are do have some fun throws and excellent views.