

This all-day excursion began by boarding the pristine navy blue and yellow train at 8am at the tiny “station” in Girdwood. In order to cover as much ground as possible, we chose one of the Kenai Fjords Tourswhich combined a journey on The Alaska Railroad between nearby Girdwood and Seward with a Kenai Fjords National Park Tour. We agreed that this resort had been a great choice, the kind of place we would love to return to too bad it’s 3,400 miles from home! We learned that winter activities include Alpine and Nordic skiing for all levels, snowboarding, snowshoeing and ice skating, as well as winter-only adventures arranged through the concierge: heli- or snowcat-skiing, snow safaris and ice fishing. I had my heart in my mouth as we watched several hang gliders jump off the cliffs from this height, especially after my 14-year-old son announced that he’d love to try it sometime! It is open year round for those who enjoy the view from the top of Mount Alyeska, hike the numerous trails, and enjoy lunch at Bore Tide Deli in the Upper Terminal. The Alyeska Resort’s glass enclosed 60-passenger aerial tramway attracts visitors from all over the region. In the summer, the hotel offers bike rentals, guided nature walks and glacier bowl hikes.Īdditionally, the excellent staff will help you arrange for a wide variety of adventures, such as paragliding, river rafting, sea kayaking and horse back riding, or flightseeing, dog sledding, glacier hiking, northern lights viewing, fishing and local sightseeing, which can be done year-round. Several restaurants and lounges present many dining options. The Spa at Alyeska offers a variety of massages and treatments including pre-natal, pregnancy and post-natal treaments, and yoga classes. The on-site Fitness Center features a pool, whirlpool with views, sauna, work-out facilities. Surrounded by seven glaciers and lush green forest, all 304 guest rooms offer amazing mountain views and the location provides a sense of being “off the beaten path.” We soon understood why this is considered to be Alaska’s premier resort. No luck seeing local Dall sheep or moose, but numerous beautiful rainbows filled the skies.īased just 40 miles south of Anchorage, we were near enough to explore Alaska’s largest city as well as relax and enjoy the Alyeska’s offerings. Driving along the Seward Highway at water’s edge, we were not disappointed at Beluga Point, spotting several white whales cavorting in the cold water. This chateau-style hotel, centerpiece of the winter Alyeska Ski Resort, is set in the spectacular wilderness of Glacier Valley, adjacent to the scenic Turnagain Arm of Cooke’s Inlet and surrounded by the rugged Chugash Mountains. Our decision to stay at the Alyeska Resort was based on its location between Anchorage and Seward, but it turns out to have been an excellent choice for many other reasons. In August, my family visited the Anchorage area – a memorable experience, and, although drizzling on and off, not that cold after all. How does someone who feels frozen as soon as the temperature drops below 55° wind up in Alaska for a vacation? After doing some research for one of FTF’s members and seeing photographs of its beauty, I decided to pack my fleece clothing and go. Lone Kayak and Glacier Lone Kayak and Glacier Author and Husband at the Alyeska Resort Author and Husband at the Alyeska ResortĮxperience a variety of scenic adventures for all ages in and around Anchorage, from your home base at the 50th state’s favorite ski resort.
