Alyeska Resort is the most famous and largest ski resort in Alaska, at the western end of the United States. If we think about skiing in these latitudes of the planet, surely images of huge mountains, abundant snow, glaciers and a spectacular landscape will come to mind. Alyeska station is surrounded by great mountains that you can enjoy from its huge Aerial Tram cable car. If there is enough visibility, you can see the highest mountain in the area, Denali, which reaches 6,194 meters above sea level.
Table of Contents
Ski resort Alyeska
Alyeska, located in the Chugach Range, is Alaska’s premier ski resort. It is a world-class resort surrounded by some of the most breathtaking scenery and abundant wilderness. The ski resort is located in the village of Girdwood, a village founded in the late 19th century in the heart of the Alaskan mountains. Alyeska ski resort stands out from other resorts in the USA by offering more hours per day and this, coupled with its favourable weather in April, makes Alyeska a great late season destination.
The ski slopes
Skiing in Alaska is quite an experience even though it is a medium-sized resort and only has 9 ski lifts (6 chair lifts, 1 cable car and 2 carpet lifts), it is one of the ski resorts that accumulates the most snow every winter, along with Niseko (Japan) and Mt. Baker (EE. USA). Its steep slopes reach 45º incline and the quality of its snow is famous all over the planet. The options in this dream destination are enormous. In addition, Alyeska Resort has 652.00 hectares of terrain offering 62 km of pistes (14 km of blue pistes, 31 km of red pistes and 17 km of black pistes) and a maximum altitude of 1,201 metres.
Alyeska Resort is famous for its extreme skiing with the most aggressive slopes in the famous “North Face” area and for its groomed snowpark, with one of the most photographed kickers in the world thanks to the beautiful scenery that accompanies the picture.
Ski resort activities
In addition to skiing, the Alyeska ski resort offers a variety of other activities so that you can enjoy the snow in a different way. Heliski takes you to the famous Chugach Range, colossal mountain slopes, glistening glaciers, protected trees and steep powder skiing. You can also experience an Alaskan winter adventure with glacier boat tours. Icy blue glaciers, snow-capped mountains and crystal clear waters will leave you wishing winter would never end. Snowshoeing and hiking trails are also available.
Sustainable development of the Alyeska ski resort
The Alyeska ski resort has realised a carbon footprint offset of 100% of the energy used by its tramway by purchasing 403,200 kilowatt-hours of renewable energy. It has purchased the carbon footprint offset through a partnership with Denali Green Tag’s Tour Green programme and the Bonneville Environmental Foundation’s (BEF) SkiGreen programme, which provides clean energy options throughout the State of Alaska.
“THE PROGRAMME OFFERS THE RESORT THE OPPORTUNITY TO NOT ONLY OFFSET MUCH OF ALYESKA’S CARBON FOOTPRINT, BUT TO DO SO IN SUPPORT OF RENEWABLE ENERGY RESOURCES.”
The purchase of Alyeska Resort is another important step towards a long-term commitment to incorporate environmentally sustainable practices into our mountain operations. Denali Green Tags, also called renewable energy credits, offset the impacts of global warming pollution from conventional electricity generation and air and ground travel.
Unforgettable experiences in Alyeska
A once-in-a-lifetime experience you can’t miss. The Northern Lights paint the sky with a mesmerising glow of solar particles that are an Alaskan winter phenomenon. The brilliant starry nights are nature’s perfect backdrop for the Northern Lights, where the multi-coloured light dances swiftly. Undoubtedly one of the best northern displays accompanied by sub-zero temperatures and moonless skies. Enjoy the incredible experience offered by the Alyeska ski resort.
Alyeska mountain resort in summer
The Alyeska resort does not rest in summer and offers you, among other activities, a mountain bike tour in the Bike Park. Do you prefer high-speed trails, jump races, technical trails or cruising trails? Here you can try them all. If you need more relaxation you can take a yoga class and for the little ones you can visit the Anchorage museum and do different activities. For more adrenaline you can take a jet ski tour of the glaciers.
Hotels in Alyeska
Alyeska Hotel ****
This resort offers luxury accommodation, spa treatments and exceptional dining in the beautiful Chugach Mountains of Girdwood, Alaska. Hotel Alyeska is located in the heart of the wilderness. It is also well connected to the slopes of the ski resort. In addition, close to the hotel you can enjoy great views of the glaciers or watch the wildlife. Guests can also enjoy a variety of leisure activities such as glacier hiking, rafting and dog sledding.
Carriage House Accommodations *****
Located in Girdwood, Carriage House Accommodations offers accommodation with free WiFi, a tennis court and barbecue facilities. It offers 5-star accommodation with a hot tub. A business centre and meeting facilities are available on site. A continental breakfast is served. Hiking, skiing and windsurfing are available in the area. Portage Glacier is 32 km from the lodge and Alyeska Ski Resort is just a few km away.
Hotel Ski Inn ***
The 3-star Ski Inn Hotel is located just a few km from Alyeska Ski Resort in Gordwood. It offers fully equipped rooms and mountain views. The hotel also offers free parking and free breakfast for guests. Pets are allowed at this hotel. A shuttle service to the surrounding area is available for guests’ convenience. Children can enjoy all kinds of activities in the surrounding area. Undoubtedly, an ideal place to spend a few days in the snow.
Skiing in Alyeska: the resort’s main strengths
The resort offers a multitude of family-friendly services at any time of the year.
In addition, the resort has a tramway to make it easier for guests to get to and from the resort, thus reducing its carbon footprint.
The resort also has freeride circuits ideal for freestyle enthusiasts, with snowparks and half pipes.
