Alyeska Resort in Alaska and Escape2ski provides info on; vertical drop 2500ft/762m, total trails 76, closest airport 46mi/74km, lifts 7, lodging and more.

Alyeska Ski Resort is located near the town of Girdwood, Alaska in the Chugach Mountain Range on the slopes of Mt Alyeska which features incredible views of the inlet and the bay of Turnagain Arm. The town of Girdwood is named after James Girdwood, an Irish Immigrant and linen merchant who staked four gold claims on Crow Creek in 1900.

Long before there was interest in skiing in the area, gold fever was the attraction, and that lured people to this somewhat remote location in search of great prosperity. Although initially founded as a mining town, Girdwood was put on the map when construction began on the railroad in 1915. After the gold rush ended somewhere in the late 1930s, the area began to decline until the idea of creating a ski area was brought forth by 11 local men.

Their vision was to open a ski area that would attract visitors to this beautiful paradise during the winter months. They formed the Alyeska Ski Corporation in 1954 and began the process to open a ski area to the public. Their efforts paid off, and they opened the Alyeska Resort in January 1959, with several trails, a poma lift, and a small lodge for all to enjoy.

Francois de Gunzburg, a French Baron from the Rothschild Banking family felt the resort needed to move skiers up the mountain at a quicker pace so through his contacts was able to secure a used double chairlift from France. The chairlift began to operate on December 25, 1960, along with the opening of the new day lodge. As the resort started to attract skiers from beyond the local community, it was time for expansion with additional terrain and lifts.

Alyeska Resort was sold in 1967 to Alaska Airlines, and again in 1980 to the Seibu Corporation of Japan who made the most significant amount capital investment into the resort with new high-speed lifts, a 60 passenger aerial tram, better amenities and the construction of the Alyeska Hotel. Since then, Alyeska Resort has seen several more ownership changes, but with each new owner, one common theme still followed, provide first class service both on and off the mountain.

Alyeska Resort has grown to become a premier year-round destination resort located in a beautiful horseshoe-shaped valley surrounded by the mountains and amazing scenery.

On the Slopes

• Alyeska Resort is home to some of the most challenging and diverse terrain in the country. When you first glance at a trail map, you will discover the six distinct areas for skiing and snowboarding that are situated below the 3939ft/1200m Alyeska Peak. You’ll find beginner terrain at the base area, and intermediate terrain scattered throughout the mountain.
• Alyeska Resort has four bowls, Glacier, Tea Cup, Upper, and Lower and their terrain will test all skills and abilities. Then there is the North Face section that is home to expert runs, Chump Change, Knuckles, and Big Doo Doo, to name a few.
• Headwall is the hike-to-terrain area found at the summit area of the mountain. This is expert terrain so be prepared for a challenge on runs such as Wedge, Alyeska Chutes and Saddle.
• Alyeska Resort offers night skiing on a select number of trails from Thursday to Saturday – 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm for those who cannot make it out during the day.
• Alyeska Resort features two terrain parks that provide both fun and a challenge. There is the Pump Station 3 Terrain Park for beginners with entry-level jumps and jibs, and the Refinery Terrain Park that is designed for the intermediate and advanced park enthusiasts.
• Alyeska Resort Mountain Learning Center has a team of dedicated professional instructions to get you on the slopes for the first time or take your skills to the next level. There are a variety of programs and lessons available, including group, private, children’s, clinics, and specialty programs.
• Alyeska Resort features luxurious accommodations at the Hotel Alyeska, a chateau-style hotel that opened in 1994 and is located at the second base area of the ski area. There are 300+ guest rooms with some rooms having great views of the surrounding valley.

Off the Slopes

• If you decide not to stay at the mountain, the Girdwood Area there has several lodging options that are only minutes away from the slopes and downtown Girdwood. The Ski Inn offers boutique lodging that is located on Hightower Road and there is also the Carriage House Accommodations featuring B&B, suites and private cottages.
• There is a complete variety of activities away from the slopes that include groomed Nordic trails through Moose Meadow and the surrounding area, snowshoeing, dog sledding, snowmobiling, heli-skiing, cat-skiing, and even ice fishing.
• Alyeska Resort offers many fun places to get together for food and drinks throughout the ski area. There is dining at The Hotel Alyeska where you will discover many different types of cuisine at places such as Aurora Bar and Grill, The Pond Café, Pond Steakhouse, Tramway Café, and the Asian Bistro. Also featured is mountain top dining at the Seven Glaciers Restaurant.
• There is also the Sitzmark Bar and Grill located slope-side at the base of the Bear Cub Quad, a short distance from the main day lodge. It has been known for a great après ski atmosphere since the 1970s, and features live music and good food.
• The Hotel Alyeska has numerous retail places, including Alyeska Mountain Sports along with other ways to make your stay complete, such as The Spa at Alyeska, plus the pool and hot tub or fitness center.
• In the town of Girdwood there are also retail outlets, dining, and places to experience the arts and culture of Alaska.
• Glacier Valley Transit operates a year-round free public bus service throughout the resort town of Girdwood along with service to the Hotel Alyeska and Tram, plus service to the day lodge of the ski area.
• Airport transportation can be arranged to the Alyeska Resort or other areas within the state by contacting the Concierge Desk at the Hotel Alyeska. Call 1-907-754-2108 for more information.