Alyeska ResortGirdwood, Alaska

Resort Description

In a state with a reputation for big mountains and deep, stable snow, Alyeska remains Alaska's only true destination resort. With 650 inches of average annual snowfall and 2,500 vertical feet of challenging terrain, Alyeska Resort lives up to Alaska's "steep and deep" reputation. Located in the Chugach Mountain Range, 40 miles south of Anchorage via the Seward Highway, Alyeska features a 2,000-foot tram leaving directly from the Hotel Alyeska, and 1400 skiable acres. In recent years, the resort has begun to glade some of the lower mountain forests, giving the area a greatly need commodity: storm skiing.

Spring delivers the most daylight hours of all U.S. ski resorts, and favorable weather long into April makes Alyeska a great late season destination. Ski-in/ski-out lodging available is available at The Hotel Alyeska, or there are a number of vacations rentals close to the slopes in Girdwood, which retains a true ski-town feel lost in many locales to cookie-cutter villages and over-development. Chugach Powder Guides offer helicopter and snow cat options right from the hotel.

The Proximity to Anchorage makes Alyeska an easier trip than most would imagine, as well. Several cities offer direct flights, including Seattle, Salt Lake City and Phoenix.

The Tram was originally built with sight-seeing summer tourists looking for views of the Turnagain Arm and the surrounding Chugach Mountains in mind, and that's still a popular activity for people stepping off the cruise ships. The resort, however, has also made a commitment to developing lift-serviced mountain biking. There are several fishing outfitters in and around Girdwood, as well as scenic and adventure paddling guides.