Special correspondent Juno Kim spent a couple of days at Alyeska Resort. This is her report.
Alyeska Resort, Alaska’s premier ski resort has many impressive titles. Alyeska is the only ski resort in North America to feature mountains, glaciers, and ocean views. Upon the spring equinox, Alyeska receives more sunlight per day than any other ski resort in North America. The Resort is also home to the North Face – North America’s longest continuous double black diamond run. It’s one of the most unique ski resorts in the country.
Just announced: With 702 inches of snow, daily skiing will continue through Sun., April 25. Then, weekend skiing in May on Chair 4 (Ted’s Express) and Chair 6 (Glacier Bowl Express): May: 8 & 9, 14 & 15, 22 & 23 !
The property is easy to spot while driving the scenic Seward Highway. There’s an ocean on one side and a ski mountain on the other side. As a non-downhill skier, Alyeska Resort hasn’t been on the top of my list to visit, especially in winter. As we discussed earlier, the resort is known for its one-of-a-kind ski runs. But fear not, there are many non-ski-related activities at the property.
Alaska residents can trim 20 percent off hotel room rates. CLICK HERE to make reservations.
Ski & Stay package. This includes overnight accommodations and a lift ticket for each adult, starting at $179 per person for weekdays in April (through April 25). For those great weekends in May, prices start at $265 per person. CLICK HERE to reserve your room.
Since Alyeska just extended their ski season until May 23rd, what do you do for the time when you’re not skiing at the resort? Here are a few highlights.
Tram to the top of the mountain
Alyeska Aerial Tram is always fun. The views from the tram never get old. It’s fun to see skiers, mountain views and beautiful situated Alyeska Resort buildings. NOTE: The tram closes for maintenance between April 26 and May 14. On the top of the mountain, Bore Tide Deli where you can have lunch while enjoying the beautiful mountain view. Of course, most people have skis or snowboards on the tram, but a few of us are just coming up here for the view.
When you’re up on the mountain, don’t forget to check out the Roundhouse Museum. It’s Alaska’s only mountaintop museum and interpretive center. You can learn about the history of Girdwood and how citizens collected enough money to buy the land for the original ski hill. It’s quite extraordinary. There’s also a nice little gift shop.
Dining
Food is one of the many reasons why I love traveling. If you’re a Japanese food connoisseur, I recommend Sakura, their on-site Japanese restaurant. I highly recommend Combo Boat. For fine dining, take the tram and go up to the Seven Glaciers Restaurant, recipient of the prestigious AAA Four Diamond Award (currently closed and scheduled to reopen in summer 2021). Aurora Bar & Grill has good food and a fun atmosphere, and the Bore Tide Deli is an excellent choice for a combination of lunch with a view. Don’t forget to visit the slope-side Sitzmark for good food, live music (when there’s no pandemic), and a wide selection of drinks! Look up at the ceiling when you’re there. A famous local artist Dawn Gerety painted a ceiling mural and it’s quite mesmerizing. Check out the “Destination Dinners” for Japan, Italy, Korea and Russia. Click through for details, dates and menus.
Spa
After a day of hard work and outdoor activities, a relaxation massage was the perfect way to end the day. Alyeska Resort is in the process of building the Nordic Spa, which is scheduled to open in summer 2021. That’ll be an excuse to come down here for another staycation!
Work remotely
Alyeska Resort was my office for these two days while my husband Stephen was busy skiing. After working from home for nearly a year, it was a nice change of scenery. And of course, these mountain views never get boring! There were pretty strong Wi-Fi connections throughout the property, which gave me good opportunities to change my office from time to time.
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