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About Alyeska Resort
Alyeska Resort, just 40 miles from Anchorage, is Alaska’s top year-round destination, offering the perfect blend of luxury and adventure. With 1,610 skiable acres and 76 named trails, it’s a winter playground where deep powder and stunning vistas dominate. The resort boasts an impressive 669 inches of snowfall annually, making it a haven for powder hounds and those seeking the thrill of challenging terrain. In the summer, Alyeska becomes your gateway to the Chugach Mountains, providing unparalleled access to the wild beauty of Alaska.
The resort itself is a seamless blend of comfort and style, featuring over 300 rooms, seven diverse dining options, a saltwater pool, and the Alyeska Nordic Spa. Guests can enjoy ski-in ski-out access, explore the area via the scenic aerial tram, or take in breathtaking views from the Veilbreaker Skybridges, which connect peaks and offer an exhilarating perspective of the surrounding wilderness. Alyeska’s amenities ensure that after a day of adventure, relaxation is never far away.
Alyeska Resort isn’t just about skiing and snowboarding; it’s about immersing yourself in the true Alaskan experience. Whether you’re savoring fresh, locally-sourced cuisine at one of the resort’s restaurants, unwinding in the luxurious spa, or simply taking in the views of Turnagain Arm and the mighty glaciers, Alyeska offers an unparalleled escape into nature with all the comforts of a world-class resort.
5 best things about Alyeska Resort according to our Mountain Travel Experts
Backcountry access
Longest continuous black diamond in North America
2,500 ft. vertical drop
Northern lights viewing
Alyeska Nordic Spa
MOUNTAIN STATS
Where to stay in Alyeska Resort
Alyeska Resort Trail Maps
How to get to Alyeska Resort
Getting to Alyeska
Alyeska Resort is located just 40 miles south of Anchorage, Alaska, in the town of Girdwood. Fly into the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport and rent a car. To reach the resort, take the scenic Seward Highway south, a route renowned for its stunning views of Turnagain Arm, where you might spot beluga whales or Dall sheep. Follow the highway to Girdwood, turn onto Alyeska Highway, and continue for three miles to arrive at the resort.
Getting around
In Alyeska Resort, you can enjoy unlimited access to local buses and ski bus services, allowing you to explore the area without needing a car. The region's efficient ski lifts and cable cars make hopping from one slope to another effortless, ensuring a stress-free and eco-friendly winter holiday.
Skiing in Alyeska Resort
The resort features a 60-passenger aerial tram, two high-speed quads, two fixed-grip quads and two magic carpets to ensure there’s no waiting on lift lines—not that crowds are usually a problem in Alyeska.
Averaging 428 inches of snow annually, Alyeska offers some of the world's deepest snow conditions. That said, the temperatures aren’t necessarily as cold as you might think. January is typically the coldest winter month, with averages around 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but by March averages are around 32 degrees. Because Alaska experiences more daylight during the winter months than the rest of the United States—due to its proximity to the North Pole—Alyeska offers night skiing on the weekends from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Beginner Skiing in Alyeska
Alyeska Resort is not particularly beginner-friendly, as there are no beginner runs from the top of the mountain, and only three routes classified as beginner are served by chair lifts. Two of these runs are quite short, lasting just 3-5 minutes, while the third runs all the way back to the hotel. The mountain is more suited for intermediate and advanced skiers, with steeper sections on some of the blue runs that might be challenging but are still manageable for those with some experience.
Family vacations in Alyeska Resort
Alyeska Resort in Alaska is the ultimate family getaway packed with activities that cater to all ages and interests. The resort’s ski school programs are a perfect fit for families, with sessions tailored for kids as young as four. The Mountain Explorers program (ages 8-10) emphasizes fun, team-based learning, allowing young skiers to explore the mountain while sharpening their skills. For the little ones, Big Cub and Little Cub sessions provide a safe, supportive environment to kickstart their skiing adventures, ensuring they build confidence on the slopes.
Beyond skiing, Alyeska Resort offers a diverse range of activities that the whole family can enjoy together. From night skiing and snowshoeing to scenic tram rides, there’s something for everyone. Adventurous families can dive into dog sledding and snowmobiling, while those seeking relaxation can unwind at the Alyeska Nordic Spa or explore the nearby Chugach National Forest.
Ski destination