About
While Alyeska Resort is Alaska's largest ski resort, there’s more to do than schuss down the slopes! With an Aerial Tram that ascends to the summit, seasonal events, hiking trails, and biking and UTV tours, there’s something for everyone any time of year.
The name "Alyeska" comes from the Aleut word meaning "great land of the white to the east." It’s a fitting title for a place defined by deep powder and towering peaks.
The resort is about 45 minutes from Anchorage, in Girdwood. Such convenience draws skiers, hikers, and sightseers year-round. What started as a modest ski area grew into a full four-season resort with lodging, dining, a spa, and one of the most scenic aerial trams in North America.
The Mt. Alyeska Roundhouse, perched near the summit, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It once served early visitors as a warming shelter and now houses a museum that tells the story of Girdwood and the resort's growth.
Over the years, the resort has expanded its terrain, upgraded its lifts, and added amenities that appeal to families and hardcore athletes alike. Here, beginners kearn to ski and experts chase steep bowls and long descents.
With its blend of history, terrain, and easy access, Alyeska Resort is always near the top of any Alaska travel list. Whether the goal is winter skiing or summer hiking, the resort offers a base camp that fits nearly every traveler.
Alyeska Resort: Fun Facts & Cool Features
One standout fact is that this destination gets plenty of snow. Approximately 650 inches falls annually, blanketing 1,610 acres spread across 76 named runs. This translastes into gentle slopes for beginners to build confidence, and wide-open descents that will test an expert's skill and stamina.
The 60-passenger Aerial Tram is a must-try, no matter the season. It carries guests up the mountain for panoramic views of Turnagain Arm, glaciers, and surrounding peaks. In summer, hikers who trek the 2,000 feet to the Upper Tram Terminal get a complimentary ride back down. In winter, the ride is comparable to being in a life-size snow globe, where the glistening snowy slopes and peaks mesmerize.
As mentioned, the Roundhouse Museum is Alaska's only mountaintop museum and interpretive center. Here, visitors can look back at the region's past while soaking in the scenery.
The Veilbreaker Skybridges experience is available from July through September, offering a challenging, adrenaline-pumping outdoor adventure. Two bridges connect the ridgeline of Mt. Alyeska, spanning a total of 410 feet. But it’s the dizzying height that requires courage! At 2,500 feet above the valley floor, you’ll have a bird’s-eye view of Turnagain Arm, monumental glaciers, and the deep green of the Chugach boreal forest.
The e-bike tours cover 20 miles of gently rolling terrain, offering distinct views of the mountains, glaciers, and sweeping landscape. For an effortless adventure, look into a UTV guided tour. In a side-by-side vehicle, you’ll see the Chugach Mountains, Girdwood Valley, and Alyeska’s iconic ski terrain.
Put it all together, and few places combine world-class snow, easy access from a major city, history worth preserving, and views stretching for miles. Alyeska Resort works for a quick day trip or a full vacation, whether the plan involves skiing, hiking, or riding the Tram. For an Alaska vacation with variety and lasting memories, this mountain earns its spot on the itinerary.
Local Tips
- The Tram is closed October-November, and late April to mid-May for maintenance.
- Visit during seasonal events like Spring Carnival and Santa Visits Alyeska.
- Alaska residents get discounts on skiing and other activities.
- Kids 6 and under ride the Tram free!
