From Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip

Alyeska Resort & Hotel

Alyeska Resort and Hotel

Olympians Tommy Moe and Kaylin Richardson have strong ties to Girdwood, Alaska’s Alyeska Resort. Gold Medalist Tommy Moe trained here, while the Minnesota-born Kaylin Richardson won the women’s downhill at the Nature Valley U.S. Alpine Championships held March, 2009 at Alyeska Resort.

Located a scenic 40 minute drive from Anchorage on Alaska’s southcentral coast, Alyeska Resort is tucked within the Chugach Mountains. With 2,500 vertical feet of skiing, the resort is a winter wonderland for skiers, snowboarders and spa lovers.

My evening arrival to the Alyeska Resort and Hotel reminded me of entering the twilight zone. Snow fell at a gentle pace as it spiraled into the car headlights and windshield. Flames from an open fire pit danced and glowed a warm welcome at the hotel entrance.

Alyeska Resort Hotel Room

Alyeska Resort Summit King #815

My room, #815, a summit king, was 340 square feet and looked out to the front of the resort with a forested view. The pillow top mattress and down pillows were as comfortable as my Flobed mattress at home in California.

I didn’t have a chance to exercise in the fitness center or take a dip in the salt water pool, but I did ride the 60-passenger aerial tram to the top of the mountain.

The weather on the mountain top was fantastic during my March 2010 visit. The views of Turnagain Arm and the Chugach Mountains were stunning. Make time for a visit to The Roundhouse at Alyeska Museum and have lunch or dinner at the Seven Glaciers Restaurant and Bar, Alaska’s only four diamond mountain-top restaurant. FYI, the tram ride is complimentary when dining at the restaurant.

Alyeska Aerial Tram

Alyeska Aerial Tram photo

Spa enthusiasts will enjoy getting stoned at the Alyeska Resort and Spa.  Of course, I’m talking about a hot stone massage! A massage may be what’s needed after a day of heli-skiing in Girdwood with EpicQuest Chugach Powder Guides.

If you have business to attend to, the Alyeska Resort offers free high speed internet in the rooms. Social media types will find The Alyeska Resort on Twitter and Facebook. EpicQuest can also be found on Twitter. Check sites for special discounts and offerings.

Photos by Nancy D. Brown

I was a guest of Alyeska Resort during my visit to Alaska.

IF YOU GO:

Alyeska Resort 1 (800) 880-3880 or (907) 754-1111

1000 Arlberg Ave. Girdwood, AK 99587