Alaska's Alyeska Resort Looms Large In The Northernmost Climes
If you're going to make the trip to Alaska to ski or ride, everything starts with Alyeska Resort, the state's largest and most renowned mountain in the nation's northernmost locale.
Take an Ikon Pass and head north for seven days on the Anchorage-area mountain that has nearly three times as much lift-served terrain (1,610 a., 2,500 vert.) as the next largest in the state. Add in Alyeska's massive hike-to terrain, and you've got another 1,200 acres and 700 vertical feet -- more than all other Alaskan ski areas combined.
Alyeska's lift and trail system has been in place for a while: A 60-passenger tram and two high-speed quads to get arrivals onto the hill, a couple of fixed-grips spin for novices, and 76 named trails lean heavily into the steeper categories. Trails break out 11-52-37, although regulars say those ratings give the steep stuff a short shrift.
The layout splits up nicely: Blues run down the middle, greens huddle around two bases, and famed black diamonds spill into North Face and Headwall on either side. From top of tram, the hike to the ridgetop takes some time, but there are tons of drop-ins along the way. The upper mountain is an expert's delight, especially down the longest double-black run around. Backcountry guiding is available.
The renowned Hotel Alyeska looms large at the bottom; the mid-mountain Seven Glaciers serves up a gourmet prix-fixe menu. Future plans call for a major condo and home buildout around the two base areas.
The best heli-skiing in the U.S. lifts off from the base of Alyeska. For 25 years, Chugach Powder Guides have been dropping skiers and riders into thousands of acres around Alyeska. Trips can be one day, four days, or a private charter. Some package with overnights at Hotel Alyeska, as well as tickets for the in-bounds mountain.
Because of its proximity to the sea, Alyeska's weather is as unpredictable as any. Even though its 3,910-foot summit is lower than all major U.S. mountains -- including many in the East -- average summit snowfall is 625 inches. However, average at bottom is 250 inches, so keep an eye out for changing snow type, weather and coverage during a single day.
Located in the town of Girdwood, Alyeska isn't far from the Arctic Circle. So, the daylight hours shrink to five hours in early winter. Therefore, the lifts delay opening until 10:30 a.m. and run until 5:30 p.m. To make up, night skiing operates from sundown to as late as 10:30 p.m. on three lifts, six trails and two terrain parks.
Anchorage is only a half-hour drive away, but the coolest way to get to the mountain is via the Alaska Railroad. Hop on at 6:45 a.m., soak in the ocean views along Turnagain Arm and Chugach State Park, and arrive at 8 a.m. in Girdwood.
