USA Resorts

Resort

The word Alyeska (Alley-Eska) is derived from an Aleut word meaning "great land of white to the east."

In 1954, eleven local men formed the Alyeska Ski Corporation along with the beginnings of the hard-earned dream of a first-class ski resort. In 1959, the first chair lift and a day lodge were built. Francoise de Gunzburg, a Frenchman managed to secure a used chair lift from France that was dismantled, shipped to Alaska and rebuilt at Alyeska, to create a day use ski area and the beginnings of Alyeska.

Only 40 miles south from Anchorage, Alyeska resort offers one of the most unique experiences you will ever get to encounter. The scenic drive along the Turnagain Arm offers stunning views and photo opportunities to view wildlife, including sheep, eagles and even Beluga Whales.

A lot of people are put off by the cold or the darkness but come mid February this resort receives the most day light hours of any resort in North America. Day light hours in March will increase to 13 hours a day so there's a whole lot of skiing and boarding to be done. Alyeska also has the longest ungroomed black diamond run in North America, The North Face, with 2,350 vertical feet.

Added bonuses are the lifts open at 10.30am so you can have a leisurely breakfast before you head to the slopes. The lifts close at 5.30pm with night skiing from mid December on Friday and Saturday from 4.30pm - 9.30pm. No fear of altitude sickness here or huge crowds as they flock to what is often referred to as the "lower 48".

Activities in the Winter are not just limited to skiing or boarding.. there is snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice skating, viewing the Northern lights, hiking glaciers, paragliding, wildlife watching and even a spa at the Alyeska Hotel with the latest Vichy Massage Therapy.







Email info@skitraveller.co.nz or call us 0800 11 22 99