On The Mountain
Beginners/First Timers - Beginners will find the best place to start at is Chair #3 and Chair #7, and with a great ski school what an accomplishment to say you learnt how to ski or board in Alaska. The great thing is the slopes are not crowded and there are plenty of other activities on offer.
Intermediate - Chairs #1 and Chair #4 have a huge bowl area which allow you to make your run as easy or difficult as you like.
Experts/Advanced - Looking for a challenge, hike to the Summit at 3,939 ft and experience the
Headwall and
Glacier Bowl. If you enjoy Double Black Diamond runs head from the top of
North Face all the way down on an ungroomed Double Black Diamond. You can check your line down when taking The Tram to the top.
Ski and Snowboard School
*PRIVATE LESSONS*
(Ages 14 yrs plus)
- All levels ski and snowboard
- Choose from 1 hour to 6 hours
- One on one lesson
- Available daily
*ADULT GROUP LESSONS*
(Ages 14 yrs plus)
- All levels ski and snowboard
- 2 hour lesson
- Available daily at: 10.30am & 2.30pm
*CUBS & SUPERCUBS*
(Ages 3 - 4 yrs)
- Ski only
- 2 Children per instructor
- 1 hour lesson
- Available daily: 10.30am, 1.15pm & 2.30pm
- 2 hour lessons availabe: Saturday & Sunday 10.30am & 12.30pm
*MINI RIDER I & MINI RIDER II*
(Ages 3 - 4 yrs)
- Snowboard only
- 2 Children per instructor
- 1 hour lesson
- Available daily: 10.30am, 1.15pm & 2.30pm
- 2 hour lessons availabe: Saturday & Sunday 10.30am & 12.30pm
Sarah's Tip: It is unusal for children to be offered the snowboarding option at 3-4yrs as most resorts do not have programmes until children are 7yrs. This is a great opportunity to take advantage of this as one of the few resorts able to offer this.
*CHILDREN'S GROUP LESSONS*
(Ages 5 -13 yrs)
- Ski and snowboard
- All levels
- 2 hour lesson
- Available daily: 10.30am & 2.30pm
These are just some of the great ski school programmes at Alyeska Resort.
The Village
The resort village is compactly organised, and Alyeska has all the essential services to complement its ski runs. Children are well catered for at the resort, making Alyeska a fabulous family holiday destination. The laid-back atmosphere of the resort is enhanced by the incredible scenery that surrounds it, offering visitors the chance to truly unwind.
Attractions and Activities
Chugach Powder Guides - CATSKIING
Some refer to cat skiing as the poor mans version of heli- skiing. Well yes it is cheaper but when the helicopters can't fly who's laughing.. yes, the cat skiers. Enjoy a full day of cat skiing in the comforts of a snowcat. The area is an exclusive 1,000 acre (404 hectare) area located in the upper Girdwood Valley adjacent to Alyeska Resort. The day trip also includes lunch.
Chugach Powder Guides - HELISKIING
Ski with stunning views of the Chugach Ranges and the opportunity to possibly ski 6 - 10 runs with vertical runs of 16,000 - 20,000 ft (4,800 - 6,000). The Western Chugach Ranges wrap around some of the best heli skiing in the world. The 3,000 - 4,000 ft vertical runs are found on hundreds of peaks providing you with more powder than you can ever imagine.
Myth About Catskiing/Heliskiing: I'm not good enough to go heliskiing/catskiing, you have to be able to ski like they do in the movies and jump out of a helicopter.
Demyth: As long as you are a strong intermediate skier/boarder and at a reasonably good fitness level you can definitely do this. Some of you will be pleased to know you DO NOT jump out of the helicopter - they land it, so everyone can get out.
Fly Fishing On The Kenai River: The Upper Kenai river is a world class blue ribbon fishery. This 4 hour trip provides the opportunity of a lifetime for trophy rainbows. Everything is provided you just need to turn up wearing warm clothing. Fishing license must be purchased in advance. Boat takes a maximum of 4 and a minumum of 2.
Scenic Bald Eagle Float: The Upper Kenai boasts Alaskas second largest wintering Bald Eagle population. Located in the Chugach National Forest, this 2.5 hour float will give a lasting impression of true Alaskan beauty. Guided by a local naturalist. Warm clothing is a must, coats, gloves and hats can be provided if needed.
Flightseeing: Take a birds eye view by taking a fixed wing or helicopter ride over some of the most stunning scenery in Alaska where you get to see mountain ranges, hanging glaciers and vast valleys.
Iditarod Trail Dog Sled Race: Regarded as The "Last Great Race on Earth", mushers and 1,000 dogs dash towards the Bering Sea coast through rugged remote mountain ranges and snow-capped forests. Its 1,100 miles of pure adrenaline, and it all begins in downtown Anchorage the first Saturday in March 2011 at 10.00am.
Dog Sled Tours: Join Dario a nine time Iditarod veteran and his team of huskies and experience life as a musher as you get to drive a team of dogs through the Alaskan snow. You will also get the opportunity to see the puppies and hear real life stories of life as a musher.
Snowmobiling: With a range of snowmobile options ranging from 3 hour - 5 hour tours explore the wonders of Alaska.
The Spa at Alyeska: After a hard day on the slopes head to the spa for a massage with the latest Vichy Massage Therapy or enjoy one of the many treatments on offer.
Shopping
There are ski and snowboard equipment and hire shops at Alyeska as well as gift and souvenir stores. The Alyeska Hotel has a clothing shop, art shop and a liquor store. This is not a resort to head to if shopping is high priority on your list. However Anchorage has a vast selection of shops including Native American art and jewellery along with some malls with their chain stores.
Dining
At The Hotel Alyeska is The Pond Cafe open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner with a menu based on a Californian - Alaskan theme. The Sakura Teppanyaki Japanese Steakhouse is another option for dining at Hotel Alyeska.Ride The Tram to the top to enjoy casual fine dining at Seven Glaciers Restaurant.
On recommendation to try are Turnagain House in Turnagain Arm which serves seafood amongst other dishes. In the town of Girdwood there is The Double Musky Inn which offers Cajun cuisine or Chair Five with American delights such as pizza and burgers.
Nightlife
The Aurora Bar & Lounge in The Hotel Alyeska seems to be by all accounts where you head to. There are big screen tv's, a piano for patrons to play so I guess it is up to you to join in and make this as lively as possible. There is a lounge area which has a quieter atmosphere with a stone fireplace and relaxing couches. Straight off the slopes is Sitzmark Bar by Chair # 3 which throughout the Winter season has live bands.
I have heard however ladies that the ratio of men to women in Anchorage is 7:1 so perhaps a night out in Achorage is on the list of things to do!
