The recently completed Olympics in Milan no doubt has winter sports enthusiasts charged up to take to the mountains themselves before spring gets here -- or even thinking ahead to next ski season.
And one place clients might want to consider is Alyeska Resort, which caters to serious skiers and snowboarders with the longest continuous double black diamond run in North America. And a bonus: The winter season in Alaska typically lasts through April, sometimes even stretching into early May.
Alyeska Resort is located in Girdwood, which is just 40 miles from Ted Stevens Anchorage Airport and is also a stop on the Alaska Railroad. That makes it a convenient way to start or end a trip. And clients who fly in with Alaska Airlines are eligible for a free weekday lift ticket.
According to the resort's website, Alyeska boasts an average of 669 inches of snowfall annually, which is nearly double that of popular Lower 48 ski resorts like Vail, Colo. (approximately 354 inches annually). It features 1,610 acres across 76 named ski runs but is surrounded by 70,000 acres of the Chugach Mountains, offering up endless opportunities to ski or snowshoe the backcountry. Its highest point, at 3,939 feet, is Alyeska Peak, which is also home to the resort's Seven Glaciers restaurant.
But don't let talk of double black diamonds scare less-skilled clients from booking a stay. The lower part of the mountain is primed for beginner skiers and snowboarders, with two magic carpets (conveyor belt lifts for beginners as opposed to standard lifts) and instruction available for kids as young as 3 years old.
Alyeska's Mountain Sports School provides private instruction or small group classes, which begin with Little Cubs (ages 4 to 6) through to adult courses, whether it's their first time or their 50th.
The resort averages 669 inches of snow each year and has runs for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Photo Credit: Alyeska Resort
Away from the slopes
For guests more interested in apres ski activities, the resort is also home to a sprawling Nordic spa and an award-winning mountaintop fine dining venue, Seven Glaciers.
Alaska's first Nordic spa was opened at Alyeska in 2023. The indoor/outdoor hydrotherapy circuit with hot and cold pools spans 50,000 square feet, nestled within serene rain forest terrain. Treatments are available, like the Nordic Signature Massage, and all treatments come with hydrotherapy access.
A charcuterie board at Seven Glaciers, the resort's fine dining restaurant. Photo Credit: Alyeska Resort
Seven Glaciers gets its name from the number of glaciers visible from its spot atop Alyeska. It specializes in contemporary cuisine, with a focus on seafood and wild game. Recognized by Wine Enthusiast as one of America's 100 Best Wine Restaurants in 2023, Seven Glaciers also has received the Wine Spectator Best of
Award of Excellence for 2025, an honor it has received numerous times.
Beyond the spa and its award-winning restaurant, the Alyeska Resort also offers a variety of wintertime activities, including glacier cruises, flightseeing excursions and guided snowshoeing.
And with the clear, dark skies of winter, Alyeska can also be an ideal spot to take in the northern lights. The resort offers guests an aurora borealis wake-up call, so they don't have to worry about missing Mother Nature's show, even if it's the middle of the night.
Guests could also easily spend a day strolling through downtown Girdwood, where Girdwood Brewing and the Bake Shop are local favorites.
Guests can receive an aurora borealis wake-up call so they can catch the spectacular light show no matter what time it occurs. Photo Credit: Alyeska Resort
Settled in for the night
Debuting with the 2024-2025 season, Alyeska's newly minted Black Diamond Club has taken over the top floor of the resort for guests seeking an added layer of exclusivity.
Accessed by key card access only, these 36 suites range from 325 square feet to the 1,971-square-foot glacier presidential suite and come with plush amenities like a Nespresso machine, Dyson hairdryer, 50-inch smart TV and pillow menu.
A dedicated lounge for Black Diamond Club guests provides an activities concierge, a VIP Ski Valet during the winter season plus a full breakfast buffet and afternoon refreshments. Additionally, guests at this level gain access to the hotel's helipad for anyone brave enough to take on heli-skiing.
Elsewhere at Alyeska, there are 263 guestrooms with either a king bed or two double beds. Those units offer slopeside access and such amenities as free in-room WiFi, locally roasted Kaladi Brothers coffee, complimentary bottled water and a minifridge. There are 18 accessible or semiaccessible guestrooms on premises.
To learn more about what the Alyeska Resort offers for clients, visit www.alyeskaresort.com/.