Suppliers across the Last Frontier are pioneering new leisure product as the industry gears up for the summer high season. From railways and dogsled races to boutique breweries and ziplines, there's much ado, and much for agents to sell, across Alaska. A selection of new attractions and activities follows.
All aboard
For 2011, the Alaska Railroad is offering a new package tour for on- and off-rail adventures. The 10-day Rails and Trails package chugs along to Anchorage, Seward, Girdwood and Talkeetna by train. The deal includes railway transportation and hotel accommodations in each destination as well as unscheduled days for independent-minded travelers who want some freedom to explore. Package options include kayaking in Resurrection Bay, guided hikes or dog mushing on a glacier, rafting among the icebergs of Spencer Glacier or flightseeing around Mount McKinley. Travelers can upgrade their trip by choosing the Alaska Railroad's GoldStar Service, with which riders travel in double-decker, domed cars with reserved seating, dining service, full-time bar attendant and private, outdoor viewing platform. See www.alaskarailroad.com.
More than just snow
Ski and snowboard destination Alyeska Resort is growing its selection of year-round attractions with the addition of new nature trails and summer festivals. Hikers and bikers headed to Girdwood will be able to explore new trails along the base of the ski area and at the summit this summer. In addition to the annual Blueberry Festival in August, the new Fiddlehead Music Festival is set to celebrate the summer solstice with two days of live music and food. The family-friendly event is scheduled for June 10 and 11. New seasonal menus have also been unveiled at the Alyeska Resort, such as wine-paired dinners and fresh seafood specialties from AAA Four Diamond Award recipient the Seven Glaciers Restaurant. Visit www.alyeskaresort.com.
Good for what ales you
The 49th State Brewing Co., located in the foothills of the Alaska Range, plans to begin brewing its own hand-crafted beers this summer. The brewery was opened last year by the owners of the Denali Park Salmon Bake Restaurant and Prospectors Historic Pizzeria and Ale House as a restaurant and pub serving up local food, Alaskan beers and live music. The new brewpub is located at mile 248.4 of the George Parks Highway in Healy, 10 miles north of the entrance to Denali National Park and Preserve. Visitors driving through the state can stay overnight at the accompanying RV park and campground. Alaska currently has 16 licensed brewing establishments, spread across the state in Kodiak, Homer, Kenai, Soldotna, Anchorage, Wasilla, Talkeetna, Fairbanks,Skagway, Haines, Juneau and Ketchikan. For more on the 49th State Brewing Co., see http://49statebrewing.com.
Zipping over Skagway
Alaska Excursions will offer a new active tour this May that features a zipline adventure in the Skagway area. Participants in the four-hour Mammoth Waterfalls and Ultra Zipline Adventure will be met at their cruise dock and taken on a narrated drive to the former Klondike Gold Rush town of Dyea. Activities include 12 ziplines measuring up to 750 feet long and four adventure sky bridges overlooking waterfalls and the forest floor. Alaska Excursions also offers dogsled rides through the backcountry of a historical gold rush site and horseback adventures through the Dyea Valley. Go to www.alaskaexcursions.com.