Fall in Alaska is an amazing time of year. Between the foliage, cooling temperatures, misty mornings, and termination dust there’s no shortage of reasons to visit us this season. Autumn at Alyeska is no exception and this year’s fall looks to be just as stellar as the last.
Summer is no doubt a very popular time to visit Alaska, but that doesn’t necessarily mean its the best. Autumn has many benefits over the peak tourism months- like lower rates for hotel rooms and specials, less wait times at restaurants and attractions, and the overall relaxed atmosphere of traveling in Alaska when the masses return to the lower 48. Whatever reason you choose, we think Alyeska is a perfect stop to add to your fall itinerary.
While fall is certainly a great time to be outdoors, sometimes it’s nice to relax inside the comforts of Alyeska Resort. For these days, our outlets provide excellent opportunities to shop for art, clothes, gear, sundries, and even gifts. We also house a superb salt water pool, hot tub, and sauna for those staying at the hotel- an excellent way to relax after a long day in the mountains. If you’d really like to treat yourself we have a luxurious spa to take your self-care to the next level. The Alyeska Mountain Sports Shop is located perfectly in the center of Alyeska’s mountain activities next to the Tramway Cafe on the second floor of the Hotel Alyeska. AMS offers a friendly experience with knowledgeable staff and products to meet all of your Alaskan outdoor needs. Those looking for a more relaxed and curated shopping experience will appreciate the Glacier Gift & Gallery. Alaska inspires artists of all kinds and the Glacier Gift & Gallery offers a diverse selection of native arts, jewelry, gifts, and mountain lifestyle apparel and accessories. Whether you’re seeking a distinctive souvenir or an eye-catching piece to complement your look, stop in our shops and find that perfect item.
After shopping your heart out, make good use of your new gear and head down to our Concierge to explore the multitude of tours we provide directly from our hotel. You’ll want to explore all that Alaska has to offer with the help of our travel experts. In addition to the outdoor adventures right here at Alyeska Resort, our Concierge connects guests with adventures and activities for all interests and ages all year-round. Whether you already have an idea of what interests your group, or would like ideas to help plan out the rest of your itinerary, you can do it all with the help of our Concierge team. The friendly and knowledgeable Concierge staff works with a variety of local and regional adventure providers, tour operators and other travel partners to ensure the best customer service and quality experiences for your time and money.
This year we’ll be celebrating the shorter days and the coming of the equinox with several fun-filled events and activities. The 12th annual blueberry festival is coming right up on August 17th & 18th and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser for the whole family. With live music, over 70 craft and food vendors from all over, berry picking, a fun run, & a pie-eating contest, this is an awesome family-friendly event not to be missed.
If crowds aren’t your thing then maybe you’d prefer to immerse yourself into nature. Scenic hiking begins right from the hotel- with a wide variety of difficulty options you can mix and match your adventure to suit your experience. The North Face trail starts just behind our Aerial Tram and is quite the attraction. This challenging hike takes you from the old-growth Spruce forest and climbs into the sub-alpine providing outstanding views along the way. As you near the top, the trail begins to switchback as you traverse into the alpine and the views open up- fireweed, mountain heather, glaciers, steep Alaskan peaks, all beckon you to continue further up the mountain- and the best part? We’ve got several restaurants and bars waiting to serve you when you finish.
The Alyeska Aerial Tram is a three-to-seven minute scenic ride from The Hotel Alyeska to 2,300 ft in elevation and the top of Mt. Alyeska. From the Tram, you can see for miles in all directions – including views of Turnagain Arm, up to seven “hanging” glaciers, and endless peaks deep into the Chugach Mountain range. Don’t forget to look down! In the fall months, moose and bear sightings are common on our aerial tram rides, too. At the Mountain Station, there is an observation deck providing even more breath-taking panoramic views of majestic mountains, hanging glaciers, sparkling streams, towering spruce, and an array of wildlife. Conde Naste Traveler rated Alyeska ~ “Best view of any U.S. ski resort.” The observation deck is a perfect place to enjoy a relaxed lunch or a beautiful sunset.
The Bore Tide Deli & Bar is the perfect casual venue for you and your family to grab a bite, enjoy a cocktail or a glass of wine and even sample locally crafted beer from Girdwood Brewing Company. Featuring Boar’s Head meats and cheeses, the menu is crafted to be delicious and fun for a quick lunch with incredible views from the top. If you’d prefer elevated fare, our premier fine dining restaurant, Seven Glaciers, is sure to please. Our chefs carefully craft the menus with an emphasis on locally available produce, seafood, and game. Seven Glaciers boasts an award-winning wine list and a full bar to perfectly complement your meal. Visit Seven Glaciers for a truly unique Alaskan dining experience in a scenic alpine environment- easily accessible by our Aerial Tram.
If you’ve only visited Alyeska in the Winter there’s a good chance you haven’t experienced the fun-filled excitement of chairlift-assisted biking. We feature downhill biking on Mt. Alyeska from June through September and it’s a complete blast. From riding on a glacier with epic backdrops and vistas, to smooth flow trails and forest singletrack, the Bike Park has something for everyone. The Alyeska Bike Park is now in its 9th consecutive season and has been growing steadily- expanding terrain, building new trails, growing new ridership, you name it. If you’re interested in checking out this exciting new sport, we even have a team of dedicated instructors at the Mountain Learning Center to get you safe and confident on the trails.
Alyeska’s location is one of the biggest draws for locals-were just a 40-minute drive from Anchorage. With an international airport just an hour away we are also one of the most accessible four-season resorts in the country. There’s even a railroad if you prefer alternative transportation. No matter how you arrive, we hope you’ll visit us this fall. Please call 907-754-2111 to make your reservation with us or visit our website at www.alyeskresort.com for more details.
