Alyeska feels like skiing on the edge of the world. Nestled in the coastal Chugach Mountains, overlooking Turnagain Arm, this resort delivers an experience unlike anything else in North America. It’s raw, beautiful, and absolutely massive—where ocean views meet Alaskan powder and moose tracks cross your boot path. When storms roll in, the snow falls thick and fast. When they clear, you’ll swear you can see forever.

Quick Stats

• Location: Girdwood, Alaska (40 miles south of Anchorage)
• Elevation: 250 ft base / 2,750 ft summit
• Vertical Drop: 2,500 ft
• Skiable Terrain: 1,610 acres (plus 1,400 accessible by cat and hike)
• Annual Snowfall: ~650 inches
• Number of Runs: 76
• Lifts: 7 (including the Aerial Tram and Glacier Bowl Express)
• Vibe Check: Remote, wild, and beautifully untamed

The Vibe

Alyeska is adventure distilled. It’s remote but welcoming, challenging yet serene. The terrain delivers steep faces, long fall-line runs, and deep powder that rivals anywhere in the Rockies. Locals are hardcore but humble—most have avalanche gear in their trunk and powder smiles year-round. Après here feels different: less glitz, more gratitude. You’re skiing in one of the wildest places on Earth, and that awareness colors every turn.

Must-Ride Runs

🟢 Greens

• Bear Cub Quad – gentle terrain perfect for families and beginners.
• Easier Way Down – mellow descent with incredible mountain and ocean views.

🟦 Blues

• Main Street – long, rolling groomer with smooth flow from mid-mountain.
• Silvertip – classic Alyeska cruiser with sweeping turns.
• Blueberry Hill – scenic intermediate run overlooking Turnagain Arm.

♦︎ Blacks

• North Face – 2,500 vertical feet of sheer steeps; the stuff of legend.
• High Traverse to Max’s Face – off-trail experience for experts chasing powder lines.
• Glacier Bowl – big, open alpine terrain when conditions line up.

Après + Town Stays

Après in Girdwood is cozy, quirky, and full of character. It’s the kind of place where you’ll drink with heli guides, locals, and visiting pros—all telling storm stories by the fire.

• The Sitzmark Bar & Grill – Alyeska’s après hub; live music, craft beer, and dancing in ski boots.
• Jack Sprat – farm-to-table dining with local seafood and global flair.
• Chair 5 Restaurant & Bar – laid-back pub with pizza, burgers, and a true Alaskan vibe.
• Girdwood Brewing Company – family-run brewery serving small-batch IPAs and mountain hospitality.
• Double Musky Inn – famous for Cajun steaks and rustic, lodge-style charm.
• Alyeska Resort Hotel – ski-in/out luxury with spa, saltwater pool, and mountain views.
• Carriage House Accommodations – local B&Bs and cabins perfect for low-key travelers.

Travel Tips

Fly into Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC), then drive 40 miles along the stunning Seward Highway—often named one of America’s most scenic routes. A car is handy for exploring, but Girdwood’s compact layout makes it easy to navigate once you’re there. The best snow hits from January through March, though April brings long daylight and surprisingly soft turns. Bring layers—temperatures can swing fast between coast and summit.

Fun Facts

• Alyeska averages over 650 inches of snow annually—some years topping 800.
• It’s the northernmost major ski resort in North America.
• The Alyeska Tram rises 2,000 vertical feet with ocean views at the top.
• Alaska’s famous Turnagain Arm Bore Tide can be seen from the summit on clear days.
• Alyeska hosted the U.S. Alpine Championships and remains a training site for elite racers.

Why It Made Our Top 50 List

Alyeska made the list because it redefines adventure. It’s untamed, soulful, and awe-inspiring—a place where nature commands your respect and rewards you with some of the best skiing on Earth. From powder laps on North Face to sunsets over the ocean, Alyeska delivers an experience no continental resort can match.