Alyeska Resort opening day scheduled for Wednesday, November 23

November 16, 2011 (Girdwood, Alaska) – The mountain operations team at Alyeska Resort is preparing for opening day, Wednesday, November 23, 2011. The resort will be running the following lifts: Tram, Chair 6, Chair 4, Bear Cub Quad and both Magic Carpets for ski and snowboard operations from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The Mountain Learning Center and Sitzmark Bar & Grill will begin daily operations and the aerial tram will also be offering sightseeing and lunch at Glacier Express.

Early storms and cold temperatures in October and November have resulted in current snow depths of 62 inches at the top, 27 inches midway and 17 inches at the base. The resort advises skiers and snowboarders that early season conditions do exist on the mountain and all guests should use caution and be aware of obstacles. Skiers are always advised to be in control.  As the resort nears opening day, announcements will be made on specific terrain that will be available to the public for opening day. 

As part of the resort’s preparation, the snowmaking crew has taken advantage of the clear weather, and they have been able to run 39 snow guns consistently working crews round the clock. This early season practice has resulted in a healthy man-made base on lower mountain terrain. For the snow guns to operate, the air temperature needs be to no higher than 26 degrees Fahrenheit.

Alyeska Resort offers guests the snow hotline (907-SKI-SNOW or 907-754-7669) providing daily phone recordings with a variety of resort information. The resort encourages skiers and snowboarders to call the hotline prior to driving to Girdwood for the most accurate snow conditions and other useful information such as lift status, openings and closures of terrain, and event details.

With opening day falling over Thanksgiving weekend, Alyeska Resort will be serving its annual Thanksgiving Buffet at The Pond Café, located in The Hotel Alyeska at 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 24, 2011. The menu features traditional favorites including roasted tom turkey, prime rib, Yukon Gold mashed potatoes, pecan sweet potatoes and a variety of desserts. The price for adults is $38 and the price for kids between the ages of 6 and 12 is $16. Advanced reservations can be made by phone at 907-754-2237 or online at Alyeska Resort.com

Seven Glaciers Restaurant will kick off their winter season on Wednesday, November 23 when Executive Chef Jason Porter introduces his new winter seasonal menu. On Thanksgiving Day, guests dining at Seven Glaciers can select from the regular menu or from a special Thanksgiving Chef’s Tasting Menu.  Reservations can be made at 907-754-2237.

Alyeska Resort has partnered with several exceptional companies to help customers save on lift tickets this winter.  On shelves now at Anchorage Debarr and Dimond Costco warehouse locations, Alyeska Resort is offering two adult lift tickets for $95.99, a savings of 20% off regular adult ticket prices. The same offer will be on Costco.com later this month.

Alyeska Resort has also partnered with Liftopia.com for a second season. Customers can find discounts on daily adult lift tickets. A select amount of lift tickets are made available each day, so customers are encouraged to check the website often to find the best savings.

Warren Miller’s new ski movie Like There’s No Tomorrow is scheduled for its Anchorage premiere on Thursday, December 1, 2011 at the Alaska Center for Performing Arts. There are two showings at 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. With every paid entry, there is a coupon for a FREE Alyeska Resort midweek lift ticket.

About Alyeska Resort (www.alyeskaresort.com)
Alyeska Resort is Alaska's premier year-round destination featuring The Hotel Alyeska, an award-winning 304 room full-service property. Located just 40 miles from Anchorage and Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, Alyeska Resort is your base camp for summer and winter excursions. The resort is within close proximity of three national parks and the Kenai Peninsula, and is home to the northernmost temperate rainforest, part of the Chugach Mountains. Alyeska Resort stands out in ski season with 650” of average snowfall annually and the longest-continuous double black diamond ski run in North America. Learn more about the resort and plan your Alaskan adventure at www.alyeskaresort.com or 800-880-3880.

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