Summer in Alaska is unlike anywhere else in the United States. The daylight is plentiful, the air is clean and the surroundings are pure nature, it truly is something that needs to be experienced first-hand.
A one-day itinerary encompasses stunning views, local trails of the surrounding wilderness, locally sourced cuisine and relaxing options after a day of exploring the wild surroundings.
11 am – Alyeska Aerial Tram to the Top of Mount Alyeska
In the summer months, our tram is a five to six-minute ride with an elevation gain of 2300 feet. Along the way, you will experience jaw-dropping views of the Turnagain Arm, seven hanging glaciers and endless peaks deep into the Chugach Range. Keep your eyes on the lockout for bears, moose and beavers, as you fly overhead. Once at the top, (if you can tear yourself away from the top-of-the-world views) check out the Roundhouse Museum, Alaska’s only mountaintop museum and interpretive center. Learn about the history of Girdwood and how citizens collected enough money to buy the land for the original ski hill!
Noon – Grab a delicious sandwich at the Bore Tide Deli
While you’re at the top of the mountain, swing into the Bore Tide Deli for one of the signature sandwiches, soups and a locally brewed beer or specialty cocktails. The restaurant gets its name from a phenomenon that occurs in very few places on earth, the Turnagain Arm being one of them. With such a large difference between high tide and low tide, the incoming tide creates a standing wave that lasts for over 11 miles and can be just serval inches tall, or several feet tall!
1:30pm – Winner Creek Trail
One of the most relaxing things to do in the area is to take an easy hike through the hemlock rainforest Alyeska calls home. Winner Creek is a perfect hike for those looking to be surrounded by nature. The 2.5 mile trail winds its way through the moss-covered forest to the confluence of Winner and Glacier Creeks. The Winner Creek Gorge boasts several impressive waterfalls and foot bridges for photo ops.
Relax before dinner – Spaaaaahhhh
The sun is high most of the day in the summer time but don’t let all of the daylight exhaust you, retreat to the resort for the perfect wind down from the days events with a massage treatment from the Spa at Alyeska. A 50 minute massage will have you feeling great, relaxing your muscles and rejuvenating your mind.
Dinnertime
The reward for a day full of activity and adventure is a wonderful meal after the sun goes down. The perfect one-day, Alaskan itinerary at Alyeska Resort is capped off by your choice of health-conscious, seafood fare at Sakura Asian Bistro, or pizza and meat-centric dishes at Aurora Bar & Grill. Your meal will be the perfect place to reflect on the memories made and start planning what your next epic day of Alaska adventures will be!
Beholding the natural wonders which Alaska is blessed with requires a lifetime of passion and commitment; the state and its majesty is that vast and abundant. But a carefully curated one-day itinerary can introduce visitors to the sights, history, culture, cuisine and experiences that keep attracting adventure seekers to the Last Frontier, and Alyeska Resort is the perfect base from which to enjoy it all!
