Have a Ski Lifestyle Experience at Alyeska Resort
Located a short 25-minute drive from the Anchorage airport, The Hotel Alyeska (which sits at the base of the Alyeska Resort) is one of those rare ski hotels that provides easy access from a major airport. Upon checking in, we found the staff to be incredibly friendly; we would be too if we lived and skied in Alaska. The vibe of the Hotel Alyeska is sophisticated, airy, and laid back. Natural light poured in to our room, which had a beautiful view of the mountains. The world-class down pillows will surely persuade you to sleep a little longer.
The Alyeska Resort provides not just incredible skiing but also an entire ski lifestyle experience. Let’s put it this way: The skiing impressed me, and the food, drinks, nightlife, accommodations, and hospitality definitely did not disappoint. As a professional skier I have the privilege of visiting some of the most beautiful and exceptional ski areas in the world; Alyeska tops the list for so many reasons.
The only concern we had going into the trip was the short daylight. Alaska is so far north it receives only four to five hours of sunlight during the early weeks of January, which was when we took our trip. The rhythm of the short days quickly became appreciated. We went early to bed and enjoyed plenty of time in the mornings to answer emails or catch a workout before breakfast. Skiing started at 10:30 a.m. when the sun began to rise and ran until 8 p.m. or so, with night skiing starting at about 4:30 p.m.
It’s no secret Alyeska offers world class skiing. Often the playground of many professional skiers, the resort offers high-speed chairlifts, steep terrain, and 2,500 vertical feet of skiing. Our legs were feeling a whole new kind of burn.
When we weren’t enjoying the mountain, the spa, beautiful yoga room, pool, bars, and restaurant kept us entertained. Although the resort offers yoga from a professional yoga teacher four times a week, I opted to enjoy the space alone when a class wasn’t being taught. This is a yogi’s dream come true to enjoy a beautiful yoga space all to him or herself.
It was quickly evident Alyeska takes great pride in its dining experience. The first night we ate at the Aurora Bar & Grill. I enjoyed a quinoa salad on a bed of spinach with fresh herbs. For a girl that hates coming home from vacation packing a few extra pounds this was a dream come true—delicious and nutritious. Julian opted for the pork osso bucco, and I of course sampled; it was moist, bursting with flavor, and delicious. I recommend the Sitzmark Bar & Grill for on-mountain sandwiches and burgers and of course nightlife. The “Sitz” is a local hot spot and jams to easy listening live music nearly every weekend. The season lineup would impress any music critic; rumor is the owner of the resort used to manage the Rolling Stones.
Alyeska also provides one of the most incredible dining experiences in the world. Seven Glaciers restaurant is located on top of the tram at 2,000 feet. You can stop during the ski day or ride the tram for free with a dinner reservation. Don’t forget to order one of the famous “Fizz” drinks. I have no idea what is in them; I don’t think anyone does. They’re incredible: creamy, fizzy, and delicious. Don’t forget your camera because the glass exterior provides incredible views. And the food is worth writing home about. We indulged with King crab legs, oysters, and filet. Just writing this is making my mouth salivate.
From the lodging and the food to the terrain and the staff, Alyeska Resort is on point. Every skier must, at some point, make the pilgrimage to Alaska, and there is no better experience than Alyeska Resort.
