Repairs were also made to the Sitzmark deck and roof, and Alyeska installed a new Mountain Learning Center desk in the Daylodge to allow for more stations and a shorter line, she says. But, the news doesn’t end there.
Hibner is also pleased to announce that guests will be able to track their vertical feet this season. The information will be recorded, and prize ideas are in the works for the skiers with the greatest number of feet accumulated over the season and most days skied.
“The new vertical tracking feature will be an awesome way to back up your bragging with some fact,” says Brian Burnett, mountain service manager.
At the resort the overall area includes 1,400 skiable acres (and this is nothing when taking into account backcountry heli and snowcat skiing opportunities with Girdwood-based Chugach Powder Guides). Back on the home front, however, Alyeska includes 73 total runs with lift access up to 2,500 feet with an additional 1,000 feet of elevation to explore and enjoy. Mount Alyeska rises up to 3,939 feet. There are a total of nine lifts, from the 60-passenger aerial tram down to a couple of magic carpets. This mountain moves people, in a manner of speaking. Alyeska reports that 10,335 people can ascend the mountain in any given hour.
To make the most of Alyeska and be able to partake in as many slope runs or events as possible, regular visitors might want to consider season passes. The costs range from $250 for seniors ages 70 and older to $1,250 for adults ages 19-59. Acting before December 31 provides additional savings.
With the new Buddy Discount, buy two or more passes at the same time to receive additional savings. Save $50 off on standard Adult Season Passes and $25 on most others. There is no limit on the number of season passes purchased per transaction.
With Perfect Family Discount (PFD special) buyers receive 50 percent off up to two dependent passes with a Regular Season priced parent/guardian pass. Season pass holders further benefit from lodging discounts, complimentary tram lifts, Daylodge dinners and discounts at the resort shop or with Chugach Powder Guides for backcountry exploration.
Regular, day-long lift passes will cost in a range of $5 for a child 5 or under up to $60 for adults. And of course, discounts and free meals will not apply. Lift passes can, however, be recharged at a discounted rate, so hang on to them.
Chugach Powder Guides
Many Alyeska visitors may be interested in backcounty skiing. The benefit is longer runs, fresh powder, and an incredible sense of exploration. Especially for those visiting Alaska, riding off and up into the mountains in a snowcat is one sure way to feel like a real adventurer, not just an ordinary powder puff.
From Alyeska’s doorstep, CPG offers a full day of snowcat skiing and riding for $325, with lunch included. It’s a fun ride, and really puts you touch with the mountains and scenery. The guide and driver will continuously run skiers up the mountains for as many runs as can be had during the day. It’s likely that from a number of vantage points, you’ll be able to look down on the remainder of skiers that trying to navigate tracks on the busy, resort runs.
Heli-skiing is also an option from Girdwood’s local airport. CPG guarantees 16,000 to 20,000 vertical feet of skiing at a rate of $1,075 per person. The benefits here hardly need to be expressed. Aside from the unsurpassed vertical, passengers are afforded the mind-blowing experience of the inner Chugach and a lifetime of bragging rights for conquering backcountry terrain that is seldom explored still to this day. Weeklong packages for both snowcat and heli-skiing are also available. Alyeska Resort has staff on hand that can schedule a Chugach Powder Guides excursion. Call them at (907) 754-2108 or visit with a resort concierge.
Arctic Valley
