Aurora Viewing, Hiking, and Alyeska’s Nordic Spa make Autumn in Alaska the Perfect Time for a Visit
Girdwood, Alaska (May 14, 2024): Incredible opportunities from fall foliage hiking excursions to Oktoberfest celebrations and an Aurora Concierge on site make fall a prime time to visit Alyeska Resort in Alaska. As most lodges close for the year in September, the largest mountain resort in the state, Alyeska Resort, located 40 minutes from Anchorage in Girdwood, remains one of the few properties to remain open year-round offering guests continued access to Alaska’s adventure and wellness offerings. Fewer crowds and lower prices but equally unforgettable experiences make the shoulder season one of the best times to visit the 49th state.
Hiking
In autumn, the Alaska weather hits a cool sweet spot ideal for hiking while fall foliage is on full display. Alyeska Resort recommends over 12 hiking trails on Mount Alyeska and offers an interactive map on its website to display the level of difficulty and further details about each hike.
The North Face Trail is especially stunning, ascending the 2,000 vertical foot slope of ski terrain for 2.2 miles straight from the hotel. Many participants will stop at the hike’s peak for a drink and a bite to eat at the Bore Tide Deli & Bar. Hikers can then opt to take a complimentary aerial tram ride back down the mountain, which is great for those who cannot hike downhill or simply would like a scenic break. The Winner Creek Trail is a great option for a more family-friendly hike. Beginning at the base of the aerial tram, Winner Creek Trail is the most accessible hiking trail Alyeska offers. The trail takes hikers across a boardwalk surface and into a dirt path, winding its way through the lush rainforest with minimal elevation gain. About halfway into the 5-6 mile hike, a river gorge with a bridge and hand tram allows you to pull yourself across the creek. There are countless other hiking trails to explore along Turnagain Arm and the Kenai Peninsula.
Aurora Concierge
Alaska’s skies display the multi-hued lights of the Aurora Borealis from late August to April. As daylight hours shorten and temperatures grow colder, the chances of viewing them increase. Once at Alyeska, guests have access to a unique, complimentary service. The Northern Lights Wake-Up Call from the Aurora Concierge will call the hotel room when the lights are visible. That way guests never have to worry about missing the lights because they fell asleep.
Aerial Tram
Alyeska’s aerial tram holds 40 passengers and ascends 2,300 ft in elevation. The ride takes about seven minutes and stops at the Upper Tram Terminal on the mountain. From the tram, guests can view the Turnagain Arm, up to seven “hanging” glaciers, endless peaks deep into the Chugach Mountain range and the stunning fall colors and wildlife.
E-biking
On a trail affectionately known as Bird to Gird, Alyeska Resort guests can tour the Turnagain Arm from Girdwood to Bird Point by e-bike. Beginning at Alyeska Resort and continuing for 12 miles, the route is incredibly scenic, gaining about 500 vertical feet over the two-hour-long ride. Guides will accompany guests to lead the way, making the ride entertaining and educational. The journey features several pullouts with unobstructed views of the Chugach and Kenai Mountains, where guides will point out notable geological features and wildlife. The trail takes riders through forested sections of the Iditarod Trail and finishes at Bird Point. Alyeska uses a fleet of Kona e-bikes, which support riders with up to 90% of the workload powered by the electric motor. This makes riding relaxing and fun for all abilities and fitness levels. This ride is offered through September and has an 8-person maximum per group, with the minimum age requirement being 14 years old.
Nordic Spa
Opened in September 2022, Alyeska Nordic Spa is the first Nordic Spa in Alaska. The Spa allows visitors to enjoy a 50,000-square-foot series of outdoor hot and cold hydrotherapy pools, massage treatments, and wellness experiences, including yoga classes, meditation sessions, and exfoliation rooms. Guests with reservations for Hydrotherapy Access can relax and unwind for up to 12 hours a day. The new Twilight Soak experience offers evening hydrotherapy bookings between 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm that can be booked up to 3 months in advance. This option is perfect for those who want to adventure during the day and unwind in the evening. Inspired by Alaska's wild landscapes, Two Trees Bistro is open for breakfast, lunch, cocktails, and dinner. Guests can visit for a day of wellness or as the perfect complement to their stay this fall at Alyeska Resort.
Oktoberfest
This fall, Alyeska Resort is hosting its annual Oktoberfest. On Friday, September 27th, and Saturday, September 28th, enjoy Bavarian food, music, and beer at the Alyeska Daylodge. Last year’s Oktoberfest featured fun events like the Stein Olympics, German Spelling Bee, Costume Contest, and the Ever Boisterous Yodeling Contest. This year’s details and schedule of events will be released soon, making it an unforgettable weekend.
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About Alyeska Resort: Alyeska Resort is Alaska’s premier year-round destination featuring 299 rooms, a 60-passenger aerial scenic tram, an indoor saltwater pool, and seven dining options, including Seven Glaciers, the resort’s AAA Four Diamond Award restaurant with unparalleled views overlooking seven hanging glaciers. With 1,610 skiable acres, 76 named trails, and over 669 inches of snow annually, Alyeska Resort is truly a playground for all levels of skiers and riders. In the summer, Alyeska is your gateway to the Chugach Mountains, offering a peek into the vast wilderness of this breathtaking mountain range. Home to numerous wildlife and flora species, Alyeska seamlessly entwines luxury accommodations with convenient access to nature. First opened in 1994, the resort was acquired in 2018 by Pomeroy Lodging, a Canadian hospitality company that also operates the Kananaskis Lodge and Nordic Spa in Canada. To learn more about Alyeska Resort, visit alyeskaresort.com.
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About Pomeroy Lodging: Pomeroy Lodging is an independent hospitality company based in Alberta, Canada. Managing a wide portfolio of hotels, resorts, and spas since 1941, Pomeroy Lodging is deeply invested in the communities they operate in. Their investments go beyond the walls of their hotels and the land they build on. They are dedicated to making their people, partners, guests, and communities strong, successful and sustainable. Pomeroy Lodging is driven to make a difference because they cherish where they come from and where they grow. Pomeroy Lodging has a dedicated leadership team with a clear vision for business development and partnership opportunities that provide development and growth opportunities to all employees.
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