Alyeska Resort in Girdwood, Alaska is unlike any other ski destination in the United States. Nestled in the Chugach Mountains just 40 miles southeast of Anchorage, it receives some of the deepest snowfall of any resort in North America — an average of 669 inches per year — while remaining remarkably accessible via a single highway from one of Alaska's major airports. If you've ever wanted to ski a true Alaskan wilderness environment without chartering a helicopter, Alyeska is your answer.
Best Time to Visit
Alyeska's climate is shaped by its proximity to Prince William Sound and the Gulf of Alaska. Moist Pacific air masses flow inland, slam into the Chugach Range, and drop enormous quantities of snow. This creates a resort that is both consistently deep and somewhat different in character from continental ski destinations.
Peak Season: December through March
December through March is the core winter season at Alyeska. January and February deliver the heaviest snowfall, with the resort regularly recording multiple feet of snow in a single storm cycle. The mountain's 2,500-foot vertical drop is fully open by mid-January in most years, with the tram accessing the upper mountain for expert terrain above treeline.
Powder Months
January and February are the snowiest months — but at Alyeska, "powder months" almost feels redundant. The resort averages over 55 feet of snow per season. After a major coastal storm, the mountain can receive 3–5 feet of snow in 48 hours. The headwall above the tram and the steep chutes off the North Face hold powder for days given the cold temperatures. This is legitimately world-class snowfall, and the resort's relatively smaller size (compared to major western resorts) means the terrain stays untracked longer.
Spring Skiing: March through May
March and April offer a spectacular spring skiing experience unique to Alaska. The days grow long rapidly — by April, Alaska has 14+ hours of daylight — and the combination of deep snowpack, warming temperatures, and extraordinary light creates memorable spring skiing conditions. The resort often runs into April. Late March and early April see improved weather stability and better visibility than the heart of winter storm season.
January Darkness
One honest consideration for a January visit: Alaska in mid-winter has limited daylight. In Girdwood, sunrise in January is around 10 AM and sunset is around 4 PM. Ski operations run from 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM, so you have a full ski day, but the light is low and the days feel short. Some visitors prefer to visit in late February or March when daylight is rapidly increasing and conditions remain excellent.
Holiday Crowds
Alyeska is far less crowded than major lower-48 ski destinations, which is one of its great appeals. The biggest crowd periods are Christmas/New Year's week (when Alaskan families and outside visitors converge) and Presidents' Day weekend. Even at peak times, lift lines at Alyeska are modest by the standards of major Colorado or California resorts.
Getting There: Nearest Airports
Alyeska Resort's location near Anchorage makes it one of the most accessible destination ski resorts in Alaska — though "accessible" still requires an international-quality airport and awareness of winter highway conditions.
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) — Approx. 45 minutes
ANC is a major international hub and the only practical commercial airport for Alyeska. Located 40 miles northwest of Girdwood, the airport is served by Alaska Airlines, United, Delta, American, and international carriers including Condor and Korean Air. Nonstop service is available from Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Chicago, Dallas, and New York, among other cities.
The drive from ANC to Alyeska is 45–60 minutes via the Seward Highway, one of the most scenic drives in North America. The highway runs along Turnagain Arm — a dramatic tidal inlet flanked by the Chugach Mountains — and is regularly maintained in winter. Watch for Dall sheep on the cliffs above the road.
Car Rental vs. Shuttle/Transit
Is a Car Recommended?
A rental car is strongly recommended for visiting Alyeska, particularly for visitors staying in Anchorage who want flexibility to explore the area. The Seward Highway between Anchorage and Girdwood can have ice and compacted snow in winter, so AWD or 4WD with adequate tires is important. Most major rental car agencies are represented at ANC. Book early — car inventory in Anchorage can be limited, especially during holiday periods.
Shuttle Services Available
- Alaska Railroad: The Alaska Railroad operates the Glacier Discovery train service on weekends in winter, connecting Anchorage's downtown train depot to Girdwood. This is a scenic and relaxed way to reach the resort without driving, and the train experience itself is a highlight. Check schedules as service is limited.
- Alyeska Resort Shuttle: The resort and several Anchorage hotels offer shuttle service to Alyeska on weekends. Check directly with the resort and your hotel for current options, as availability varies by season.
- Shared Shuttles: Several Anchorage-based transportation companies offer shared shuttle services to Girdwood. These can be booked in advance online and are a good option for solo travelers or those without a rental car.
Driving the Seward Highway
The Seward Highway is designated a National Scenic Byway and is well-maintained, but it is still an Alaskan mountain highway in winter. Ice, avalanche control closures, and wildlife on the road are real considerations. The Alaska DOT 511 system provides real-time road conditions. Give yourself extra time in storm conditions and never pass avalanche control closures.
Where to Stay
Alyeska Resort Hotel — Ski-In/Ski-Out
The Hotel Alyeska is the centerpiece of the resort — a full-service, 304-room mountain hotel with multiple restaurants, a spa, and direct access to the ski area. Pros: Ski-in/ski-out access (the tram is steps away), outstanding service, excellent on-site dining including the Seven Glaciers restaurant at the top of the tram, heated outdoor pool with mountain views. Cons: Premium pricing, especially over holidays. However, given the destination nature of an Alaska ski trip, many visitors find the convenience fully worth the cost.
Girdwood — Resort Town Base
Girdwood is a small, tight-knit mountain community adjacent to the resort. Vacation rentals, small lodges, and B&Bs are available at lower prices than the resort hotel. Pros: Walking distance to the ski area, authentic Alaska mountain town character, proximity to the excellent Girdwood dining scene (Chair 5, Crow Creek Mine, Double Musky Inn). Cons: Vacation rental inventory is limited, especially for peak dates — book months in advance. The town is small and does not have a lot of nightlife options beyond the few local restaurants and bars.
Anchorage — 45 Minutes Away
Staying in Anchorage and commuting to Alyeska is a viable strategy, particularly for visitors who want to combine skiing with other Anchorage activities (dog mushing, Northern Lights viewing, wildlife photography). Anchorage has the full range of hotel options from budget to luxury, with significantly more dining and nightlife than Girdwood. The 45-minute Seward Highway drive becomes part of the daily experience — and on a clear day, that drive is one of the most beautiful commutes in skiing.