Review: Alyeska Resort

Why book? This ski-in, ski-out resort is found at the base of its eponymously named mountain and caters to those looking to enjoy 1,610 skiable acres, seven chair lifts, 76 named trails, and more than 650 inches of snow each season.

Set the scene: The whole property has a hunting-chateau aesthetic—when you first walk into the lobby, you're greeted with a diorama of stuffed animals, including a polar bear. There are also roaring fireplaces in the communal areas (usually presided over by a moose or elk bust), oodles of wood and leather furniture, pieces of Indigenous art throughout, and floor-to-ceiling windows facing the mountains.

The rooms: Rooms are simple (and perhaps a little dated), with cherry wood, emerald, and maroon accents. In-room perks include ski gear storage, plush bathrobes, heated towel racks, and coffee pots with local java.

Food and drink You won't leave Alyeska hungry. While there are multiple restaurants on property, the Seven Glaciers Restaurant is most impressive. It's found atop the mountain (you can get there by tram) and has a AAA Four-Diamond rating. The menu focuses heavily on locally caught seafood and game and is one of the only places in the state where you can actually get Baked Alaska (called Baked Alyeska in this case). Be sure to book ahead. Another local favorite is The Sitzmark Bar and Grill. Do yourself a favor and get the totachos (tater tot nachos) and the Fire and Ice Wrap.

The spa Alyeska has a large saltwater indoor swimming pool, hot tub, and sauna. The resort will also open a 50,000-square-foot Nordic-style indoor/outdoor spa in summer 2022.

The neighborhood/area Girdwood, the community that Alyeska is found in, is technically in the Anchorage metro area, but it feels a world away. Wreathed by a collection of glacier-topped peaks, Girdwood is laid-back, mellow, and notably, a place where locals go year-round for some outdoor adventures. Those who frequent here are serious about putting in turns, so much so that myriad Olympic skiers and snowboards learned on this mountain. As such, it's not the kind of ski resort where people go to see and be seen—expect to see just as many people with duct-tape patched jackets as without.

The service There is a hotel shuttle available for guests to use for free. It makes stops at the resort's various restaurants and rental centers, as well as the "downtown" (a generous term), and Girdwood Brewing Company. The concierge can also help with setting up activities like dog sledding, fishing, whale-watching, and fishing (or even just recommend hiking trails to blueberry patches on the property). There's also room service and the option to be woken up if the northern lights make an appearance.

Accessibility Alyeska has ramps, elevators, and ADA-compliant rooms.

Anything left to mention? Even if you aren't skiing or snowboarding, it's worth taking the tram to the top of the mountain (it's free if you have reservations at Seven Glaciers). The views of Turnagain Arm are spectacular.