Alaska Ski Vacations

Alaska's wild country has always been a source of fascination to those of us on the "mainland." Raw and wild, it also offers some of the best skiing in the world. The Alyeska Resort is one of the finest resorts in Alaska, with a top elevation of 2751 feet and a 2501 foot vertical drop. The area also averages 631 inches of snow annually.

If you're looking for adventure and you're an avid skier, this may be the place for you. The slopes are not overly crowded and there are not long lift lines. The resort boasts nine lifts, including six chair lifts and two surface lifts. There's also one cable car line. There are 68 trails at beginner, intermediate, and expert levels. The majority of the trails are designed for intermediate skiers.

Alyeska Resort also has nighttime skiing, which can make your ski experience ever the more adventurous. While you ski, look at snowcapped mountains, hanging glaciers, and the famous Northern Lights. This resort is ranked at number 9 out of 25 by Skiing Magazine.

Alyeska Resort's skiing season begins in mid-November and runs through mid-April. During April, the resort is located in an area that gets 16 hours of daylight every day. In December, however, only about seven hours of daylight occur here, which is why nighttime skiing is so popular here. If you want to spend any significant time on the slopes, you've got to do it in the dark at least part of the time.

The Alyeska Prince Hotel is Alyeska Resort's crown jewel of a hotel. It boasts elegant rooms and fine dining. It also has nightly entertainment. Other nightlife spots are also located in the area nearby, not associated with the hotel.

If you're interested in tubing, the Glacier Tubing Park is just for you. It has two lanes of terrain and a surface lift. Those who are snowboarding enthusiasts will enjoy the Alyeska Terrain Park. Besides the traditional sightseeing of most vacations, for out of the ordinary vacation pursuits, you might also want to consider helisking, ocean cruising tours, dog sledding, ice climbing, back country skiing, mountaineering and the occasional sight of polar bears.

Brave the elements at Alyeska Resort and then go back to the hotel for some relaxation. Experience what Alaska, and skiing, is really like it its ultimate. There are activities for the entire family to pursue and many unusual and beautiful sights to see as well. You can't beat the Alyeska Resort for the ultimate winter vacation.