Alyeska Resort, Girdwood, Alaska

Wilderness meets pampered luxury at Alaska’s four-star Hotel Alyeska. Ski runs overlook glaciers and powder reigns supreme. The mountain-top Seven Glaciers restaurant consistently receives Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence and a bounty of first-class amenities make this resort a go-to winter destination for those seeking adventure.

Located just 40 miles south of Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, the resort lies in the town of Girdwood.  From Anchorage, the trip follows scenic Seward Highway where the Chugach Mountains meet the ocean with the ribbon of a road in between.

Arriving by rail is also a popular option. The Alaska Railroad showcases the same gorgeous scenery and is a must-do on any Alaska itinerary. The train delivers passengers to the Girdwood stop. (Tiny Girdwood is a tight-knit, Birkenstock-type community with local eateries and shops.)  From there, a complimentary shuttle whisks guests to the hotel five miles away.

Tucked into a secluded valley, a circular drive leads to the resort’s entrance. As you round the curve, the chateau-style structure comes into view shadowed by the towering mountains. This is a place that exudes a quiet elegance throughout the common areas and in the fireside lounge with expansive windows.

When guests request a mountain view, they don’t realize that almost every one of the 304 comfortable, but unpretentious, rooms showcase the surrounding peaks. Rooms at the front overlook the Chugach mountain range, while the back takes in ski runs and the steep face. At turndown, guests will delight in finding boutique, dark raspberry chocolates on their pillow nestled in a signature tiny envelope that says, “Life should always be this sweet”. That couldn’t be more true.  Coffee makers with Starbucks coffee are standard in every room and at the Tramway and Pond Cafes the popular “Ground House Blend” is offered.

Alyeska Resort rules for serious Alpine skiing and snowboarding with 1,610 skiable acres, nearly 650 inches of annual snowfall and North America’s longest continuous double black diamond run on its North Face. The mountain is known for its stunning views all around.

Surprisingly affordable, the midweek winter special starts at $129 and includes two lift tickets—not something you’re likely to find in many lower 48 resorts. (During the week adult lift tickets are normally $60 and on the weekends $75.) After spring break, their SKI FREE package is valid daily, starting at $159 per night. The first Monday of each month is Military Monday; skiing is free for both active and retired military and their dependents, equipment rental is 50 percent off, and hotel rooms are discounted. Ski lesson packages often include lift tickets and rental. Several guests commented on their experience at the hotel’s AMS pro shop when renting skis—quick, expertly done and the selection was impressive.

Beginner slopes make up 11 percent of the mountain with two lifts. Guests can sit in the Sitzmark Bar & Grill watching their offspring or significant other navigate the bunny slope. Intermediate slopes tend to be steep cruisers and the black diamond and back bowl runs are not for the faint-of-heart. The 60-passenger, high-speed tram takes skiers up 2,300 feet above sea level for stunning panoramas of the surrounding ocean, mountains and glaciers.

Avid skiers and snowboarders can hire a guided tour into the backcountry through Chugach Powder Guides who specialize in small groups and have expert knowledge of the local mountains. Guests can choose from day or week-long helicopter assisted or snow cat skiing, too.

As for other diversions at the resort, there’s plenty. Helicopter trips with glacier landings take passengers into the heart of glacier country and the wilderness on spectacular flights that last from 30 minutes to 2.5 hours. At the hotel, there’s an expansive indoor saltwater pool, and the spa offers a well-rounded menu.

Dining is an adventure too. The resort’s Sakura restaurant serves sushi with fish pulled from the surrounding Alaskan waters, Wagyu steaks and more. Stizmark Bar & Grill is the original, après-ski hangout that’s known for its burgers and serves at least a dozen local beers on tap. Winter evenings, their calendar is filled with live bands and entertainment. A ride-and-dine package for $35 includes an all-day tram pass plus $20 lunch voucher at Bore Tide Deli in the Upper Tram Terminal; the self-service eatery features soups, salads, wraps, beer and wine.

For ambiance, head to Alyeska’s Seven Glaciers, the state’s only Four Diamond restaurant. Not many restaurants transfix diners with a 180-degree view of numerous glaciers. Then again, how many sit at 2,300 feet above sea level and are only accessible by tram?  An added bonus, courtesy all-day tram tickets (normally $25 per person) accompany the required advance reservations. At this Wine Spectator award-winner, four Level I sommeliers readily suggest wine pairings from 3,000 bottles. The bar extends almost the entire width of the restaurant and mountain views monopolize the windowed backsplash.

While dining, three attendants, standard for every table, deliver attentive and unobtrusive service. Chef Aaron Apling-Gilman continually puts his stamp on new dishes and personalizes longstanding favorites, such as the scallop bisque. Local produce, seafood and game are used whenever possible. There’s an extensive vegetarian and gluten free menu—vegan diners are accommodated too. On Sunday evenings, a three-course prix fixe chef’s tasting offers a hearty option for $49.