Girdwood is a charming Alaska town featuring the 5-star Alyeska Resort, beautiful views of the Chugach Mountains and located just an hour south from Anchorage. Girdwood is a popular stop for both visitors and locals who travel down the Seward Highway from Anchorage along the very scenic Turnagain Arm.
Driving the Seward Highway South along Turnagain Arm
Girdwood is a known mecca for outdoor sports enthusiasts and sightseers who like exploring all things Alaska. There’s lots of fun to be had here. You might enjoy taking a ride up Alyeska Mountain on the Alyeska Tramway which drops you off at the summit where you can enjoy stunning views over the mountains while you sip a beer at the Seven Glaciers Restaurant. You can enjoy views of the Chugach Mountains, Turnagain Arm and the seven glaciers, while enjoying locally produced Alaskan cuisine. An truly unique Alaskan dining experience.
In the summer, glacier viewing based out of Girdwood is easy to find via a glacier flightseeing tour by helicopter and you can even add on some dogsledding fun if you like. And you can go hiking, biking or running all over Girdwood on the town’s well organized and abundant hiking trails.
Cruisers will delight in a small ship glacier cruise in Prince William Sound, just a short hop on the Alaska Railroad from Girdwood to Whittier. You can also ride the Alaska Railroad from Portage to Spencer Lake Trail for some Alaskan kayaking and hiking fun.
If you prefer to stay closer to town for some equally thrilling adventures, navigate your own ATV on an ATV day tour or join a guided rock climbing half-day tour based out of Alyeska Resort.
Your view on a flightseeing trip over glaciers with Alpine Air near Girdwood
During the winter season, Girdwood turns into a paradise for ski- and snowboard enthusiasts. The ski slopes at Alyeska Resort are a playground for all levels of skiers and riders – locals and resort guests alike. After a day navigating the moguls, enjoy a drink and some live music at one of the many local bars in town. For resort guests who prefer a warm and relaxing alternative to the slopes, the Spa at Alyeska Resort will treat you to a variety of spa treatments, an Alaskan “oasis” and the perfect way to take a break from the stresses of life.
In the winter season, Girdwood also offers helicopter flightseeing with glacier landing, ski tours to Portage glacier, or get yourself on a snowmobile and pilot yourself on a snow machine out to a glacier or through Turnagain Pass.
So whether you are an indoor or outdoor person, the friendly and welcoming town of Girdwood has something wonderful to offer you. Don’t miss a visit to this classic Alaskan mecca surrounded by nature. It will steal your heart and we predict, you’ll be back again on another unforgettable trip to Alaska.