Alyeska has opened the mountain for hiking as snowmaking has been completed from the bottom of the mountain to the top of the tram. Alyeska Resort would like to thank everyone for their patience this summer.
Ken Smith/ Turnagain Times
Employee housing at Alyeska Resort is being newly constructed. Three buildings will be completed in November accommodating 100 plus employees in single and double bedded units.
This summer Alyeska embarked on a full-mountain renovation project that included snowmaking extensions added from the bottom of the mountain to the top of the tram. Alyeska will now have 31 snow guns distributing snow where and when it is needed. They plan on operating the mountain from the top of the Tram on opening day, Nov. 17.
Trail grading and widening on Jim’s Branch, Weir, Mighty Mite, and Spoonline have also been completed. Work on the Autobahn will allow snowmaking along the bottom of North Face. The combination of cutting back the vegetation and having snowmaking along the Autobahn will provide a better North Face skier experience deep into the spring. The work this summer will not only enhance the resort’s winter product, but will greatly improve summer recreational opportunities at Alyeska. Possible future summer enhancements include new hiking trails, advanced to beginner mountain bike terrain, zip lines and a mountain coaster.
Magic Carpets (moveable walkways) are scheduled to be installed outside the Daylodge and parallel with the Tram in November. The Tram Magic Carpet and Finnland will offer a Kids Fun Zone where Kids can easily ski or ride through the trees. A surface mounted lift has been installed on skier’s right to create an easier transition for beginner skiers from the Finnland Magic Carpet to a new surface lift to lift 7, and eventually to Chair 3. Chair 7 will now consist of all beginner terrain as the terrain park has been moved to Tanaka.
The Hotel Alyeska has recently upgraded all 304 guest rooms with plush new carpets, delicate Serta Presidential Pillow Top Mattresses, bed skirts, bolster pillows, bed spreads, executive chairs, MP3 clock radios, Judith Jackson spa amenities, draperies, ice trays, Alaska Native artwork from respected turn of the century photographic artist Edward Curtis, free high speed internet access in all guest rooms, as well as in all public areas on the second and third floors. Renovation work continues this winter with the focus being on common areas and meeting spaces. The design concept was selected based on its warming properties and Native elements that are unique to Alaska.
Currently Alyeska is working on refurbishing its food and beverage outlets with fresh paint, new granite table tops, new furniture and buffet enhancements for the Pond Café, and the introduction of a new Coffee Kiosk opening in November. Even the beloved Sitzmark Bar and Grill has been revitalized with new bathrooms, carpet, and a breath of fresh air. Hours of operation at the Sitz have been extended to serve food seven days a week until 9:30 p.m. The Daylodge received a new coat of paint along with the addition of coffee services from the Java House. Both the Daylodge and Sitzmark now offer free wireless internet.
November will mark the grand opening of Alyeska Resort’s Employee Housing. These modular units were manufactured for the resort by Builders Choice, a local Anchorage contractor who is a leader in the Alaskan modular building industry. 100 plus employees will be housed in single and double bedded units. The apartment style units will come fully furnished to include televisions, microwaves, dishwasher, fridge, stove, and on-site washer/dryers.
Alyeska Resort welcomes Garth McPhie as its new Ski School director. Garth brings years of instructional experience throughout the Rocky Mountain region to the Mountain Learning Center. This year Alyeska Resort is also proud to announce the opening of our Burton Learn-to-Ride Snowboard Learning Center. Children and Adults can now learn to ride using the latest Burton technology.
Alyeska has hired a new training manager whose primary responsibility is to train the existing staff and new hires on Resort customer service policies.
Season passes are currently on sale at www.alyeskaresort.com or by calling (907) 754-2275. Early pass prices are good through Oct. 24, 2007. After that date, pass pricing will increase. Passes can also be purchased at the West High Ski Swap Oct. 20-21. Once purchased, skiers can pick up their passes the first week of November. A new ticketing system will be brought on-line this winter, augmenting the speed and efficiency of access to services and facilities for guests.
Opening of the 2007-2008 Ski/Snowboarding season starts Saturday, Nov. 17. New snowmaking will allow for the top of the mountain to be open. Trail grading and widening has reduced the high congestion areas on the Weir, Spoonline, Mighty Mite and the Autobahn.
