Roundhouse Museum at the top of Alyeska lets you get out of the cold and into skiing history

By Marianne Daniels
Special to the Turnagain Times

During the winter, the Historic Roundhouse Museum and Interpretive Center is opened on Saturday, Sunday and holidays from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

A major highlight that will draw your attention when entering the museum is the beautiful topographical map in the center of the floor. It is the most attractive map of the Girdwood Valley with the names of glaciers, peaks and valleys.

In one or our fantastic displays there are newly donated items. You will see how the gold miners learned from the Alaska natives to dress according to the various weather conditions throughout Alaska.

Paul Crews Jr., a long time Alaskan, used the equipment displayed to ski from Ruby Alaska to Marshall Alaska ( over the Yukon River ice) in 1974. Paul built the skis from a white birch tree using a hand saw and a draw knife.

The KUSPUK (native parka) is made from water proof canvas. Wolf and wolverine fur is sewn around the hood to keep blowing snow away from the face. The mukluks are traditional Eskimo “water boots.” These boots were traditionally sewn using sea lion and seal skins. They are 100 percent waterproof and will keep the wearer's feet completely warm and dry after water emersion even in extremely cold temperatures.

Come and see the wonderful pictorial history with information you can read and learn about the time of Captain Cook arriving through the purchase of Alyeska Resort by its current owner, John Byrne, in December 2006.

There are many wonderful memories shared by many guests stopping in to say hello. After living in Girdwood for over 36 years, I thought I knew numerous details about the area. And well, I do, however, I have learned so many pieces of information about where I live, work and play during my time at the Roundhouse. I invite you to take some time for yourself and visit the museum.

Why support the Roundhouse Museum? Because it is your museum. Share the knowledge and learn more about our home town.

Did you know that Girdwood Inc. governs the Roundhouse, which is a non-profit organization? Check out their website at www.girdwoodinc.org and discover how fortunate we are to have such an organization working so hard for the Girdwood Community!

Check the museum web site for specific mid-week days of operation, activities and gift shop items, at www.roundhouseatalyeska.org. Call the Alyeska Resort Tram ticket office for transportation details.

Oh, yes, and find out how you can win a season pass or one of the 10-day powder passes! The raffle tickets are on sale at the Roundhouse, Girdwood PTA Christmas Bazaar, World Cup Sports or the Girdwood Health Clinic.

Looking forward to visiting with you!

Marianne Daniels is the Executive Director of the Roundhouse Museum.