Mountain News
By Amy Quesenberry
Special to the Turnagain Times
Celebrate on the Slopes
Alyeska Resort is the perfect place to enjoy the season. Holiday Night Skiing begins Dec. 17 through Jan. 2, excluding Dec. 24 and 31, when the resort closes at 5:30 p.m. Night Skiing hours are 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. On Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, wear a complete Santa suit and ski for free from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Stop by a Ticket Office to pick up your ticket.
New Year's Eve
Thursday, Dec. 31 celebrate New Year's Eve Alyeska-style with the Torchlight Parade at 8:00 p.m. and fireworks immediately following. The best viewing is at the Daylodge. The Pond Café and Seven Glaciers are both serving Christmas and New Year's Eve holiday dinners and the Pond Café will also be serving a New Year's Day brunch. Call 754-2237 to make a reservation.
Alyeska Resort rings in the new year with three nights of power rock featuring Jerry Joseph and the Jackmormons at the Sitzmark Bar and Grill
Returning to the stage at Alyeska Resort's Sitzmark Bar and Grill is Jerry Joseph and the Jackmormons for three nights only starting New Year's Eve. Joseph and his band last played in Alaska in April 2009, and they are excited for their return to Alyeska Resort with shows scheduled for Dec. 31, Jan. 1 and 2.
Known as a touring machine, Jerry Joseph will be arriving in Alaska on the heels of his solo Winter Rockies Tour that starts in San Francisco this week. For his Alyeska Resort shows, Joseph will be bringing his rock band The Jackmormons and the audience should expect a high-energy rock show. The Washington Post states, “Sounding occasionally like John Mellencamp's older, wiser and psychologically mixed-up sibling, Joseph writes complex, image-laden songs and infuses them with plenty of attitude, soulfulness and swagger.”
Tickets for the New Year's Eve show are $20. Tickets for the Jan. 1 and 2 shows are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling 907-754-2275, visiting any Alyeska Resort Ticket Office or at the Sitzmark Bar and Grill. All three shows are 21 and over and start at 10:00 p.m.
Alyeska Resort is offering the ultimate Jerry Joseph and the Jackmormons New Year's Eve Package. The package includes one-night stay at The Hotel Alyeska, bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne, two tickets to the show on Dec. 31 and breakfast the next morning. The New Year's Eve Package is available from $209 per person (based on double occupancy, includes all taxes and fees, and is subject to availability.)
For Jerry Joseph enthusiasts, Alyeska Resort is offering the Jerry Joseph Fan Club Package for the nights of January 1 and 2, 2010. This package includes one-night stay at The Hotel Alyeska, show tickets and breakfast the next morning for two adults. The Fan Club Package is available from $129 per person (based on double occupancy, includes all taxes and fees, and is subject to availability.)
To reserve either the Jerry Joseph New Year's Eve Package or Jerry Joseph Fan Club Package, please call 907-754-2111. For more information go online to AlyeskaResort.com.
Give the Gift of Alyeska
Just say no to socks, batteries and ugly sweaters this season. Gift cards are on sale for all things Alyeska, including lift tickets, lodging, dining and spa services. Gift cards can be purchased online, by calling 754-2108 or at The Hotel Alyeska. Gift cards can also be purchased at the Dimond Center Mall booth, open daily from noon to 6:00 p.m. through Dec. 27. Alyeska Resort lift ticket and lodging vouchers are on sale now at Costco in Anchorage. A three-pack of lift tickets costs $129 (save 20 percent) and a room night costs $139.99 (save up to 40 percent).
Shop and Save
It's a time of giving and saving when you shop Alyeska Resort for the holidays. December is North Face month in the Alyeska Mountain Shop, with 25 percent off all outerwear from The North Face. Glacier Gift & Gallery is offering 25 percent off all art, gifts, jewelry and selected clothing and accessories. Go to the Mountain News section of TurnagainTimes.com and print off a coupon to save $10 or $20 off your purchase at these two outlets. Sale prices valid through December 2009.
Winter Solstice Exhibition
Celebrate the longest day of our favorite season at the Winter Solstice Exhibition. Some of the best local skiers and riders will show off their tricks on rails outside the Sitzmark Bar & Grill from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 19.
Town League
The Coors Light Town League Race Series is the most fun you can have on Thursday nights this ski season. You can compete as a team or individual, and the league is open to alpine, snowboard and telemark. Following the weekly races, head to the Sitzmark to watch your race footage on the TV screens and the chance to win great door prizes. Town League Registration Rally is Thursday, January 7 at the Sitzmark from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Sitzmark Snow Film Series
The popular Snow Film Series continues at the Sitzmark Bar & Grill on Wednesdays in January. Catch this year's movies by Standard Films, Think Thank and Absinthe. Show times are 7:30 p.m. and admission is free. Telluride Mountainfilm on Tour returns to Alyeska on Jan. 13, showcasing short films that focus on adventure, mountaineering, and environmental and social messages. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the Sitzmark, Ticket Office or by calling 754-2275.
Super Pipe
Stay tuned for the opening of the Alyeska Pipeline Super Pipe. Snowmaking crews are working hard blowing snow to get the pipe and park ready. Check our website for the most up to date info on the Grand Opening.
