By Amy Quesenberry
Special to the Turnagain Times
Photo courtesy of Alyeska Resort
Hikers earn their turns on a beautiful day at the top of the Alyeska Headwall.
Storms Bring Fresh Snow
The last two months have definitely delivered the goods, with well over 300 inches of snow falling since early February and over 40 inches reported in a single 24-hour period. Thanks to these epic conditions and lots of hard work, mountain staff has been able to open outer areas like New Years chute, Max's and the Headwall for all of us to enjoy. A combination of deep snow, spring break crowds and an untouched North Face opening caused Alyeska to report Wednesday, March 10 as the highest number of visitors in a single day since installing the RFID gates.
Dedicated Skiers Rent Helicopter to Get to Fresh Powder
On March 9, the Seward Highway was closed in both directions due to avalanches crossing the road, allowing only locals and overnight guests access to the waist deep freshies until the highway reopened later in the afternoon. A few die-hard powder hounds trapped in the road closure at Bird Creek chartered an Alpine Air helicopter to drop them off at Alyeska so they could get their share, and by all accounts it was money well spent.
Challenge Alaska Snow Blast
Come out and support Challenge Alaska for their annual fundraiser on March 20 for a day of food, music, and slopeside fun. Celebrate the sport of skiing and raise money while you're at it. Collect at least $100 in pledges and receive a lift ticket, t-shirt, breakfast, lunch and a chance to win tons of prizes. Call 783-2925 for more information.
Military Appreciation Day
On Monday, March 22 Alyeska Resort salutes the members of our nation's Armed Forces and their families with Military Appreciation Day! Present a valid Military ID and receive a FREE lift ticket, gear rental and a special lunch plate at the Daylodge. $99 military room rates also available. Call 754-2111 for room reservations.
Alyeska World Competition
Are you ready to take on all that Alyeska Resort can throw at you? Sign up for the Alyeska World Comp and prove your skills once and for all against the best of the best. This new big mountain comp is open to telemark, alpine and snowboard, with divisions for men, women, juniors and masters. Over $10,000 in cash prizes is up for grabs! Registration details available online.
Telepalooza Festival
Whether you free heel or just love someone who does, the Seventh Annual Jeff Nissman Memorial Telemark Festival is a celebration of the telemark community that takes place March 24–28. The festival includes clinics, fun races, free demos, kid's events and live music at the Sitzmark. Win heli and snowcat trips, powder passes and tons of great prizes. Break out you best “Space Odyssey” costume and come join the party. Check out www.Telepalooza.com for more information.
Sustainable Girdwood Fundraiser
A fundraiser for Sustainable Girdwood, a group dedicated to establishing Girdwood as a model of sustainable energy and food production, will take place on Thursday, March 25 at the Sitzmark Bar & Grill. The benefit concert will feature Loose Gravel, Melissa Mitchell and Spiff with special guests Tony Restivo, John Dykstra and James Glover, and JunioR. Tickets are $10 and only available at the door. 21 & over.
Wine Dinners at Seven Glaciers
Sunday, March 28 at 7 p.m. Seven Glaciers Restaurant will host a Wine Dinner featuring Silver Oak and Twomey Cellars. The evening includes a Chef's Tasting Menu to complement the featured wines and a special presentation by resident Silver Oak expert Nora Comee. The cost of the dinner is $125 per person and the menu is online. Call 754-2237 for reservations.
Easter Brunch
The Pond Café will offer an Easter Brunch Buffet, Easter Sunday, April 4, featuring all your traditional favorites. Seatings are at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., Noon and 2 p.m. Call 754-2237 to make a reservation. Easter Sunrise Service at Glacier Express will be from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., with Tram uploads starting at 6:45 a.m. Bring the kids to meet the Easter Bunny at the Pond Courtyard during the Easter egg hunt, beginning at 9 a.m.
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