By Amy Quesenberry
Special to the Turnagain Times

Mountain Bike Criterium Race

Alyeska Resort hosts a mountain bike criterium race on Saturday, July 17. The course starts on Bear Cub Climb, continues down Christmas in July, loops back up the Chair 3 road and down Blueberry Pancake trail. There will be divisions for Expert (3 laps), Sport (2 laps) and Beginner (1 lap). Registration begins at 9 a.m. at the Tram Ticket Office and the race will start at 11 a.m. The race is open to all ages with a $15 entry fee. Call 754-2275 for more information.

Punch Brothers Concert

Enjoy the sound of bluegrass in the open air when Punch Brothers perform on the Daylodge Lawn July 23 and 24. Punch Brothers featuring Chris Thile are one of the most dynamic and talented bands in contemporary music making. The Denali Cooks will open on Friday and Sweating Honey will open on Saturday. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance or $30 day of show. Children 12 and under are free. Buy tickets online or by calling 754-2275.

Alaskan Grown

Alyeska Resort is taking steps to do our small part to maintain a greener and cleaner environment and to support Alaskan businesses. Both Seven Glaciers and Aurora Bar and Grill feature revolving seasonal summer menus that showcase the abundance of local produce from the Mat-Su valley as well as fresh seafood caught in local waters. Alyeska has also partnered up with Alaska Green Solutions, a company that specializes in earth-friendly disposable products made from plants, to ensure that any disposable products we supply our guests are compostable and biodegradable.

Wine Dinner Series Features Rodney Strong

Seven Glaciers continues its Wine Dinner series on Monday, July 26 at 7 p.m. The featured vintner is Rodney Strong Vineyards, one of the pioneers of Sonoma County’s modern wine industry. Vice President and Director of Winemaking Rick Sayre will be on hand at the dinner to share the Rodney Strong story. Each selected wine will be paired with a carefully crafted Chef’s Tasting Menu. Check online for Wine Dinner room packages. Tickets cost $125 per person. Call 754-2237 to make a dinner reservation.

North Face Hiking Trail Open

The North Face trail is finally coming out from under its blanket of winter snow and is ready for hiking season. If you haven’t already experienced this new hiking trail, it offers a different perspective on some of our favorite ski terrain. Start the hike on the Autobahn work road leading off to the left of the Tram base and follow the trail up from there. This route accesses high alpine terrain with great views of Turnagain Arm and surrounding mountains and glaciers. This route is not accessible on a bike. Hike up to the Tram terminal and ride the Tram down for free.

Tram & Lunch Combo

Not sure what to do with all of your visiting friends and family this summer? A ride to the top of Mt. Alyeska is great way to spend the afternoon for all ages and abilities. Enjoy an affordable lunch with spectacular views at Glacier Express when you combine the Tram ride with one of several meal options. After lunch, visit the Roundhouse Museum, soak in the views or take a hike. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a paragliding flight or trek to a glacier.

Blueberry Festival Vendor Booths Available

Blueberry Festival is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 21 and 22 from noon to 6 p.m. in The Hotel Alyeska Pond Courtyard. Last year’s event featured over two dozen arts and crafts booths and food vendors. If you’re interested in being a vendor for this year’s festival, registration information is available online or by calling 754-2545. Vendors are responsible for their own tent, and electricity is not available. Booth space costs $70 for new vendors and $50 for returning vendors. Vendor registration deadline is Aug. 10, 2010.

alyeskaresort.com