By Amy Quesenberry
Special to the Turnagain Times

New! Winter SolFest

Celebrate Winter Solstice and the coming of more light at the new Solfest Dec. 17-19. Friday and Saturday from 5 to 8 p.m. join us outside the Daylodge for an Ullr bonfire, outdoor bar plus a free fiery performance by The Church of the Flaming Funk, a group made up of musicians, fire and blacklight performers, stiliters, aerialists and artists. Last Train will perform at the Sitzmark both Friday and Saturday nights at 10:00 p.m.

Sunday adventures start with Beacon & Eggs avalanche training with NAOI at 9:00 a.m. at The Hotel Alyeska and Beacon Park. The cost is $15 for a breakfast and raffle package (with a chance to win a new Mammut Barryvox Pulse!) Plus, get a coupon for avy gear savings at Alyeska Mountain Shop. Call the Tram Ticket Office at 754-2275 for tickets. Finish out Solstice weekend with an afternoon Rail Jam from 2 to 4 p.m. Grab a drink at the Sitzmark and find a front row seat on the deck. Top skier and snowboarder split the pot. Registration will begin at the Sitzmark at noon, $10 entry.

Santa Visits & Holiday Shop Around

Santa will visit The Hotel Alyeska on Thursday, Dec. 23 at 6 p.m. Parents can drop off wrapped gifts at the front desk between Tuesday, Dec. 21 and before 3 p.m. on the day of the visit. Please be sure the package is well-marked with the child’s name and age. Call 754-1111 for more information.

Take care of last minute gift shopping at The Hotel Alyeska shops. Choose from a wide variety of jewelry and holiday gifts at the Alyeska Holiday Shop Around from 5 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 23 on the second floor of The Hotel Alyeska. Enjoy hot cocoa, cider and treats while you shop and receive a special gift with purchase during the event.

Celebrate on the Slopes

Alyeska Resort is the perfect place to enjoy the season. Holiday Night Skiing begins Dec. 18 through January 1, excluding Dec. 24 and 31, when the resort closes at 5:30 p.m. Night Skiing hours are 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Mountain Learning Center is offering ski and snowboard camps for all ages and abilities during the holiday break to get your kids having fun outside and on the snow this season. Check online or call 754-2280 for details. Rebel Blues will play a Christmas concert at the Sitzmark on Saturday, Dec. 25 at 10 p.m. Tickets $5, 21 and over.

Santa Skis Free

Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, wear a complete Santa suit (hat, beard, jacket and pants) and ski for free from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Stop by any Ticket Office to pick up your ticket.

New Year’s Eve Celebration

Friday, Dec. 31 celebrate New Year’s Eve Alyeska-style at the Torchlight Parade at 8 p.m., with fireworks immediately following. The best viewing is at the Daylodge. For information on participating in the Torchlight Parade, call 754-2545.

Lez Zeppelin

Ring in 2011 with three nights of power rock featuring Lez Zeppelin live at the Sitzmark Bar and Grill. The ladies return to the Sitzmark stage on Dec. 30, 31 and Jan. 1. Don’t miss this high energy show. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 day of show. Tickets can be purchased in advance online or by calling 754-2275. All three shows are 21 and over and start at 10 p.m. Alyeska is offering a Lez Zeppelin room package at The Hotel Alyeska that includes a three-night stay and show tickets for two. To reserve a room package, call 754-2111.

Holiday Dining

The Pond Cafe is serving traditional holiday buffets with all the fixings on both Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, and a New Year’s Day Brunch on Jan. 1. Seven Glaciers is hosting both Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve Prix Fixe Dinners. Seven Glaciers will be open daily for lunch and dinner from Dec. 24 through Jan. 2. Reservations recommended. Call 754-2237 to make a reservation. The wait is almost over, Sakura Sushi Bar will re-open after extensive remodeling. Stay tuned for opening date.

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 p.m. through Dec. 26. 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).

AlyeskaResort.com