By Amy Quesenberry
Special to the Turnagain Times
The fourth annual Alyeska Resort Climbathon took place Sept. 10 on the North Face hiking trail. This vertical challenge event inspired participants to make as many laps as possible up the North Face hiking trail in a 10-hour time frame.
One hundred and six mountain runners and hikers registered for the 9 a.m. start at the Tram Base. The event consisted of a 2,000 vertical foot climb up the 2.2-mile trail to the top terminal of the Alyeska Aerial Tram. Once at the top, participants got a tram ride back to the valley floor where they repeated the climb until completely exhausted or satisfied with their vertical accomplishments.
“Trail conditions were excellent this year,” said Brian Burnett, Alyeska Service Manager and event coordinator. “The trail tread is durable, the footing is pretty good with a couple of slip n slide sections to keep things interesting, the weather was pretty much perfect for running as it was almost 60 degrees under partly cloudy skies and the bugs were non existent!”
This year’s participation more than doubled the 2010 events 51 participants to 106 men, women, boys and girls ranging in age from seven to 74. Fitness levels also varied from beginning hiker to experienced mountain runners. Each lap completed was named after a prominent mountain with a peak elevation equaling the amount of vertical feet climbed by participants.
The prestigious “Denali in a Day” requires 20,320 vertical feet of climbing. Equaling 10 laps plus an additional push up the Mighty Mite switch back, this title requires an extra 320 feet of vertical elevation on the tenth lap.
The 2011 event had eleven men and women achieving “Denali in a Day”and another six men exceeded beyond that summit. The men’s division was lead by first time participant Erik Johnson with 12 laps equaling 24,000 vertical feet. Coming in just after Erik was Matt Novakovich, finishing the day in second with 12 laps as well. Andrew Kulmatski took third place with his efforts of eleven laps equaling 22,000 vertical feet gained.
The Climbathon was the first year women achieved “Denali in a Day.” Five women achieved ten laps plus the additional push up the Mighty Mite switchbacks on their tenth lap.
Seven Glaciers Wine Dinner
The grand finale to the summer Seven Glaciers wine dinner series will take place on Saturday, Sept.17, featuring Tablas Creek Vineyard and Chateau de Beaucastel. The featured wines will be paired with Chef Porter’s Tasting Menu in a friendly competition between regions in California and France. Dinner starts at 7 p.m. and seatings cost $140 per person. Make it a getaway with our Wine Dinner Lodging Package, which includes a one-night stay plus two tickets to the dinner. Reserve online or call 754-2237. The winter Wine Dinner series returns on Jan. 29, featuring Merryvale Vineyards from Napa Valley.
Tram-to-Tram Fun Run
A great way to wrap up the summer trail running season, the Second Annual Tram-to-Tram Fun Run is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 18. The course begins at the base of the Alyeska Aerial Tram, continues on the Winner Creek Trail to the hand tram and then doubles back to the Aerial Tram. Participants are invited to ride up the Alyeska tram after the race for a cookout on the Glacier Express deck. This event is a fundraiser for the Winner Creek Bridge Fund. The run starts at 3 p.m. and the entry fee is $20.
Oktoberfest
Join us for Alyeska Resort’s Oktoberfest weekend in the Daylodge on Sept. 23 and 24. This traditional celebration will feature authentic German delicacies such as spaetzle, schnitzel, bratwurst and pickled eggs. Wash all that Bavarian goodness down with a cold draft beer while enjoying Anchorage’s premier oompah bands Alaska Blaskapelle and Alaska Polka Chips. The event will run from 6 p.m. to midnight and the admission price of $15 includes a filled souvenir stein of beer for adults, while supplies last. Entry only tickets cost $5 and kids 12 and under are free.
Blues & Brews
Leaving German traditions behind, Blues & Brews on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 celebrates great music, good beer and finger-licking good BBQ from the Turnagain Armpit. Full Tilt will warm up the crowd with their high-energy sound and Rebel Blues will finish off the night, filling the dance floor with their bluesy rock. Admission price for all three festival weekends will be the same and advanced tickets can be purchased online or by calling 754-2275.
Rocktoberfest
The final weekend of celebration on Oct. 7 and 8 focuses on good old American rock n’ roll. To get the party started, crowd favorite Nervis Rex will lay down ska rhythms that always fill the dance floor. Closing out the festival fun is the Council of Smokers & Drinkers playing their mix of rock, roots and country. Check online for room packages to avoid driving home after a night of celebrating.
Closing Day for Biking
There’s still a few more weeks of downhill biking before the Alyeska crews turn their attention to the coming ski season. The final day of lift-access will be Columbus Day, Monday October 10. The Sitzmark will also close for summer on October 10 and will reopen on Nov. 23 for ski season.
Spa Fall Hours
Beginning Sept. 12 the Spa at Alyeska will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday. They will maintain the regular hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday through Sunday. The Spa will be closed on Mondays between Oct. 3 and Nov. 21. Fall hours will remain in effect through Nov. 24. The Spa will then resume their normal hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week throughout the winter season.
