By Amy Quesenberry
Special to the Turnagain Times

Snow Film Series

Alyeska’s Snow Film Series continues to bring top ski, snowboard and snowmachine movies to Girdwood. Next up in the series is a double feature on Wednesday, Nov. 16 at the Sitzmark at 7 p.m. Breaking Trail, the new movie from broadens the scope from telemark-specific focus of past seasons to include a whole gamut of snow-sliding tools emphasizing human-powered access. After Dark, the 12th feature-length action ski film from Level 1 invites you into their spectrum of reality to experience their dream vision of skiing. Admission is $5. A special presentation of Matchstick Production’s Attack of La Nina, featuring footage of the Alyeska Resort gap jump from last spring, will take place on Saturday, Nov. 19. Show time is at 7 p.m. and admission is $5.

Pool Closure

The Hotel Alyeska pool and hot tub will be closed for seasonal maintenance from Nov. 7 to 14.

Season Passholder Appreciation Day

Running a ski resort takes a community, and our season passholders are a HUGE part of our ability to grow and be sustainable. As a thank you to 2011/12 Season Pass Holders, Alyeska Resort will open the ski area on Tuesday, Nov. 22, one day before opening day, just for passholders. Lifts will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., conditions permitting. Afterwards, head over to the Sitzmark where DJ Cross will be spinning from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Live at the Sitzmark

The Sitzmark will open for the 2011/12 winter season on Wednesday, Nov. 23. Open daily at 11 a.m., this slope-side bar and grill is a great spot for lunch or dinner and every weekend find great local and national acts on the Sitzmark stage. Upcoming concerts feature Jack River Kings on Nov. 25 and Nervis Rex on Nov. 26. Notable shows this winter include Lez Zeppelin, Great American Taxi, Lucero, Pato Banton and Peter Rowan. Live music begins at 10 p.m., 21 and over only. Advance tickets to all Sitzmark concerts are available online or by calling 907-754-2275.

Thanksgiving Feasts

Alyeska Resort gives you two reasons to let us do the cooking this Thanksgiving. For a casual gathering perfect for families, The Pond Café will once again be offering their traditional Thanksgiving Buffet with seatings at 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Price for adults is $38, ages six to 12 is $16 and kids age 5 and under are free. Reservations are highly recommended, call 754-2237 or reserve online at OpenTable.com

For our local foodies, Seven Glaciers will open for the winter season on Wednesday, Nov 23, featuring Executive Chef Jason Porter’s creativity and flair for rustic comfort food. On Thursday, Nov. 24, guests will be able to select items from the new winter menu as well as special Thanksgiving offerings. Please call 754-2237 for reservations or go online to OpenTable.com.