By Amy Quesenberry
Special to the Turnagain Times

Season Passes Spring Sale

2012/13 season passes go on sale on May 1. Take advantage of the Spring Sale and receive up to $150 in Powder Cache loaded onto your pass if you buy before May 31. If you buy next year’s pass now, you can use it to ski and ride this May and use it all summer for sightseeing and hiking access on the Tram. Passes are available online, by calling 754-2275 or at the Season Pass Office at The Hotel Alyeska. Please Note: Powder Cache cannot be applied towards purchase of 2012/13 season passes.

AMMC Motor Madness

The Alaska Motor Musher Club will host a weekend of X-Treme Motor Madness from May 4 to May 6. Events include a Hill Climb, Hill Cross, Cross Country, Drag Race and Freestyle Exhibition featuring Cory Davis, Heath Frisby and Joe Parsons. New this year, all events will have free admission for spectators. Check online for full schedule.

May Skiing

May skiing will begin on Saturday, May 5 and operate Fridays to Sundays through Memorial Day weekend with a bonus ski day on Monday, May 28. May chairlift hours will be 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., conditions permitting and skiers and riders will be able to access terrain from the tram and Chair 6. Guests can also have lunch at Glacier Express or après ski at the Sitzmark on days with May skiing. May skiing is weather dependent, so make sure to check the website or call the SKI-SNOW (754-7669) hotline before heading to the resort.

Mother’s Day Brunch

Celebrate Mom on Sunday, May 13, with a brunch full of your favorites at the Pond Cafe. Featured dishes include a Polynesian Salad Bar, Honey Mandarin Garlic Chicken, Roasted New York Strip Loin, made-to-order omelets and waffles, as well as Alaskan favorites including Grilled Alaskan Cod with Lobster and Smoky Cheddar and Shrimp Eggs Benedict. Seatings are offered at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Adults cost $38, children age 6 to 12 cost $16 and children 5 and under are free. Restaurant Reservations: 754-2237.

Mother’s Day Spa Packages

The Spa at Alyeska is offering three luxurious packages designed to give Mom some much deserved pampering. “Unconditional Love” includes 50-minute relaxation massage and customized facial, plus an optional manicure. “Absolute Gratitude” includes an Aromaglow body scrub, 50-minute massage, customized facial and signature pedicure. These special packages will be available Mother’s Day weekend, May 12 and 13. For more information, or to book a service, call The Spa at Alyeska at 754-2550.

Shop the Sale

Visit the retail shops in The Hotel Alyeska for great gift options for Mom or anyone else on your list. Save up to 40 percent off at the Alyeska Mountain Shop on 2011/12 winter gear and accessories. Stop by Glacier Gift & Gallery where sweaters are 40 percent off and select TNF, Prana, OM Girl, Illume and many more brands are all on sale.

Sakura Asian Bistro

Roll on into Sakura for one of the chef’s Summer Bento Box Specials. Choose from four options that include Salmon, Chicken or Beef Teriyaki along with King Crab, Halibut or Shrimp Tempura combined with a California Roll, Miso Soup and Salad. Sakura will open for the summer on May 17 and will be open Thursday to Sunday at 5 p.m.

May Spa Specials

May is a great time to visit the Spa at Alyeska before the busy summer season begins. Take advantage of “Happy Hour” and save 25 percent off any spa services and 10 percent off any retail products when you visit the spa on Tuesday or Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. between May 1 and June 14. New! Forrest Yoga Sessions will be offered on Thursdays at 6 p.m. and Sundays at 9:30 a.m. Classes cost $15 per session or 10x punch pass for $120. Call 754-2550 for more information.

Summer on the Mountain

The summer season kicks off on the top of Mt. Alyeska on May 25. Bring your visiting friends and family to ride the Tram, enjoy a light lunch, visit the Roundhouse Museum or soak up the spectacular views of the Girdwood valley and Turnagain Arm. The Tram will run from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. every day and Glacier Express is open until 4:30 p.m. daily. Seven Glaciers Restaurant will be open daily for dinner during the summer season beginning May 25 at 5 p.m.

Fiddlehead Festival

Alyeska Summer Concerts, a series of outdoor shows on the Daylodge lawn, kicks off with the Third Annual Fiddlehead Festival June 8 and 9. This year’s festival features The Be Good Tanyas, Jimmy Chickenpants, Whipsaws and more. Gates open at 5 p.m. and all ages are welcome. Tickets $20 advance, $25 day of show. Buy online or call 754-2275.