By Amy Quesenberry
Special to the Turnagain Times

On-Mountain Construction

Alyeska Resort has begun work on the installation of a new high-speed chairlift and construction is expected to last through Oct. 1. Currently crews are working on removing the old Chair 4 lift and, as a result of this construction, certain areas on the mountain will be closed to hiking, biking and all other traffic.

Closures will change on a daily basis and the resort will strive to have as much terrain open as often possible for hiking and biking. Please do not go beyond any “Closed for Construction” signs posted for your safety. Hazards include but are not limited to open ditches, helicopter sling loads, high voltage electricity, blasting, heavy equipment driving on the mountain, rolling rocks, etc.

The resort will update the SKI-SNOW Hotline (907-754-7669) on a regular basis and urges guests to check for construction updates before heading up to go hiking and biking. The Summer Trails Report & Snow Report on the resort website will also be updated regularly. Areas impacted frequently will be the base of Chair 4, Race Trail, Slots, Lower Bowl, top of Chair 4, Runway and the base of Chair 6.  

We apologize for any inconveniences this may cause but look forward to a new high-speed quad for skiing and riding next winter.

May Skiing

The resort is open for skiing and riding 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. May lift ticket prices are $40 for adults, $30 for students/seniors/military and $15 for kids 6 to 12.

The hotel rental shop is open during May skiing and the Mountain Learning Center is offering private lessons for intermediate levels and above. Ski School reservations: 754-2775. Both 2011/12 and 2012/12 season passes are valid for May skiing. Operations are weather dependent and the resort encourages guests to check the website or call the SKI-SNOW (754-7669) hotline before heading to the slopes.

Spa Happy Hour Special

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.

Sakura Asian Bistro Reopens For Summer

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.

Season Pass Spring Sale

There is still time to take advantage of the Season Pass Spring Sale and receive up to $150 in Powder Cache loaded onto your pass if you buy before May 31. Buy next year’s pass now and use it to ski and ride this May plus the pass will be valid 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.

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 on June 8 and 9. This year’s festival features The Be Good Tanyas, Jimmy Chickenpants, The Whipsaws and more. Headliner The Be Good Tanyas are a trio of women known to embrace the folk, country and blues roots of American music with a little touch of the contemporary.

Jimmy Chickenpants hails from Santa Cruz and combines bluegrass, newer-grass, jazz-grass and original-grass to create their own unique sound. Gates open at 5 p.m. and all ages are welcome. Tickets $20 advance, $25 day of show. Free admission for 12 and under. Buy tickets online or call 754-2275.