By Amy Quesenberry
Turnagain Times

Hiking & Biking Trails emerging from snow

The trails around Alyeska Resort are emerging from their blanket of snow and are rapidly becoming passable. Please keep in mind that trails are in a delicate state until they dry out. All of the lower mountain trails are mostly free of snow and ready for hiking and biking activities.

There is still a considerable snow load on most of the upper mountain hiking routes, including The North Face Trail. Be sure to be “bear aware” and to practice “leave no trace” when you are out on the trails. This summer, also be aware of the ongoing construction and grading projects on the mountain and please do not go beyond any “Closed for Construction” signs posted for your safety.

Check for construction updates by calling the SKI-SNOW hotline (907-754-7669) or checking the Summer Trails Report on the resort website.

Be Alert for Artillery “Duds”

Snow Safety uses 105 mm Howitzers for avalanche mitigation work and occasionally a round fails to detonate and these unexploded rounds or “duds” can be found on the mountain. Though it is extremely unlikely a dud would be found on any of the main trails they are may turn up in the steep areas of Mt. Alyeska, typically within a few hundred feet of the ridge tops. Potential areas to spot a dud would include Glacier Bowl, Center Ridge, Headwall, High Traverse, Max’s Face, plus the Monies and Facet areas of the North Face.

If you find a dud, do not touch it. Instead, mark its location from ten feet away, using a rock pile or colored cloth to mark the area and notify Snow Safety immediately by calling 907-754-2272. Make sure to leave a contact number and a brief description of the dud’s location. GPS numbers and pictures are also very helpful and can be emailed to snowsafety@alyeskaresort.com.

Seven Glaciers Chef’s Sunday and Monday Night Summer Special

Open daily in the summer, Seven Glaciers is a unique dining experience to share with your visiting friends and family or when you just want to relax and enjoy a fantastic meal overlooking seven hanging glaciers from picturesque windows. Chef Porter’s artfully presented menu selections highlight seasonal produce and local meats and the scallop bisque is out of this world.

Seven Glaciers is excited to offer a local’s Sunday and Monday night special this summer where you can enjoy a rotating three-course prix fixe menu for only $49. Restaurant reservations: 907-754-2237.

Downhill Mountain Biking begins July 6

Opening day for lift-assisted mountain biking is Friday, July 6. Riders will be able to load their bikes onto Bear Cub Quad (Chair 3) and Chair 7 to start off the season. Lift-assisted biking is available between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Friday through Sunday plus holiday Mondays (Labor Day and Columbus Day).

The bike season runs July 6 to October 8. Riders must be age 11 or older, and helmets are required. The resort provides downhill bike hosts who can lead free trail tours and give pointers. Guests interested in a tour should call 754-2274 for more information. The Daylodge offers lift tickets, rentals, repair and information from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Season bike passes are also available or add-on a summer bike pass to your 2012/13 winter season pass at a discounted rate.

Summer at the Sitzmark

The Sitzmark Bar and Grill is scheduled to open for the summer downhill biking season on Friday, July 6. Relax on the deck with a cold draft beer and great food after a day of downhill biking and present your biking day lift ticket for a free hot dog. Summer hours are Friday to Sunday from 11 a.m. through October 8. Upcoming live music includes The Denali Cooks on July 6 and 7 and Eric McFadden on July 20 and 21. Buy tickets online or call 754-2275.

Concert Series

The outdoor Alyeska Summer Concert Series continues on July 28 and 29 with the positive vibes of Hal Anthony & The Millennium, a reggae artist and rhythm guitarist from Kingston, Jamaica. The concert is open to all ages and kids age twelve and under are free. Gates open at 6 p.m. Tickets cost $20 in advance and $25 day of show and are available by calling 754-2275 and online. Upcoming concerts in the series include 36 Crazyfists on Aug. 4 and Fishbone on Aug. 18 and 19.

Sakura Asian Bistro

Sakura offers a fun and modern dining experience showcasing fresh seafood and meats, creative sushi and specialty cocktails. Summer Bento boxes feature king crab, halibut, and grilled lobster tail, along with choices of salmon, chicken or Wagyu beef teriyaki combined with a California roll, miso soup and salad. The restaurant is open Thursday to Sunday at 5 p.m. and is located on the third floor of The Hotel Alyeska.