\\Rich Eidem announced that effective Sept. 30, he is resigning as Ski Area General Manager of Alyeska Resort. Mr. Eidem is resigning in order to be closer to family in Wyoming and to pursue other business opportunities.
“I’d like to thank John Byrne for giving me the opportunity to participate in resort management at Alyeska. In a short time, Alyeska Resort has been able to develop a more family friendly experience through the implementation of a new beginner chair lift, two magic carpets and more beginner terrain. We have created a trail based recreation plan to expand our four-season resort concept. By providing our snow safety and ski patrol with additional support we have been able to expand our skiable terrain. It has been exciting to experience all the great high angle powder here at Alyeska,” said Mr. Eidem.
In response to Mr. Eidem’s resignation, John Byrne, principle owner of Alyeska Resort and the Hotel Alyeska stated, “I understand Mr. Eidem’s desire to be with his family in Wyoming. I want to thank Rich for his vision and his service to Alyeska Resort. As Ski Area General Manager, Mr. Eidem provided vision, strategic planning and leadership in helping to create future trail and lift designs at Alyeska Resort. His work will be important in implementing Alyeska Resort’s vision for the future as Alaska’s premier year-round resort.”
Summer mountain biking trails completed
Alyeska Resort has completed biking trails on the Chair 7 (Bear Cub Trail) and Chair 3 (Blueberry Pancake Trail in July). The new trails have been designed to serve specific functions and lend themselves to a particular traffic pattern for beginner and intermediate riders. The system of trails connects the base of Mount Alyeska to the Hotel Alyeska. By understanding and using the recommended trail directions, users are able to form a complete trail loop that begins and ends at the Hotel Alyeska. Bear Cub is designed as a climbing trail and will provide easier access to the top of the Blueberry Pancake run, which incorporates large banked corners that allow the descending mountain bikers to carry higher speeds. If you find that you must climb up Blueberry Pancake, please use the existing access road and be cautious of descending hikers and bikers.
North Face trail work underway
A series of switchbacks lead hikers from the Alyeska Tram Terminal, located at 2,300 feet, through North America’s longest continuous Double Black Diamond run, and then connects to the Winner Creek Trail. The North Face Trail is scheduled for completion later this summer. Summer Hiking and Biking Trail Map (PDF).
Summer Events:
Blueberry Music and Mountain Arts Festival
August 23rd from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Alyeska Resort Pond Courtyard. Groove all day to live music from the Melissa Mitchell Band, Well Strung, The Carhartt Brother and more. Artisan craft booths will surround the courtyard with unique contemporary and traditional Alaskan crafts. Celebrate the Blueberry picking season with a homemade blueberry creations contest, Bar-B-Que, Beer and Wine Garden and an array of fresh blueberry desserts. Call (907) 754-2275 or visit Alyeska Resort Blueberry Music and Mountain Arts Festival for a complete music line-up, events schedule, booth information and contest details.
Fungus Fair Formal
September 5 from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. located in the Kahiltna Court of the Hote Alyeska. Tickets are $50.00 in advance or $75.00 at the door. Dinner menu includes Morel Mushroom Cream & Asparagus; Field Green Salad with Enoki Mushrooms & Cranberry Vinaigrette; Puree of Three Mushroom Soup with Herb Crostini; Porcini Rubbed Salmon with Grilled Portabello Mushroom; Goat Cheese & Risotto Filled Tomato; finished with a decadent Mushroom Cheesecake. Dinner will be paired with Wines: White - Maryhill Viognier, Red - Mac Murray Pinot Noir. Dinner donated by the Byrne Family with proceeds going to the Girdwood Skate Park. For more information visit www.fungusfair.com or call (907) 754-2275.
Oktoberfest 2008
Friday, Oct. 0 from 6:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. and Saturday, Oct. 11 from 4:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. located in the Daylodge. Join us for authentic German food including Bratwurst, Ruotski, German Potato Salad, Apple and Cherry Strudel and more. Music by the Alaska Blaskapelles. Tickets are $10 at the door. For more information visit Oktoberfest or call (907) 754-2275.