Waiting to be discovered along the scenic Seward Highway, Alyeska Resort is the premier destination in Alaska for visitors and locals alike. Nestled against the awe-inspiring Chugach Mountains, Alyeska offers year-round adventures and activities. Alyeska is located in the town of Girdwood, part of the Municipality of Anchorage.

Alyeska Resort sits in the heart of Girdwood, a glacier-carved valley. To the west and north, the mountains of Chugach State Park provide a stunning backdrop over Alyeska. At 495,000 acres, it is the third-largest state park in the US.

In 1954, 11 Girdwood residents passed the hat and raised enough money to purchase what became the land base for a major ski area. Through initiative and perseverance, they developed a ski area that was small in assets but big in promise. Then they found a French baron who shared their dream. Francois de Gunzburg installed a Poma chairlift, built ski trails and a day lodge, and ordered Chair 1, a 5,700-foot double chairlift that rose 2,000 vertical feet.

Today, Alyeska Resort is an established ski destination known for its steep terrain and deep snowpack. With expansive mountain and ocean inlet views at your fingertips, Alyeska boasts an average 650 inches of annual snowfall at the summit. The valley floor offers trail systems for Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and dog-sledding. For avid skiers and riders, there is both heli-skiing and cat-skiing operations from the resort.

The summer season brings about a multitude of recreational adventures including hiking and biking right from the hotel and throughout Girdwood Valley. Taking a scenic aerial Tram ride is a favorite among visitors of all ages and abilities. Visitors can also take a guided glacier hike, and flightseeing adventures, glacier dog-sledding and guided ice climbing are all nearby.

Chinese visitors who want to experience the resort and use it as a base camp for their Alaskan adventure may go with Skylar Travel, the first and largest tour operator in Alaska catering to Chinese travelers. With a wide array of services including group tours, independent itineraries and translation services, the tourism agency can provide insider tips and help build a hassle-free dream trip. “We know how Chinese tourists travel, what they want to do and how they want to feel when they get home,” said Jin Chen, the agency’s COO.