Things To Do in Girdwood
The glacier-carved valley of Girdwood is emblematic of Alaska’s outdoor recreation lifestyle.
Things To Do in Girdwood
The glacier-carved valley of Girdwood is emblematic of Alaska’s outdoor recreation lifestyle.
Things To Do in Girdwood
The glacier-carved valley of Girdwood is emblematic of Alaska’s outdoor recreation lifestyle.
Things To Do in Girdwood
The glacier-carved valley of Girdwood is emblematic of Alaska’s outdoor recreation lifestyle.
Girdwood Things To Do
The community of Girdwood may only be 35 miles south of Anchorage, but it feels a world away. This ski town is home to some of the best outdoor recreation in southcentral Alaska for adventurous visitors and casual explorers alike.
Soar to new heights on the Alyeska Tram, a 2,025-foot rise from its base at the Alyeska Resort. Take in the seven glaciers surrounding the Girdwood valley, and watch for moose and black bear in the forest below. At the top, visit the Roundhouse Museum for exhibits showcasing Girdwood's long love affair with skiing. The unique octagonal building offers sweeping views of the valley and resort below.
Spend an exhilarating few hours trekking on your pick of three popular local trails. There's ample opportunity to admire mountain meadows and rugged peaks from high above Girdwood and the Turnagain Arm.
For those wanting to experience the thrill of riding behind a sled dog team in the snow, the Girdwood Glacier Dog Sled Helicopter Tour is a must. Guests are shuttled by an R44 helicopter to a sled dog "training camp" on Punchbowl Glacier. The snowy environment lets these canine athletes do what they do best, even in the warmth of summer.
Girdwood is an excellent stop between Anchorage and the Alaska cruise ports of Whittier and Seward. The Alaska Railroad makes regular stops in Girdwood and the Park Connection Motorcoach can provide transportation to the Girdwood "Y" connecting to the local town shuttle into the resort.
Independent travelers can rent a vehicle in Anchorage and take a drive south along the Seward Highway, a designated National Scenic Byway. Watch for beluga whales and eagles as you drive along Turnagain Arm. The arm is known for high tidal swings called "bore tides." Dall sheep frequent the rocky slopes above. Spotting scopes are available at Beluga Point to catch a glimpse of these fleet-footed creatures.
