ENDLESS ADVENTURE....JUST CHOOSE THE SEASON

Girdwood offers adventure and amenities....where the outdoor opportunities are endless like the summer sun and you don't have to give up the comforts to experience the adventure. Offering the best restaurants in Alaska, museums, galleries and shopping, casual to deluxe accommodations....all with wild Alaska is right outside! So whether your 8 or 80, active or not, feel like climbing a mountain or just looking at it...there are plenty of opportunities for everyone....just choose the season!

SUMMER IN GIRDWOOD

The drive south from Anchorage along the Turnagain Arm Waterway on the Seward Highway is a "National Forest Scenic Byway"...voted one of 15 roads in the U.S. designated an "All American Road" From beginning to end there are dramatic views of snow-capped mountains dotted with colorful wildflowers, wildlife and the changing tides, including the Bore Tide of the Turnagain Arm Waterway. Arriving in Girdwood at the front of the Valley you will notice the standing dead trees that have been left from the 1964 earthquake that lowered the land allowing the salt water to seep in and preserve the trees. 

A great place to enjoy this scenery is the Historical Crow Creek Mine where you can view mine ruins, learn about the history, pan for gold or just take in the beauty. Just up the mountain via the Alyeska Tramway or hiking is the Roundhouse Museum displaying history and artifacts of Girdwood's past. Just down the road in the Portage Valley is the Begich Boggs Visitors Center, where you can immerse yourself in the history of the area, or shop, take an educational tour, or cruise out on Portage Lake to view Portage Glacier, hike to the face of Byron Glacier or the Blue Ice trail. While you are in Portage don't miss the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center where orphaned babies or injured animals are brought to the center to rehabilitate and return to the wild, and if that is not possible they remain there to educate and entertain us.

For a more active approach and the opportunity to get in touch with nature, try hiking some of the many trails in Girdwood. Favorites include the historic Idatirod Trail, Winner Creek Trail with a hand tram that takes you over a scenic river gorge and Crow Pass Trail accessing gold mine remnants, waterfalls, and glaciers. Many of these trails are also perfect for mountain biking.

A visit to Alaska is not complete without getting into the air to experience the vast mountain ranges and glaciers. Try a flightseeing trip where you can watch the wildlife, land on a glacier, or even dog sled on a glacier. If you are a little more adventurous... paragliding from the top of Mt. Alyeska over the beautiful Girdwood Valley is certain to give you a thrill. For the less adventurous...take the Alyeska Tramway to the top of Mt. Alyeska where 360 degree views of snow capped mountains and glaciers are certain to put you in awe!

Getting out on the water is another must in Alaska and Girdwood offers many ways …try thrilling Whitewater Rafting on the famous 6 Mile River or Jet Boating up the 20 Mile River, or a calm, scenic float down Portage Creek. Sit back and relax on the calm protected waters of Prince William Sound on a Wildlife and Glacier Cruise. For a more hands on approach, try guided or unguided kayaking or canoeing on one of the many lakes, rivers or oceans in or around Girdwood.

Fishing is just minutes away! The Kenai River is famous for trophy size King Salmon and Rainbow Trout, and there are many lakes and rivers nearby to choose from freshwater guided or unguided fishing. The protected waters of Prince William Sound offer a variety of saltwater guided fishing options like refrigerator size halibut, cod, salmon, shrimp, crab and more to fill your freezer with while enjoying the amazing scenery of tidewater glaciers, cliffs filled with abundant bird life and whales, seals and otters swimming around you.

WINTER IN GIRDWOOD

Winter in Girdwood brings completely new views and host of activities, with snow fall exceeding 1,000 inches some years, making it one of the top ski destinations in North America. Alyeska Resort is at the town's base, offering world class alpine skiing and snowboarding, full service spa, shopping, restaurants and an aerial tram that takes you to the top of Mt. Alyeska for spectacular views of the glaciers, Turnagain Arm waterway and the Roundhouse Museum

For the more experienced skiers try heli-skiing or cat skiing or create your own backcountry skiing adventure among the millions of acres untouched wilderness and mountains. Backcountry skiing,  nordic skiing and snowshoeing are just minutes away with miles of trails to choose from through enchanted forests and rolling meadows, the beauty is surreal.

Dog sledding… it's not only an Alaskan tradition, but also a state obsession, one that's celebrated every March with the running of the 1,150-mile Iditarod Sled Dog Race from Anchorage to Nome. Taking a dogsledding excursion is a chance to see what the fuss is all about, and maybe get to see and hold puppies. You'll meet Iditarod racers and their dogs and hear what it's like to run this brutal race.  

For a speedier approach try a snow machine/mobile tour that will take you deep into the wilderness among the mountains and glaciers. Whether you’re already a powder fan or have never played in snow before a guided tour will help you explore some of that backcountry. Choose from day trips or extended outings, all tailored to your preference and ability. Each mile takes you further from civilization and closer to amazing views and adventure.

Flight seeing aboard a helicopter is a great way to take in the vast beauty of the surrounding mountain ranges, glaciers and Prince William Sound, while possibly seeing moose or herds of sheep or caribou.