Getting Here & Around

How far is Girdwood from Anchorage?

Girdwood is 40 miles from Anchorage and 45 miles from Ted Stevens International Airport. 

How do I get to Girdwood? 

To get to Girdwood, take Highway 1, the Seward Highway, for 30 minutes to Alyeska Highway. Girdwood is 40 miles from Anchorage. Take a left on Alyeska Highway and the Tesoro Mall.

How far is Alyeska Resort from Anchorage?

Alyeska Resort is 40 miles from Anchorage

How far is Girdwood from Alyeska Resort?

Girdwood sits at the base of Mt Alyeska and Alyeska Resort resides in Girdwood. 

How do you get from Alyeska to Anchorage?

Most people travel by car to Alyeska Resort.  In the summer, Alaska Railroad will drop you off in Girdwood and it costs approximately $90 one-way. Once in Girdwood, there is a free transportation service in the town.  Donations for the Girdwood Valley Transportation bus are highly encouraged. 

How far is Girdwood from Denali?

Girdwood is 274 miles from Denali.  The drive will take you approximately 4.5 hours.

How far is Seward from Girdwood?

Girdwood is 90 miles from Seward on the road system but 60 miles as the crow flies

 

 
Explore & Play

Can you see the northern lights in Girdwood Alaska?  

During Aurora Activity, the Northern Lights can be seen in Girdwood during the winter months. The highest activity is in the early morning hours and  Hotel Alyeska will offer wake-up calls as requested.  To view predicted Aurora Activity, visit the University of Alaska- Fairbanks Aurora Forcast

Is there a Visitor Center in Girdwood? 

Girdwood does not have a brick and mortar visitor center. However, we produce a map and brochure that is full of visitor information that can be found at most businesses in Girdwood.  We also have a digital guide at visitgirdwood.com/guide

What is there to do in Girdwood in the winter?

There are a number of winter activities in Girdwood from Skiing, biking, to Snowshoeing.  See Visit Girdwood Winter Activities page for more ideas. 

How do I get to Byron Glacier?

Byron Glacier is 60 miles from Anchorage in Portage Valley.  This valley is the gateway to Whittier Alaska and Prince William Sound. Take Highway 1(Seward Highway)  to Portage Glacier Road towards Whittier. Travel 5 miles to Begich Boggs Visitor Center and take a right on Portage Lake Loop, then take another right on Byron Glacier Road and the trailhead parking lot is to the right. 

Can you hike to Portage Glacier?

Yes, there is a hiking trail to Portage Glacier from the Whittier side of the tunnel. You can also kayak to Portage Glacier via Portage Lake.  In the Winter, people walk and ski to Portage Glacier. 

How long is Winner Creek Trail?

Lower Winner Creek Trail is approximately 3.5 miles one-way and 7 miles round-trip. Most people start at the Alyeska Resort and hike to Crow Creek Parking lot. There is also an Upper Winner Creek Trail that is a 9 miles hike to Twentymile River that opens into spectacular mountain views and beautiful valley vistas.

What's in Girdwood Alaska?

Girdwood is a small town in Alaska and resides at the base of Mount Alyeska. Girdwood is home to Alyeska Resort, Alaska’s only fully-operational Ski Resort.  There are hiking, biking and skiing trails throughout the community. See Visit Girdwood Digital Guide

Is the Winner Creek hand tram open?

The Winner Creek Hand Tram is open in the Summer from May-Sep. Read Lower Winner Creek Trail in the Local Scoop for more information

 

 
Skiing

What is Alyeska?

Alyeska is a year-round resort in Girdwood, Alaska. It is the only fully-operational resort in Alaska that offers downhill skiing and downhill mountain biking.  They have a five-star hotel with 304-rooms, a 60-person tram, four chairlifts and Spa.  

Is Alyeska open?

Alyeska Resort is open for downhill skiing from approximately Dec-April.  During the summer months, June-Sep, they offer Single-track Mountain Biking and hiking. The Hotel Alyeska is open year-round for guests 

How big is Alyeska?

Alyeska is a small to mid-size Ski Resort. With 1,610 skiable acres and 76 named runs, and seven chairlifts, even the skier who has seen it all will be astounded by the terrain and the views. 

How much is a lift ticket at Alyeska?

A lift ticket at Alyeska Resort in 2020 ranged from $60-$75 per person. 

Does Alaska have good skiing?

Alaska has world-class downhill skiing, snowboarding and nordic skiing. People come from all over the world to ski the incredible terrain.  In Girdwood, Guide operations are available for Helicopter and Cat skiing.  Girdwood is also home to Alyeska Resort, the only ski resort in Alaska with the longest vertical black diamond run.   See our Winter Activities.

Can you ski year-round in Alaska?

Some high Mountain Peaks have snow year-round but must be hiked to access and they are very steep.  Some glaciers are also suitable to ski in the summer but are only recommended with a Guide.  Girdwood has guide operations available to arrange custom tours. 

How much snow does Girdwood AK get?

Girdwood, which sits at the base of Mt. Alyeska, gets approximately 75 inches, or 6-7 feet per year.  See Weather and Cameras in Girdwood. 

How much snow does Alyeska Resort get per year? 

Alyeska Resort sees approximately 600 inches of snow per year at the top of the Mountain and 75 inches at the base.

 

 
Staying

What's the best place to stay in Girdwood? 

Girdwood offers a diverse selection of accommodations from the budget-minded to the luxury hotel. Choose from charming Bed and Breakfast retreats, mountainside townhomes, full-service hotels, secluded cabins, and cottages low-cost hostels, and fully-equipped condominiums. 

What's the best budget-friendly hotel in Girdwood?

Girdwood has two hostels close to the mountain for the budget-minded person. There are also multiple different condos with varying prices available for rent.  

What's the best place to stay for families in Girdwood?

Girdwood offers a diverse selection of accommodations from the budget-minded to the luxury hotel. Choose from charming Bed and Breakfast retreats, mountainside townhomes, full-service hotels, secluded cabins, and cottages low-cost hostels, and fully-equipped condominiums. Alyeska Hotel has an ice-skating rink, swimming pool, and hot tub for patrons. 

What's the best pet-friendly accommodation in Girdwood?

Girdwoodians love their pets and many condos and cabins offer pet-friendly rentals. See what’s available in Girdwood for rent at Visit Girdwood

What's the best high-end hotel in Girdwood?

Hotel Alyeska is the best place to stay in Girdwood for high-end, luxury accommodations. The Resort has 304 rooms, six separate dining options, unique shops, and multiple spa opportunities for their patrons.

 

 
Community

What is the population of Girdwood Alaska?

Girdwood’s Population is approximately 2500.

 

Is there a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in Girdwood? 

Girdwood does not have a satellite DMV.  The closest location is 40 miles away in Anchorage.