Girdwood, Alaska is a small, whimsical outdoor village nestled at the base of Alaska’s biggest ski resort, Mount Alyeska. Rivers, glaciers, and soaring peaks all encircle the town.
It is a well-liked location for outdoor enthusiasts due to the abundance of hiking, bicycling, and cross-country ski paths. Along the Seward Highway, Girdwood is located around 45 minutes south of Anchorage. There are about 2,500 year-round residents in the town, many of whom work in the tourism sector.
Due to the abundance of glaciers nearby, the town was initially known as Glacier City; however, it was later renamed Girdwood in honour of James Girdwood, who held four gold claims on Crow Creek.
In the 1890s, the gold was what initially lured people to this region. During the Turnagain Arm gold rushes, the village acted as a miner’s supply camp. Girdwood is the ideal location for a ski resort because of the high mountains and copious amounts of snowfall.
The first chairlift as well as the day lodge were constructed in 1960. Since then, the resort has expanded and changed into a top-notch ski destination with 6 lifts, a 60-passenger aerial tram, and trails for skiers of all abilities.
Take a Ride on the Alyeska Aerial Tram
One of the most popular things to do in Girdwood is ride the Alyeska Aerial Tram. The tram travels all the way up Mount Alyeska from the Alyeska Resort’s base.
The tram runs quicker during the winter months to accommodate more skiers and snowboarders, and it takes three to seven minutes to travel 2300 feet from bottom to top. You will get sweeping views of the Chugach Mountains, glaciers, and Turnagain Arm from the mountain’s summit.
The tram system uses two carriages, each of which has a capacity of 60 passengers. The tram runs all year round but is occasionally closed for extended periods of time in the spring and fall.
The upscale Seven Glaciers restaurant, a small cafe, and access to hiking, bicycling, and downhill skiing paths are all located at the summit of the mountain. The Roundhouse, which was initially erected in 1960 to serve as a warming shelter, is located at the summit of the mountain.
The Roundhouse is now a museum and interpretive centre. It’s comforting to know that using the tram back down to the mountain’s base is free if you trek to the summit.
Taste the Local Beer
Girdwood Brewing Company is a local artisan brewery in Girdwood that produces all of its own beer. The brewery is housed in a sizable structure with enough of seating both inside and outside in the town.
You can catch glimpses of the neighbouring mountains from the outside seating. For those who don’t drink, the brewery offers a wide selection of its own beers as well as local kombucha on tap. They’re open all year round, and there’s always a food truck in the parking lot.
Also delicious are the food trucks. They frequently alter and provide a variety of foods, including crepes, Turkish food, pizza and wings, Guatemalan street food, Japanese cuisine, and more.
Pan for Gold
In Girdwood, Alaska, on a lovely piece of land in the highlands, there is a beautiful, historic, and well-preserved gold mine called the Crow Creek Gold Mine.
Established in 1896, the mine produced a peak of about 700 ounces of gold per month. The mine is currently a well-liked destination for tourists in Girdwood. Visit some of the beautifully preserved historic structures on the grounds on a self-guided walking tour.
The primitive buildings still include artifacts from the mining era. You can engage in gold panning in addition to touring the structures. Before you begin, they teach you a few tips and techniques and all the essential equipment.
Go Biking
Bicycling enthusiasts frequently visit Girdwood. A 12-mile multipurpose trail known as the Bird to Gird links the settlements of Indian, Bird Creek, and Girdwood.
Beautiful scenery, tonnes of trees, tiny waterfalls, and picnic pavilions can be found all along the paved walk. Cross-country skiers frequently utilise the trail in the winter.
The Alyeska Bike Park is a downhill bike park on the mountain that is managed by Alyeska Resort for those who are interested in mountain riding. Riders can access the park by loading their bikes onto the resort’s chair lifts. The bike park offers a wide variety of terrain and paths for all ability levels.
The Girdwood Bike Park is another facility in the city. About two kilometres of trails with a variety of characteristics make up this region. Since this track is designed exclusively for nordic skiing when snow is on the ground, cyclists can only use it in the late spring, summer, and early autumn.
Witness the Animals at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
For the whole family, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a fantastic destination. The center may be found on the right side of the road not much past the Girdwood exit.
Brown bears, muskoxen, moose, lynx, and other Alaskan wildlife call this 200-acre piece of land home. The facility is a sanctuary, not a zoo, with the mission of protecting Alaska’s wildlife via conservation, research, teaching, and animal care.
The center has become home to the majority of the animals because they were abandoned or damaged. You can see all the animals on a one-mile loop that circles the center.
Watch the Bore Tide
The bore is a tidal phenomena when the leading edge of the incoming tide collides with the flow of the outgoing tide to create a wave that flows up a river or narrow harbour, according to Alaska Public Lands Information Centers.
In North America, Turnagain and Knik Arm in Alaska have the second-highest tides. On some days of the month, the wave is larger and easier to see from the shore.
You will frequently find surfers out in the sea attempting to ride the wave on days when it is anticipated to be high. A few good vantage locations can be found along Turnagain Arm.
Beluga Point, Bird Ridge, or the turnouts along the Seward Highway between Mileposts 91 and 94 are a few of our favourite locations. These are also excellent places to search for Turnagain Arm’s beluga whales.
Go Downhill Skiing
The top-rated ski resort in Alaska is Alyeska Resort. The mountain offers terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. There are 76 designated trails, 1,610 acres that may be skied, and a total of 7 lifts that rise to a height of 2,500 feet.
Over 669 inches of snow fall on average each year. Night skiing is permitted on the mountain! All set to go? A day lodge is located at the base of the mountain and offers walk-up ski and snowboard rentals as well as access to ski and snowboard lessons for individuals of all ages.
Visit the Trails for Nordic Skiing
One of the favourite things to do in Girdwood is Nordic skiing. The Girdwood pathways meander through the dense woodland, and in the winter they resemble a magical winter wonderland covered with snow.
The Girdwood Nordic Ski Club grooms and maintains the trails at Girdwood. The majority of the trails, which include Moose Meadows, 5K Nordic Loop, and others, are adjacent to Alyeska Resort.
While some of the paths are solely for skiing, others are multi-use (walking, bicycling, kick sledding, and skiing). Before beginning the trek, make careful to read the signs and look at the maps. Don’t forget to ski with proper trail etiquette as well.
Ride the Alaska Railroad
There is an Alaska Railroad Depot in Girdwood where you can catch a train to go to a number of different places. In the summer, the Alaska Railroad offers day trips to locations like Portage, Whittier, Spencer Glacier, and Seward.
The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, rafting with Chugach Adventures, or taking a wildlife cruise in Seward with Kenai Fjords Tours are just a few of the businesses that will pick you up from the depots and take you on guided day trips.
The Glacier Discovery Train, which passes through Portage, Whittier, and Spencer Glacier, is a fantastic day trip option from Seward. The Bartlett and Trail glaciers, the Placer River Valley, and Grandview’s alpine meadows may all be seen from the railway.
Visit Portage Glacier Via Boat
Only a short distance separates Girdwood and Portage Glacier. Portage Lake was covered with glacial ice 100 years ago. Today the glacier is no longer visible from the Portage Lake coastline.
You must take a boat excursion if you want to go right up against the glacier’s edge. You will be treated to magnificent views of the glacier’s face from the boat.
The National Forest Service has an interpreter on board who provides a wealth of knowledge about the glacier and the area. You might get an opportunity to touch glacial ice.
Attend a Festival
Girdwood, as you may know, is a vibrant community with always something going on. Numerous festivals are held all year long and they bring a lot of tourists to this small town.
At the Slush Cup which takes place at the conclusion of the ski season, skiers and snowboarders don costumes and attempt to navigate a pond that is covered with mushy snow and water. Although the event is frigid for the competitors, it is enjoyable for the spectators who get to support them.
The Girdwood Forest Fair is the greatest event of the year in Girdwood. Since over 50 years ago, Girdwood has hosted this fair.
A pleasant event for the whole family, it draws performers, merchants, and more from all around Alaska. Everyone will have a good time at this festival, which unites the entire town of Girdwood.
In addition to festivals, Girdwood often hosts live music events, New Year’s Eve celebrations, and a Fourth of July Parade.
Relax At The New Nordic Spa
The Alyeska Nordic Spa is a project that has been in development for a while and has now been completed. Only adults (18+) are permitted to use the Alyeska Nordic Spa, which is a part of the Alyeska Resort.
Saunas, steam rooms, and outdoor hot and cold pools are all featured at the spa. You can engage in Nordic hydrotherapy at the spa, which involves switching between hot and cool bathing pools. Additionally, you can reserve spa treatments like massages.
The Two Trees Bistro, which serves meals to assist you refuel during your spa treatments, is a restaurant reserved exclusively for spa visitors. Visitors can enjoy a distinctive, rejuvenating environment at this brand-new Nordic spa.
Shop at Local Stores
If you wish to buy gifts for friends and family while visiting Girdwood, we recommend shopping at some of the locally owned establishments.
Slack Tide Gallery, which sells locally produced goods like jewellery, apparel, literature, ceramics, artwork, and other gifts, is one of our favourite stores. Every item in the store is handmade and developed by artists.
There are also a few nearby stores where you may buy or rent bicycles, ski equipment, or other outdoor goods, such Powder Hound Ski Shop. At the Alyeska Resort, there are a few shops that sell outdoor gear and souvenirs.
Conclusion
Are you all set to depart for Girdwood, Alaska? Here, the options are endless. hiking paths, singing, dancing, sightseeing, and many more activities. You wouldn’t want to miss Girdwood’s natural beauty.
So why not organize a trip with friends and family to explore this city’s wonders. Lastly Girdwood, Alaska, offers a plethora of activities that never end.