Alyeska Resort has very reasonable facilities and services for skiers and snowboarders. These are centred around the day lodge (for day trippers and non-hotel overnighters) and also within the Hotel Alyeska (for hotel guests primarily).
Alyeska Ski Rentals and Snowboard Rental
There are two locations for resort owned equipment rentals and services. The day lodge has a range of skis and snowboards, with more emphasis on standard equipment. Alyeska Mountain Sports in Hotel Alyeska has more of a focus on high performance and demo equipment, and also cross country ski equipment and snowshoes.
For equipment repairs, you’re probably better placed at the day lodge than the hotel.
The Powder Hound ski shop is a good alternative to the resort-owned outlets, with demo skis and other ski and snowboard rentals. It is located close to the Sitzmark Bar and Grill.
Alyeska Ski and Snowboard School
Group ski and snowboard lessons are very reasonably priced, especially as part of a package with a lift ticket and equipment rentals. Group lessons for children start at age 4 for skiing and age 6 for snowboarding.
Private lessons are very inexpensive mid-week, and packages that include lift ticket and equipment rentals are very good value.
Facilities for Children
There is no child care provided by Alyeska Resort, and babysitting services are not offered by Hotel Alyeska.
You might be able to find a babysitter in Girdwood but the resort is not well set up for families with small children.
Eating On Mountain
The day lodge lacks a bit of soul but it has a few food options and caters to the masses pretty well.
On fine days head up to the Upper Tram Terminal to the Bore Tide Deli and Bar. It offers some classic ski resort cafeteria fare, along with some superb views of the Chugach Mountain Range and the Turnagain Arm. The bar area doesn’t really afford particularly good views, but the area is adults only and has table service.
The Sitzmark Bar and Grill at the base is a great spot for lunch and provides a nice viewing point of the beginners’ area.
Or you can head into Hotel Alyeska where there is a café and restaurant for lunch time fare.
