The Most Charming Ski Town In The World Is Right Here In Alaska, And You'll Want To Visit
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Courtney
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Girdwood, Alaska was recently rated the best ski town in the world by National Geographic, and for good reason. Not only do the slopes at Alyeska Resort offer endless year-round entertainment, but the whole vibe that that town offers is what truly makes it stand out from the crowd. This is a place where life is simple and outdoor values are cherished. The people are creative and humble. The hospitality is warm and welcoming. There is something so special about this place that it has a way of totally refreshing your soul and giving you a whole new perspective on life, every time you visit.
The tiny town of Girdwood is not your average resort town. Although it attracts countless visitors in the wintertime that flock to Alyeska Resort, the foundation of this town thrives on a tight knit community with a true passion for living a simple life. When you're here, you'll have access to good food, good people and endless opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors - all year long.
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So what makes Girdwood the best ski town in the world? To start, the beauty to be found at Alyeska Resort is unmatched. With stunning views overlooking neighboring mountains, the inlet and Turnagain Arm, you are guaranteed to be blown away from the moment that you sit on the chair lift. In fact, you might very well get so lost in the moment that you spend much longer than anticipated just sitting at the top of the mountain and taking in much needed moments of zen. Because when you experience such enthralling doses of beauty in such a short period of time, it has a way of knocking you off your feet.
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Everything about Alyeska Resort is awesome. There are tons of runs that are groomed beautifully for the beginners out there. Intermediate and advanced skiers fall in love with the wide open bowls and long top-to-bottom runs that pack a mean adrenaline rush. Expert level skiers and snowboarders love the North Face which features North America’s longest continuous double black run. Off the slopes you'll get addicted to the awesome atmosphere at the hotel, live music nearby, incredible hospitality, outdoor fire pits and long list of amenities.
The Aerial Tram takes visitors up the mountain in the summertime with breathtaking views surrounding them on all sides. Hiking at the resort is also a very popular activity.
Girdwood (like much of Alaska) is one of those cool little towns that believes in treating dogs like family (because, ahem, they ARE family). This dog friendly town is filled with lots of awesome things to do with your four-legged companion. Enjoy snowshoeing, cross country skiing, hiking or just strolling the town with your buddy by your side.
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Although many think of Girdwood as solely a winter destination, it is actually a thriving year-round destination. Summer activities include hiking, biking, camping and so much more. Enjoy views of spectacular waterfalls, towering mountains and stunning vistas in the distance. It's hard to go anywhere in Girdwood without being completely blown away by the natural beauty.
From Crow Pass to Gentoo Peak, if bagging summits is your kind of party - you'll fall in love with all that Girdwood has to offer.
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While in Girdwood you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of mountains and hanging glaciers in the distance. Check out Seven Glaciers Restaurant for a great meal and a million dollar view. Glacier tours are available in the town if you are interested in getting up close and personal with these stunning land masses.
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Girdwood isn't just limited to hiking and skiing. If you are an adventure addict that loves a good rush, you'll love the fact that you can enjoy paragliding and whitewater kayaking all within the town. Be prepared to be blown away by the sights!
As with many places in Alaska, Girdwood is an excellent place to check out wildlife in their natural element. Or you can head down the road to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to soak in tons of wildlife in one spot.
From the Girdwood Forest Fair in the summertime to the Slush Cup at Alyeska Resort at the end of the winter season, Girdwood is home to some of the most outrageously fun events in the last frontier. Locals from the Kenai Peninsula and the Anchorage 'bowl' flock to these quirky events to let loose and celebrate life with like-minded free-spirited friends.
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Established in 1896, the historic Crow Creek Mine was one of the largest producing gold mines in southcentral Alaska. Today visitors can enjoy gold panning, tours, a delicious salmon bake and so much more. In the summertime at Alyeska, Resort visitors can enjoy the historic cultural offerings at the Roundhouse Museum.
Can you resist eating an enormous sweet roll from the Bake Shop? Or how about that incredible French pepper steak from the Double Musky? All the creative dishes and vegan options at Jack Sprat blow us away every single time. And we haven't even touched on Chair 5 or Seven Glaciers. Girdwood is king when it comes to amazing food that will satisfy even the pickiest person in your pack. In fact, the food is so good in this town that you'll find yourself wanting to make a special trip just to grab a good meal and make a couple runs at the mountain. Life is short, eat good food.
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There are a lot of things to love about the groovy little town of Girdwood, but perhaps one of the most charming aspects of the area is all the unique art and little bits of beautiful detail in the most unexpected areas. Girdwood has a way of painting a smile on even the grumpiest of faces just by being its wild, quirky and totally unique self. It's easy to fall in love with this hoppin' ski town in the wintertime, but once you experience it during the 'off season' you'll fall in love on a whole new level.
If you have any sort of summer-ending blues, just check out this awesome YouTube video below and get stoked for the season of snowy adventure that is right around the corner.
Can’t get enough of Girdwood? If not, you’ll definitely agree that there is no restaurant in the world like this one in Alaska. Also, be sure to check out this one easy hike in Alaska that will lead you someplace unforgettable.
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