Alaska's Iconic Alyeska Resort: Nearing six decades of quality service and community support.

• Author: Anderson, Tasha
• Position: Corporate 100

In January 2019, Alyeska Resort will celebrate sixty years of operations in Gird-wood. As the organization's diamond anniversary approaches, VP and Resort Owner Representative Mandy Hawes says, "We're really proud of the legacy that Alyeska has in the state and the history out at the resort."

Alyeska is gearing up to celebrate sixty years in Alaska with deals and anniversary celebrations in addition to the numerous activities that already take place at the resort year-round. During the winter and summer seasons there's live music every weekend night at the Sitzmark Bar and Grill, often performed by Alaskan musicians but also featuring Outside talent.

This month Alyeska is once again putting on their Spring Carnival from April 13-15, including one of the resort's most popular events: Slush Cup, which has been aired on ESPN in past years. Hawes explains, "We have a huge pond in front of the Sitzmark and there's a competition; skiers have to dress up in costume and try to launch themselves across the pond. You end up with people swimming around in the pond and people getting pulled out, and then some people that actually jump across the whole pond and do some kind of flip. It's really fun to watch." Moving into the summer, Alyeska hosts the Fiddlehead Music Festival in June, the Blueberry Festival in August, a Mountain Bike Festival in late August and early September, the Alyeska Climbathon in September, and Oktoberfest over two weekends in late September.

Year-Round Operations

Alyeska offers year-round opportunities for outdoor adventure, whether it's skiing in the winter or hiking or mountain biking in the summer, but that's not all the venue does. Hawes says that in a general view, Alyeska Resort's business is split into thirds: hotel operations, restaurant operations, and ski/mountain operations.

The resort offers a multitude of dining options, including on the mountaintop, at the resort, and around the base of the mountain. Seven Glaciers, a AAA Four Diamond, award-winning fine dining restaurant, and Bore Tide Deli & Bar, offering up soups and sandwiches, are both located on the mountaintop. At the hotel, guests are provided with several options including the Pond Cafe, Sakura Restaurant (fresh seafood and meats, specialty rolls, and cocktails), the Tramway Cafe, the Aurora Bar & Grill, and the Pond Steakhouse. In the base area, the Sitzmark Bar & Grill specializes in burgers and grilled sandwiches and has a dozen local and seasonal beers...