Alyeska Resort Aerial Tram

Alyeska Resort's iconic aerial tram lifts visitors from the valley floor to the 2,334-foot summit of Mt. Alyeska in just seven minutes — no hiking boots required. Operating daily from May 22 through September 30, the enclosed tram cabin carries passengers through 2,034 feet of vertical gain, with widening views of Turnagain Arm, the Chugach Range, and the forested Girdwood valley that unfold as you climb.

At the summit observation deck, 360-degree panoramas extend to Sleeping Lady (Mt. Susitna) across Cook Inlet and trace the full sweep of Turnagain Arm from Anchorage to Portage Pass. On clear days the view encompasses dozens of Chugach peaks and distant glaciers rarely visible from the valley below. The summit elevation lifts visitors above treeline into an alpine world of wildflower meadows, berry patches, and Dall sheep frequently spotted on the upper faces in summer.

Two hiking trails depart from the summit station. The North Face Trail descends steeply through wildflower fields and dwarf birch back toward the resort base — a rewarding one-way descent option. The Upper Winner Creek Section crosses old-growth Sitka spruce forest, eventually connecting to the full Winner Creek Trail for extended valley exploration. Both options allow a tram-assisted one-way hike.

Summit amenities include the Seven Glaciers Restaurant, a full-service mountaintop venue open for lunch and dinner with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the inlet. The summit café serves lighter bites and hot drinks. Each ticket includes two round trips, so visitors can ascend in the morning, hike or dine at the top, and return for evening views as alpenglow illuminates the Chugach peaks.

Children six and under ride free. Adult tickets are $55 at the gate or $50 online; youth $40; seniors $45. Alyeska Resort is located 40 miles south of Anchorage in Girdwood, 10 minutes off the Seward Highway via the Alyeska Highway.