Outdoor Activities in Girdwood

Girdwood sits at the epicenter of outdoor activities in Southcentral Alaska, surrounded by glaciers, old-growth rainforest, rushing streams, and mountain terrain that provides adventure in every season. Winter draws skiers and snowboarders to Alyeska Resort, which receives an average of 669 inches of snowfall annually and offers terrain ranging from gentle groomers to expert chutes. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and backcountry touring extend the winter adventure beyond the resort boundaries. When summer arrives, the valley transforms into a hiker's and mountain biker's paradise, with trails leading through temperate rainforest to alpine viewpoints, glacier overlooks, and historic mining sites. The Crow Pass Trail is one of the premier hiking routes in Alaska, traversing from Girdwood over an alpine pass to Eagle River. Kayaking and rafting on nearby waterways, fishing for salmon and Dolly Varden, and berry picking in the lush understory round out the summer activity list. The drive to Girdwood along Turnagain Arm is itself an outdoor experience, with frequent stops for Dall sheep viewing on the cliffs and beluga whale spotting in the tidal waters below. Our guide to outdoor activities in Girdwood helps you plan the adventures that make this mountain community one of Alaska's top destinations.