Girdwood (Anchorage, Metlakatla: rentals, hotel, homes)

[Metlakatla]

I'm on an advisory committee for the state that's going to hold its annual meeting in Girdwood. Never been except to drive through. What do I need to see/do there? I don't ski or any of that since I fell down and busted my ankle and ended up laying in the ditch for an hour thanks to a pair of Xtra tuffs that didn't fit right (they can call Xtra Tuffs the "Alaskan sneaker" all they want, but as far as I'm concerned, those old-school Romeo deck slippers blow Xtra Tuffs out of the water; I never could find a pair of Xtra Tuffs that fit right).

[Music_Man]

Make reservations at the Double Musky for a excellent meal! Seven Glaciers restaurant on top of the mountain is suppose to be good too.

[Frostnip]

I haven't been there for years, but I recall it being worth riding up to the top of the Alyeska ski slope just for the view, even if you don't ski. If I remember correctly they had a cheap pass for that purpose. I recall Seven Glaciers being spendy but worth it, given how few really fine dining restaurants there are up here. Also, I have a serious allergy and they were really accommodating, which isn't always the case at higher end restaurants.

[Northrick]

Originally Posted by Music_Man

Make reservations at the Double Musky for a excellent meal! Seven Glaciers restaurant on top of the mountain is suppose to be good too.

Except, the Double Musky doesn't take reservations. Depending on the day of the week you need to get there early.


You didn't say when this meeting is. Makes a difference on what to suggest depending on when it is.

[AKStafford]

The tram to the top of the mountain is great. The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is nearby. The short trail to the Virgin Creek Falls is nice.

[Metlakatla]

It'll be in Nov. Probably nothing will be open. For some reason I thought ski season started around then, but I guess not.

[Metlakatla]

Originally Posted by AKStafford

The tram to the top of the mountain is great. The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is nearby. The short trail to the Virgin Creek Falls is nice.

So Girdwood itself is pretty walkable, right? There's a trail I read about that's paved that looks like it might be a nice bike ride (there are bike rentals there) -- Bird to Gird or something like that. The time of year probably isn't the best for that though.

[Northrick]

Originally Posted by Metlakatla

It'll be in Nov. Probably nothing will be open. For some reason I thought ski season started around then, but I guess not.

Originally Posted by Metlakatla

So Girdwood itself is pretty walkable, right? There's a trail I read about that's paved that looks like it might be a nice bike ride (there are bike rentals there) -- Bird to Gird or something like that. The time of year probably isn't the best for that though.

November could go any which way weather-wise. I believe Alyeska tries to open for skiing by Thanksgiving but that doesn't always happen.


Biking/hiking is going to depend on whether there is snow. Maybe, maybe not in November. When they moved the highway down off the mountains they rebuilt the roadbed into a hike/bike trail. It's a nice paved trail that runs from Girdwood to Bird Point with some very nice views of the inlet.


If you are staying at the Alyeska hotel you will be a 1/2 mile or a mile from "downtown" Girdwood. Believe it or not, they do have bus service. Look up Glacier Valley Transit.


Being November, it's either going to be raining or snowing, but you should be used to that.

[wamer27]

Originally Posted by Northrick

November could go any which way weather-wise. I believe Alyeska tries to open for skiing by Thanksgiving but that doesn't always happen.


Biking/hiking is going to depend on whether there is snow. Maybe, maybe not in November. When they moved the highway down off the mountains they rebuilt the roadbed into a hike/bike trail. It's a nice paved trail that runs from Girdwood to Bird Point with some very nice views of the inlet.


If you are staying at the Alyeska hotel you will be a 1/2 mile or a mile from "downtown" Girdwood. Believe it or not, they do have bus service. Look up Glacier Valley Transit.


Being November, it's either going to be raining or snowing, but you should be used to that.

Is there an actual downtown? I went to Alyeska every Wednesday from Anchorage for a ski season about 15 years ago and I don’t recall a downtown or even city in general. Just seemed like a few homes hidden in woods with a hidden restaurant or two. Nothing like ski towns in lower 48….via this I think they have a hard time attracting people to fly up to ski there.

[riceme]

Originally Posted by wamer27

Is there an actual downtown? I went to Alyeska every Wednesday from Anchorage for a ski season about 15 years ago and I don’t recall a downtown or even city in general. Just seemed like a few homes hidden in woods with a hidden restaurant or two. Nothing like ski towns in lower 48….via this I think they have a hard time attracting people to fly up to ski there.

There is a very cute little downtown area. Very walkable. My #1 takeaway was that there were showers, which is key for Alaskans, lol.

https://themilepost.com/communities/girdwood/

https://girdwood.com/listing/girdwood-laundromall/