stefan
02-18-2007, 08:53 AM
alyeska's a cool spot winter or summer ... base elevation 250'!! it's small but vertical, with magnificent views and an arm of the ocean which reaches up to the base of the canyon in which it sits. i can't see any terrain new since i skied there last, perhaps they're referring to their new terrain park, but i am curous where they would expand. the base of this area of alaska has one of the northern most temperate rainforests of the same trees which sit in the subalpine zone in california. and if you find yourself in this area in july, go check out the forest fair in girdwood.
i am very conservative when it comes to ski area expansions. i just hope this area doesn't take a turn for the worst.
BETH BRAGG
Alyeska Resort's new 'family-friendly' policy stirs up locals
GIRDWOOD -- Girdwood kids learn to swim at the Alyeska Resort hotel pool. People recovering from injuries use the fitness center for physical therapy. Residents who live in cabins with no running water take showers there.
At least, that's how it used to be.
New ownership has brought new policies to the resort that is the economic heart of this earthy mountain town, including one that has angered and disappointed many of the 2,000 residents.
No longer can $5 buy you a one-day pass to swim, shower, lift weights or run on a treadmill at the only pool and fitness center in town.
To do any of that now, locals must buy six-month memberships that go for $400 for a single adult ($300 if you've already bought a season ski pass), $600 for two adults and $50 for each child.
As you'd expect in a place known for the outspokenness and eccentricities of its residents, the change is creating some heartburn.
Skyler Kline said his 8-year-old son, Kaija, learned to swim at Alyeska's pool, as did many of Kaija's friends. "You wouldn't even be able to print what he called the man who shut it down,'' Kline said.
The man in question is Utah millionaire John Byrne III, who bought the resort late last year. Most of the town is thrilled that Byrne is a skier with big plans for the mountain -- not just the hotel, mind you, but the mountain. Already, new terrain has been opened, and more good things are expected.
But some of the locals think they're no longer welcome at the hotel. What's more, some of them think they aren't welcome because they don't live and look the way people in typical ski-resort towns are supposed to live and look.
Not so, said Jason Lott, a spokesman for Alyeska.
"That really is not the case whatsoever,'' he said. "We eliminated the daily use just so we can make it more of a family-friendly atmosphere.
"It has nothing to do with looks or appearances or anything.''
Even if it did, would that be so bad?
Alyeska Gets New Snow, Owners
By jd on December 26, 2006 (Alyeska News)
[color=darkblue][i]
Not only has Alaska
i am very conservative when it comes to ski area expansions. i just hope this area doesn't take a turn for the worst.
BETH BRAGG
Alyeska Resort's new 'family-friendly' policy stirs up locals
GIRDWOOD -- Girdwood kids learn to swim at the Alyeska Resort hotel pool. People recovering from injuries use the fitness center for physical therapy. Residents who live in cabins with no running water take showers there.
At least, that's how it used to be.
New ownership has brought new policies to the resort that is the economic heart of this earthy mountain town, including one that has angered and disappointed many of the 2,000 residents.
No longer can $5 buy you a one-day pass to swim, shower, lift weights or run on a treadmill at the only pool and fitness center in town.
To do any of that now, locals must buy six-month memberships that go for $400 for a single adult ($300 if you've already bought a season ski pass), $600 for two adults and $50 for each child.
As you'd expect in a place known for the outspokenness and eccentricities of its residents, the change is creating some heartburn.
Skyler Kline said his 8-year-old son, Kaija, learned to swim at Alyeska's pool, as did many of Kaija's friends. "You wouldn't even be able to print what he called the man who shut it down,'' Kline said.
The man in question is Utah millionaire John Byrne III, who bought the resort late last year. Most of the town is thrilled that Byrne is a skier with big plans for the mountain -- not just the hotel, mind you, but the mountain. Already, new terrain has been opened, and more good things are expected.
But some of the locals think they're no longer welcome at the hotel. What's more, some of them think they aren't welcome because they don't live and look the way people in typical ski-resort towns are supposed to live and look.
Not so, said Jason Lott, a spokesman for Alyeska.
"That really is not the case whatsoever,'' he said. "We eliminated the daily use just so we can make it more of a family-friendly atmosphere.
"It has nothing to do with looks or appearances or anything.''
Even if it did, would that be so bad?
Alyeska Gets New Snow, Owners
By jd on December 26, 2006 (Alyeska News)
[color=darkblue][i]
Not only has Alaska