Girdwood, Alaska is a quirky little mountain town tucked into a valley surrounded by seven glaciers. Only 40 minutes down the Seward Highway from Anchorage, it makes for a perfect day trip. The town is built around Alyeska, the largest ski resort in the state, but there’s more to the town underneath the resort marketing. Legit restaurants, a brewery, hiking trails, a glacier, a rainforest, and rich gold rush history.
My first ever TV gig in Alaska was a silly MTV reality show that followed a bunch of 20 year olds around doing whacky stunts. We shot an episode right here at Alyeska. A “Naked Ski” segment I’m not exactly proud of, but it is how I found this Girdwood, Alaska. I’ve been back more than a few times, with and without a camera. This guide takes the top off of Girdwood, the real town not just the resort.
Quick Facts: Girdwood, Alaska
| Population | ~1,742 (2019 estimate) |
| Known For | Alyeska Resort, the aerial tram, Crow Creek Mine, Winner Creek Trail |
| Getting There | Seward Highway, Milepost 90 — about 35–40 miles / 40 minutes from downtown Anchorage |
| Status | Technically part of the Municipality of Anchorage, though it feels like its own town |
| Founded | 1890s, during the Turnagain Arm gold rushes |
| Alyeska Resort | Alaska’s largest ski area — 1,400 skiable acres, 73 trails, an aerial tram |
| Best Time to Visit | Winter (Dec–Mar) for skiing, summer (Jun–Aug) for hiking and the tram |
Girdwood, Alaska: History & Today
Girdwood started the same way many Alaska towns did, as a supply point during the Turnagain Arm gold rushes of the 1890s. For decades it stayed a small, quiet place, nothing like what it is today.
That all changed when Alyeska was built. The ski corporation founded in 1954, was the first chairlift and day lodge opened in Alaska. The Roundhouse, the lodge at the top of the mountain, started construction in 1960. It’s still standing today and on the National Register of Historic Places. It wasn’t long afterwards that Girdwood became an international ski destination.
Today, Girdwood still runs on the resort economy, but it’s the community underneath that that makes it so special. Passionate year round residents, a genuinely good restaurant scene, a brewery, and some super unique festivals.
Getting to Girdwood, Alaska
By Car
Drive the Seward Highway south from Anchorage to Milepost 90, about 35–40 miles, roughly 40 minutes. It runs along Turnagain Arm with the Chugach Mountains blasting you with views the whole way. Turn onto the Alyeska Highway at the Tesoro gas station, follow it about three miles to the Alyeska Resort welcome sign, then onto Arlberg Road for the final mile into the resort area.
By Train
Girdwood actually has its own Alaska Railroad depot, and it’s a great option if you’d rather not drive. In summer, trains run twice daily each way between Anchorage and Girdwood, priced from around $100 per person. Certainly pricier than gas money, but it’s an experience.
Getting Around Girdwood, Alaska
Glacier Valley Transit
runs a free public bus (a $1 donation is suggested) between Alyeska Resort and the Seward Highway, with a second summer route out to Crow Creek Mine. Girdwood also has a genuinely walkable, dedicated pedestrian and bike path running through town, so between GVT and your own two feet, you can cover most of it without a car.
Taxis/Rideshare
There are no local taxi companies based in Girdwood itself. Uber and Lyft technically list Girdwood as covered, but I wouldn’t count on a reliable pickup.
Rental cars
The practical answer for most visitors. Rent in Anchorage before you head down, since there’s no local taxi backup once you’re here.
Top Things to Do in Girdwood, Alaska
Skiing & Snowboarding at Alyeska
This is the reason Girdwood exists as the destination it is. Alyeska is Alaska’s largest ski resort, with 1,400 skiable acres, 73 trails, and 8 lifts including the aerial tram. It gets serious snowfall, an average of 650 inches. They run night skiing Thursday through Saturday evenings in late December and early January, when the daylight alone wouldn’t give you much of a window.
The terrain skews toward intermediate and advanced, so this isn’t the gentlest beginner hill in the state, but it’s unquestionably the biggest one. We filmed our cast skiing the mountain naked in March, so it’s doable if you’re proficient at all.
Alyeska Nordic Spa
A newer addition to the resort and the first thing I’m gong to do when I get back to Girdwood. An indoor outdoor hydrotherapy spa with hot and cold pools and saunas, surrounded by forest. It’s 18 and over only, so this one’s for the adults. A legitimately good way to spend an afternoon after a day on the mountain or the trails.
The spa sits on resort grounds, but it books separately from your hotel stay.
Mountain Biking/Cycling
Alyeska’s chairlifts access some serious downhill mountain bike terrain in the summer. Or for a more mellow ride check out the Bird to Gird Trail. It’s a paved, 12-mile multi use path running along from Girdwood to the small community of Bird, is a good option if you want pavement instead of single track.
For more info we have articles that cover both:
- Cycling Alaska: Denali, Anchorage, Fairbanks & More! (Trail Lists)
- Mountain Biking Alaska: Best Trails, Fat Tire & Heli-Biking Guide
Crow Creek Mine
A real 1890s mining camp, where you can pan for gold in the same creek prospectors worked over a century ago. Genuinely one of the more atmospheric gold panning spots in the state. Another great option for curious kiddos or fans of Alaska history.
Alyeska Aerial Tram
The ride is around seven minutes and the view from the top covers glaciers in every direction on a clear day. There is a restaurant at the top, a bar that is somehow even better than the restaurant, and viewing decks that face the Chugach Range.
Paul’s taken his kids up the Alyeska tram twice. Both times it was a crowd pleaser regardless of the weather. Doing it first real in the morning puts you in the Alaska mood the way nothing else can. You are above the clouds, looking at glaciers, drinking coffee, and you have the rest of the day in front of you.
Girdwood, Alaska Hiking
Winner Creek Trail
A roughly 3 mile trail through North America’s northernmost temperate rainforest, leading to Winner Creek Gorge. This trail is famous for a hand tram that lets you pull yourself across Glacier Creek, 100 feet above the water.
I did this trail with some fellow crew members on an off day. It was a blast until one of my buddies decided to stop pulling, leaving all the work up to me. I reckon we should’ve hit the brewery after the hike…. lesson learned.
UPDATE* Unfortunately the hand tram is closed, the Forest Service has officially decommissioned it and has a bridge replacement project underway. Either way, don’t plan on reaching the far side of the creek, but the trail up to the gorge, is still very much worth doing on its own.
Crow Pass Trail
The area’s most serious hike, a 21-mile alpine traverse past gold mining relics, a waterfall, an alpine lake, and a glacier. Most visitors do it as a day hike, only tackling the first 4 miles (8 round trip) rather than the full traverse.
Virgin Creek Falls
An easy half mile walk to an awesome waterfall, one of the better low effort payoffs in the area. Be cautious though the trail can get muddy and slick.
If you need hiking boots or footwear suggestions, read: Best Shoes for Alaska
Things Near Girdwood, Alaska
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
About 11 miles southeast of Girdwood at Portage, this 200-acre non profit is home to non releasable animals. Bears, moose, musk ox, and more. Rescued rather than captured, and unable to survive back in the wild. A worthwhile add on if you’re already driving the Seward Highway or in search of that up close wildlife encounter. The tv shows I’ve worked on may or may not have shot wildlife B-roll here.
Portage Glacier
The Glacier itself has actually retreated out of view from where the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center was originally built to showcase it, a genuinely striking reminder of how fast these glaciers are changing. The visitor center is still worth the stop for interactive exhibits, simulated ice cave, live ice worms, a piece of iceberg you can touch, and in summer, a boat cruise will take you up to the glacier’s face.
Byron Glacier Trail
An easy 0.8 miles (one way) flat, well-maintained trail to a glacier viewpoint, good for basically any fitness level or age. Ice caves have formed at the glacier’s edge in the past, and people have died in collapses there. Best to admire it from the trail.
Where to Eat in Girdwood, Alaska
For a town this size, the food scene punches way above its weight. Here are a couple of our favorites:
Jack Sprat
A more eclectic, health conscious menu with a view to match, good if you want something lighter than steak and pizza.
Double Musky Inn
A genuine local institution, famous for steaks and Creole influenced cooking that feels completely out of place in the best way.
Seven Glaciers Restaurant
At the top of the tram, AAA Four Diamond rated with one of the best wine lists in the country. Reservations get you a complimentary tram ride up. Pinkies out for sure.
For a deeper dive into all of the towns dining options, read: Girdwood, Alaska Restaurants
Where to Drink in Girdwood, Alaska
Girdwood Brewing Company
The local craft beer spot. No kitchen of its own, so a rotating cast of food trucks set up outside instead.
Sitzmark
Right at the base of the mountain by Chair 3, the classic après-ski bar. Full bar, solid pub food, and live music most weekend evenings all winter long.
Girdwood, Alaska Festivals
Girdwood Forest Fair
Running since 1975, founded by a group of local artists who just wanted a place to sell their work. Over 50 years later, it’s Girdwood’s biggest weekend of the year, held the first weekend of July at Forest Fair Park. A community parade kicks things off, leading from the Alyeska day lodge into the park itself, followed by three days of live music across multiple stages, roughly 200 vendors selling handmade and genuinely unusual goods, and a beer garden.
Buying a Forest Fair T-shirt is the unofficial “cover charge,” and helps fund the whole event. Rain or shine
Alyeska Blueberry Festival
Held over a weekend in mid August once the mountain’s wild blueberries actually ripen. Pie eating contests, cooking demos built around blueberries, live music, and dozens of vendor booths. Exact dates shift year to year, so check current listings before planning around it.
Girdwood Fungus Fair
Hosted by the Turnagain Arm Mycological Society, held over a long weekend in mid September. Guided mushroom walks and forays with actual mycologists, cultivation workshops, expert talks, and a “mycoblitz” where volunteers survey and catalog every fungus species they can find in the valley over the weekend
For more mushroom fun, check out this guy: Edible Mushrooms in Alaska: What to Pick, What’s Deadly
Slush Cup
The unofficial closing ceremony of ski season, usually late April or into May. Skiers and riders in costume try to cross a 90-foot pool of ice cold water without sinking. Most don’t make it. Genuinely funny to watch, with face painting and food booths for anyone who’d rather stay dry.
When to Visit Girdwood, Alaska
Girdwood has two real seasons:
- Winter (December–March) is ski season, Alyeska is Alaska’s largest resort, with night skiing Thursday through Saturday in late December and early January.
- Summer (June–August) is hiking, biking, and tram-riding season, with the longest daylight and the Forest Fair and Blueberry Festival both falling in this window.
| Month | Avg. High Temp | What’s Happening |
|---|---|---|
| December | ~21°F | Ski season in full swing, cold and dark, night skiing runs |
| January | ~18°F (coldest) | Deep winter, ski season, short days |
| February | ~20s°F | Ski season, daylight increasing |
| March | ~30s°F | Still good skiing, brighter days |
| April | Low 40s°F | Ski season winds down / “breakup” season starts |
| May | Upper 40s–50s°F | Tram and hiking season starts up, dry, good rates |
| June | Mid-50s°F | Full summer swing, driest month |
| July | ~57–59°F (warmest) | Peak season, longest daylight, Forest Fair |
| August | Upper 50s°F | Still warm, Blueberry Festival, rain picking back up |
| September | Mid-40s°F | Cooling fast, shoulder season |
| October | ~35°F | First snow possible, tourist season largely over |
| November | Upper 20s°F | Ski season starts opening late in the month |
Girdwood, Alaska FAQs
Is Girdwood part of Anchorage?
Technically, yes. It’s inside the Municipality of Anchorage, but it has its own distinct town feel, about 40 minutes south of downtown.
Is Girdwood worth visiting if you don’t ski?
Yes! The tram runs year round, the hiking is excellent in summer, and Crow Creek Mine and the restaurant scene don’t depend on snow at all.
How far is Girdwood from Anchorage?
About 35–40 miles, roughly a 40-minute drive down the Seward Highway.
Is the Winner Creek hand tram still operating?
Not as of 2026, a bridge is under construction.
Can you visit Girdwood as a day trip from Anchorage?
Yes, easily. It’s one of the most popular short day trips from the city, and also works well as a first or last night stop for anyone flying in or out of Anchorage.
More Alaska Guides
- Girdwood Restaurants: 6 Stellar Spots + Brewery & Food Trucks
- Anchorage, Alaska: The Complete Guide to the State’s Home Base
- Hope, Alaska: The Complete Guide to a Real Gold Rush Ghost Town
- Ketchikan, Alaska: The Complete Guide to Alaska’s First City
- Seward, Alaska: The Complete Guide to Kenai Fjords’ Home Port
- 10 Day Alaska Itinerary
- Explore Alaska’s Destinations