My review is for the Alyeska Aerial Tram, simply a fantastic attraction and activity to do while driving along Seward Highway, Alaska.
I highly recommend stopping in the town of majestic Girdwood, AK and coming to the Alyeska Resort and Hotel where this aerial tram is located.
I was driving the 127-mile Seward Highway south towards the Kenai Peninsula and here this Alyeska Sky Tram was located at about mile 90...not too far away from Anchorage.
But along my 127 journey, I would say this cable car ride was one of the best roadside and memorable stops that I can't say enough good things about it.
And the reason I'm raving about coming here is because the town of Girdwood is stunning! The lush green, snowcapped mountains and surroundings were strikingly beautiful!
I mean yes, most of Alaska is scenic but here in Girdwood I had no expectations for what to discover and I left pretty mesmerized by the statuesque landscape!
In fact, I would slightly compare being here and riding the aerial tram to the top of Mount Alyeska similar to the surroundings at Glacier National Park in Montana, one of my favorite NP's in the USA.
For coming here to Alyeska Sky Tram, simply plug the destination into Google Maps and you'll be guided to the Alyeska Resort, just off Seward Highway.
Once here, obviously the main attraction is this cable car ride. There'll be signs for visitor parking which is free.
When buying a ticket, it's a $35 fee, roundtrip. If I had to say one small disappointment about my experience was after purchasing my lift ticket, I had to wait about 20 minutes in line to finally get to ride.
One other detail...I visited back in the summer of 2021 in the middle of June and unfortunately the weather wasn't cooperating. It was mostly overcast with slight rain at times sort of limiting my opportunities for capturing potentially incredible photo opportunities.
But I have to accept fate and this day here, I guess perfectly sunny skies weren't on the agenda, lol.
Although the weather was iffy, the tram was still in operation. I was grateful for the chance to experience it.
It's about a 7-minute trek each way to and from the top of Mount Alyeska at 2300 feet high. The cable car fits at least 20 people or so and everyone stands while riding being afforded 360-degree views. I got some cool photos going up the tram.
To quickly sum up what to expect to see at the top of Mount Alyeska...I quoted what I felt like was a great summary from Google...
"The Alyeska Resort Aerial Tramway is a seven-minute ride to a viewing deck with breathtaking panoramic views of mountains, hanging glaciers, streams, spruce, and an array of wildlife. At an elevation of 2300 feet, witness frosty views of the Turnagain Arm, up to seven "hanging" glaciers and endless peaks deep into the Chuhagh Mountain range."
Not only is the viewing/observation deck situated at the top, but there's a small gift and souvenir shop located next door.
Also here is a giant restaurant where you can walk inside and sit down, have lunch or dinner with views peering out onto the wondrously gorgeous landscape. The restaurant has restroom for visitors as well.
I'd say I spent about 45 - 50 minutes hanging out, walking around, taking panoramic pictures and simply appreciating how scenic the mountainous backdrop appeared. You can take as much time as you'd like up top until you're ready to ride the tram back down.
The best perspective (imo) was standing at the observation deck. For midday, the light was at my back which allowed for pleasant photos moments from the vista overlook.
Lastly, I did walk away from the tram section where snow had fallen on the ground, and it afforded me time to snap pics without any handrails or guardrails situated at my waste side.
I definitely recommend walking onto the snow for unique and alternative perspectives.
Overall, although the clouds put a slight dent into my Alyeska Aerial Tram experience, I still admired getting to witness the incredible Girdwood, Alaska landscape from high above.
This roadside attraction along famed Seward Highway should not be missed for every tourist out there. read more