Not far from Alaska’s capital city and nestled within breathtaking scenery, Alyeska lays claim to the lowest base elevation of a ski resort in the world, but also boasts a huge amount of snow for such an elevation. The 68 runs are geared to all levels of expertise and the terrain park is a winner with snowboarders, with its several tabletops, rails and quarter-pipes.

Facilities for children and childcare are comprehensive, with day and hourly rates for children from six months to 10 years. The Alyeska Prince Hotel is a large hotel/resort with great package rates and facilities, including transport to and from town and the slopes. There are also condos and bed-and-breakfasts available.

The 68 pistes at Alyeska are divided into 11 per cent for beginners, 52 per cent for intermediates and advanced sliders, and 37 per cent for experts. There are nine lifts with a capacity for over 10,000 people per hour providing access to the slopes; the longest run is 3.2kms. Additionally, 50kms of groomed and ungroomed cross-country trails are available and a further 115kms lie nearby.

In addition, Alyeska ski resort boasts more than 600 vertical metres of night skiing along 27 trails as well as snowcat skiing, heli-skiing, tandem paragliding and dog sledding. For après ski in the resort, Alyeska Prince Hotel has many bars and restaurants, while Anchorage is awash with entertainment opportunities.

The mid-December to mid-March ski season has its best conditions from mid-February, after the severe cold. The most practical travel option for getting to Alyeska ski resort is to fly to Anchorage and hire a car, or if you are staying at the Prince Hotel, a free return shuttle is provided.