Girdwood Travel Guide
City Mountain village with Ski Resort and glacier access
Girdwood anchors the Alyeska ski area: tram rides to glacier-view runs, summer hiking, salmon bakes and a compact arts-and-coffee scene make it an alpine gateway from Turnagain Arm.
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Why Visit Girdwood? #
Set against the Chugach Mountains and Turnagain Arm, this mountain‑and‑coast hamlet draws skiers, glacier‑seekers, and wildlife fans. Alyeska Resort’s slopes and aerial tram provide direct access to alpine runs and glacier views, while heli‑ski operators and nearby glaciers offer serious backcountry adventures; summer hiking and salmon runs add a different season. A small‑town arts scene and Alaska Native cultural presence give visits extra depth.
Best Things to Do in Girdwood
All Attractions ›
Girdwood Bucket List
- Alyeska Resort Tram - High-speed tram to mountaintop with hiking, dining, and valley views.
- Winner Creek Trail and Hand Tram - Accessible forest trail featuring a short hand-operated tram over a gulch.
- Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center - Nearby sanctuary caring for native wildlife with walk-through exhibits and viewing platforms.
- Crow Creek Mine - Historic gold mine with short hikes and interpretive signs, family-friendly exploration.
- Girdwood Brewing Company - Small brewery offering Alaskan ales and pub fare in a cozy atmosphere.
- Local glacier viewpoints - Short pullouts and overlooks ideal for spotting nearby glaciers and mountain streams.
- Prince William Sound cruises (from Whittier) - Boat day trips to fjords, tidewater glaciers, and marine wildlife viewing.
- Kenai Fjords National Park (from Seward) - Full-day boat tours from Seward showcase glaciers, sea life, and coastal scenery.
Best Time to Visit Girdwood #
Girdwood shines late May through September with long daylight, hiking, and glacier access. Winters are spectacular for skiing and northern lights but very cold and snowy.
Best Time to Visit Girdwood #
Girdwood's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -10°C to 18°C. Moderate rainfall (796 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -4°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (126 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -2°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -9°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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How to Get to Girdwood
Girdwood is most commonly reached by road from Anchorage; the Alaska Railroad also provides seasonal passenger service that's convenient and scenic. For maximum flexibility, rent a car at ANC or book a resort shuttle if arriving on a tourist service.
Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC): Anchorage is the major commercial gateway for Girdwood (about 40-50 minutes’ drive via the Seward Highway). Renting a car at ANC is common; drive times are typically 45-60 minutes depending on conditions. Car rental rates commonly start around USD 60-120/day in high season.
Girdwood / Alyeska (local air services): Girdwood has small local air operations for sightseeing and private charters rather than scheduled commercial flights-these are used seasonally for tours rather than regular transport into town.
Train: The Alaska Railroad serves Girdwood seasonally with passenger trains connecting Anchorage and Seward; the Girdwood station is a convenient, scenic option in summer. Fares on the Alaska Railroad vary by service and class-expect roughly USD 25-45 one-way for basic Anchorage-Girdwood tickets (seasonal pricing applies).
Bus: Regional shuttle services and seasonal resort shuttles (for Alyeska Resort) link Anchorage and Girdwood; travel time by road is about 45-60 minutes. Local transit in the Anchorage area can get you to transfer points but a direct shuttle or car is simplest for visitors.
How to Get Around Girdwood #
Girdwood is small and most central amenities are walkable, especially around the resort and tram area. Most visitors drive from Anchorage (about a 40‑mile trip on the Seward Highway); seasonal shuttles and limited local transit operate at peak times. A car is handy for exploring beyond the town core.
Where to Stay in Girdwood #
- Girdwood Inn & Suites - Simple rooms near town center.
- Girdwood Hostel - Basic, dorm-style and private rooms.
- Alyeska Condominiums - Condo rentals near the resort base.
- Girdwood Inn & Suites - Comfortable, family-run property.
- Alyeska Resort - Full-service mountain resort and spa.
- Alyeska Vacations (premium condos) - Upscale, slope-side condo options.
Where to Eat in Girdwood #
- Seven Glaciers (Alyeska Resort) - Fine-dining with tram-access views
- Chair 5 Restaurant & Bar - Comfort food near the slopes
- The Bake Shop - Morning pastries and hearty sandwiches
- Jack Sprat - Popular café with homestyle breakfasts
- Girdwood Brewing Company - Local beers and pub-style plates
- Neighborhood sandwich spots - Casual lunch options for visitors
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Girdwood's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Girdwood #
Nightlife is small and resort‑focused: hotel bars and restaurant patios at Alyeska are the main evening options. You’ll find relaxed après‑ski gatherings in winter and occasional live music during summer.
- Alyeska Resort - Resort bars and restaurants anchor evenings with après‑ski and seasonal live music.
Shopping in Girdwood #
Girdwood’s shopping is concentrated at Alyeska Resort and a few independent shops in town-expect outdoor gear, guide services and gift shops. For a broader range of stores you’ll typically head back toward Anchorage.
- Alyeska Resort Shops - Resort boutiques selling outdoor gear, souvenirs, and locally made crafts.