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What Is Alyeska Resort? Alaska’s Top-Ranked Hotel in 2025 According to U.S. News & World Report

  • Writer: Oscar Saettone
    Oscar Saettone
  • Jul 11
  • 4 min read

Updated: 5 days ago

Located in Girdwood, just 45 minutes from Anchorage, Alyeska Resort has been named the No. 1 Best Hotel in Alaska and No. 1 in Anchorage in the 2025 Best Hotels in the USA by U.S. News & World Report. The annual list evaluated over 31,000 properties across North America, rewarding Alyeska with a coveted Gold badge for its outstanding hospitality, mountain adventure, and luxury experience.



Why Is Alyeska Resort Ranked No. 1 in Alaska?

Alyeska Resort stood out for its:


  • Newly renovated guest rooms and premium 8th-floor Black Diamond Club

  • Signature experiences like the Alyeska Nordic Spa, the largest in the U.S.

  • Year-round adventure, from skiing to mountain biking

  • Integration into the Ikon Pass program for winter 2023


Exceptional guest service, praised in expert reviews and industry rankings


According to Zach Watson, Senior Travel Editor at U.S. News,

“The 2025 Best Hotels rankings provide a resource for all travelers... and Alyeska continues to deliver modern amenities, memorable experiences, and exceptional customer service.”


What’s New at Alyeska Resort?



Since its acquisition by Pomeroy Lodging in 2018, Alyeska has launched several major upgrades:


  • 2022: Debut of the 50,000 sq. ft. Alyeska Nordic Spa and Forte Italian restaurant

  • 2023: Membership in the Ikon Pass and launch of the Veilbreaker Skybridges, a 410-foot alpine suspension tour

  • 2024: Renovation of guest rooms and creation of the Black Diamond Club, offering premium exclusivity on the 8th floor


What Experiences Await Guests at Alyeska?

Whether visiting in summer or winter, Alyeska offers:



Winter Activities

  • 1,610 skiable acres, 76 trails

  • North America’s longest continuous double black diamond run



Summer Adventures

  • Alyeska Bike Park

  • Hiking trails with 2.2 miles of lift-accessed terrain

  • Guided excursions through the Chugach Mountains



Wellness & Relaxation

  • Alyeska Nordic Spa with hydrotherapy circuits and forest bathing

  • Scenic tram rides overlooking seven glaciers

  • Heated indoor saltwater pool


What Is the Black Diamond Club?

Opened in 2024, this luxury hotel-within-a-hotel offers:

  • Premium rooms and services on the top floor

  • Private check-in, lounge access, exclusive amenities

  • Elevated experiences for discerning travelers, couples, and group buyouts



Who Is Alyeska Resort Ideal For?

This destination is perfect for:

  • Skiers and snowboarders of all levels

  • Wellness seekers and spa enthusiasts

  • Adventure travelers and nature lovers

  • Couples, families, and executive retreats

  • Travelers on the Ikon Pass looking to discover Alaska


Where Is Alyeska Resort Located?

📍 Girdwood, Alaska – Just 40 miles south of Anchorage

  • 🛣️ 45-minute scenic drive via the Seward Highway

  • 🚆 Daily service via the Coastal Classic Train


The resort also serves as a base for exploring Kenai Peninsula, Whittier, and surrounding wilderness regions.


How Much Does It Cost to Stay at Alyeska?

Rates vary by season. As of 2025:

  • Standard rooms start from $399/night

  • Black Diamond Club rooms from $799/night

  • Spa packages and adventure add-ons available



About Alyeska Resort

  • Rooms: 299 guest rooms

  • Dining: 7 options including Seven Glaciers, a AAA Four Diamond restaurant

  • Adventure: 76 ski trails, aerial scenic tram, snowshoeing, biking, hiking

  • Wellness: Nordic Spa, indoor pool, hydrotherapy


Affiliation: Operated by Pomeroy Lodging, also owners of Kananaskis Nordic Spa and Kananaskis Mountain Lodge


Travel Resources


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is Alyeska part of the Ikon Pass? 

A: Yes. Since 2023, Alyeska Resort is part of the Ikon Pass, giving pass holders access to 76 trails and over 669 inches of snow annually.


Q: How far is Alyeska from Anchorage? 

A: The resort is located 40 miles south of Anchorage and can be reached via a 45-minute drive or train ride.


Q: Is Alyeska open year-round? 

A: Yes. Alyeska operates in both summer and winter, offering skiing, hiking, biking, spa treatments, and dining throughout the year.


Q: What makes the Alyeska Nordic Spa special? 

A: It’s the largest Nordic Spa in the U.S., featuring hydrotherapy circuits, forest bathing, saunas, and a tranquil outdoor environment in the Chugach Mountains.


Q: What is the Black Diamond Club at Alyeska? 

A: A luxury top-floor experience with private amenities, upgraded rooms, and exclusive services for guests seeking added privacy and comfort.


About Alyeska Resort: Alyeska Resort is Alaska’s premier year-round destination featuring 299 rooms, a 40-passenger aerial scenic tram, an indoor saltwater pool, a 50,000 sq.ft Nordic Spa and eight dining options, including Seven Glaciers, the resort’s AAA Four Diamond Award restaurant with unparalleled views overlooking seven hanging glaciers. First opened in 1994, the property was acquired in 2018 by Pomeroy Lodging, a Canadian hospitality company that also operates the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge and Kananaskis Nordic Spa in the Canadian Rockies. In 2023, it became the first and only mountain in Alaska on the Ikon Pass and in 2024 they launched their Black Diamond Club offering premium accommodations, services, and amenities exclusive to the resort’s 8th-floor guests. With 1,610 skiable acres, 76 named trails, and over 600 inches of snow annually, the resort is truly a playground for all levels of skiers and riders. A gateway to the Chugach Mountains, the resort seamlessly entwines luxury accommodations with convenient access to nature. Their summertime experience offers a peek into the vast wilderness of this breathtaking mountain range that is home to numerous wildlife and flora species. Alyeska Resort was also honored in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards in both 2024 and 2025, further cementing its reputation as a top global destination. To learn more visit alyeskaresort.com.


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