Travelsmart
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Alaska is celebrating its 60th anniversary of statehood this year and to mark the occasion a variety of new experiences that capitalize on the destination’s rugged beauty will be offered this summer.
The nation’s 49th state, Alaska was granted statehood in 1959 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower after being a U.S. possession for 91 years.
Still the country’s most sparsely populated state, Alaska today is a destination renowned for its wide-open spaces, stunning mountains and abundant wildlife (including 1,500 moose at last count). There are also 135 miles of paved walking and biking trails and colorful frontier towns.
Here’s a look at some of the top opportunities and offerings in Alaska this summer.
New Summer Activities at Tordrillo Mountain Lodge
In February 2019 Tordrillo Mountain Lodge reopened after a multi-million-dollar renovation, and thrill-seeking guests of all abilities can experience endless new summer activities such as helicopter-accessed fat tire mountain biking, world-class salmon fishing, kayaking, canoeing, white water rafting, glacier hiking wake surfing, waterskiing, and wildlife viewing.
The lodge is also offering the first via ferrata climbing route in Alaska. The new via ferrata is located on the edge of the Triumvirate glacier, with two suspension bridges spanning from arrete to arrete.
Luxury Wilderness Experiences at Sheldon Chalet
For a true five-star Alaskan wilderness experience, visit the Sheldon Chalet. The property overlooks some of the most dramatic vistas in the Alaska Range, this new luxury destination is located on five private acres inside Denali National Park and sleeps up to ten guests across five stylishly designed bedrooms.
Adventure enthusiasts will love the multitude of options, including expedition-style glacier treks with stunning vistas at each one, rappelling into a crevasse, igloo building, skiing around the Nunatak or carving turns while sledding on Denali.
Sitting in the chalet enjoying the unparalleled views from the wrap around windows is worthy of bragging rights itself. Perched on a nunatak 6,000 feet above the Don Sheldon Amphitheatre on Denali’s Ruth Glacier, the Sheldon Chalet is only accessible by helicopter from Anchorage or Talkeetna.
Yacht Explorations
Experience Alaska with PELORUS on board one of its exclusive custom wildlife viewing expeditions. Take flying safaris with wildlife experts to find brown, black and grizzly bears and wolves, and relax in the yacht’s hot-tub at the end of each day. Wake up in a new location every day and spend time watching orca and humpback whales breaching the water or paddleboard around the icebergs to get closer to nature.
PELORUS, a company known for its custom tours to some of the most remote places on the planet, recently introduced its offerings in the United States.
Alaska by Railroad
The Alaska Railroad’s Glacier Discovery train departs Anchorage daily during the summer months, headed for the Grandview area and Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop (both accessible only by train). Stay aboard the train to explore the loop district, a broad mountain valley, or step off the train explore Spencer Glacier for the day.
Ascending Path offers glacier kayaking and trekking, and Chugach Adventure Guides rafts the nearby Placer River before rejoining the train in the afternoon.
Glaciers Explorations
Phillips Cruises & Tours and Lazy Otter Charters each operate out of the Alaskan port town of Whittier, where visitors can spend summer days exploring more than two dozen glaciers in Prince William Sound. The area’s protected waters are home to otters, seals, and shorebirds, and you may even spot orca, grey or humpback whales.
Not to be Missed
The Anchorage Museum and Alaska Native Heritage Center are the best showcases of Alaska Native cultures and Alaska history.
The Anchorage Museum’s art collections include a Smithsonian gallery filled with Alaska Native art and culturally significant items. The Alaska Native Heritage Center focuses on Native culture through live song and dance performances, as well as life-sized examples of traditional buildings.
There’s a combined admission, using the Culture Pass, for both attractions. There’s also a free shuttle linking them to downtown.
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