AK on the GO

Ski season is over and there is no good reason to go to Alyeska anymore, right? Oh no, no, no, my AKontheGOers, there’s still plenty of mountain fun at the Girdwood resort’s miles and miles of open terrain, and most of it is perfect for the fam.

While attending a trade show a month or so ago, Marketing guru Amy Q. of Alyeska Resort was quick to hand me their new and improved Summer Trails map. In it is a lovely drawing of the mountain (similar to what you grab before heading out to a day on the slopes), and a description of the new trails and trail extensions the resort has been working on for some time. I was hooked.

Whether your own fam is like mine in that we hike, we pick berries, we bribe AK Kid, we eventually reach our destination, or like my friend’s in that her kids are powering up the hill in record time and are on their way down before the grownups can catch their breath, Alyeska’s got a trail for you. From the Winner Creek Trail (one of the most popular) to the new Blueberry Hill to Race Trail, they’ve got your family covered.  The map thoughtfully breaks up hikes into family-friendly and intermediate-advanced sections to avoid any miscommunication whatsoever, a nice touch, and one appreciated for out-of-town visitors who are not so familiar with the terrain or resort’s layout.

Where to start? If you have small kids, perhaps the Girdwood Paved Path is a good place to start. Paved, with level ground and a plethora of blueberries in late summer months (yes, we too resort to bribery), kids and parents with strollers can amble or even jog their way from the Resort Hotel to the town of Girdwood, or in reverse. We sometimes take the bikes and ride into town and Chair 5 Restaurant and the famous Girdwood Playground. For Fathers’ Day, we’re thinking of doing things in reverse and parking at the playground’s lot and riding to the resort and their special brunch. Any way you do it, it’s a good first step.

Another fun hike, and now a longer one, is the Winner Creek Trail and Extension, taking hikers from the actual ski area all the way to Crow Creek Mine via a cool hand tram that will thrill even the most passive teenager. From the Alyeska Hotel the tram is 2.5 miles, Crow Creek is 3.5 miles. The tread is packed gravel and boardwalk and is really quite lovely, with only a small elevation gain, making it suitable for most hikers. The Extension section is at the other end, near the ski area, via Taos Road or Arlberg Road, where it will connect to the Verbier Bike Path. Fuel up the kids at the Bake Shop near Olympic Mountain Loop and explore this new area.

Pretty nice, Alyeska. Kudos to your directions and descriptions. There are still other trails and paths to explore at the resort, so visit their website to view the map!

It’s December; snow is falling outside and temperatures are in the high teens, and it will be dark soon (or it still is, depending upon the point of view). But I’m warm and toasty in my little Anchorage split-level, soothing my chilly soul with a quick read of The Great Alaskan TourSaver coupon book, given to me by my friend and Travel Mentor of All Things, Scott McMurren.

Scott and Company have been publishing this “best of the best” of Alaskan travel deals for years, and if ever there was a time to purchase one, it is now, when vacations are more frugal and time is of the essence. Everything, and I mean EVERYTHING in the Great Alaskan TourSaver is 2 for 1. Fishing or floating on the Kenai River next summer? 2 for 1. Alyeska Resort tram ride? 2 for 1. Era Aviation Anchorage to Fairbanks? 2 for 1! Did I mention that’s like, freaky-cheap?

Parents, especially, will appreciate this money-saving, quality-driven coupon book. Scott McMurren is one of the most reputable travel gurus in the state, not to mention the whole darned U.S., so AKontheGO trusts his judgment when it comes to trips and tours for families and visitors.

We have a big family to-do coming up Summer 2010. Grandma and Grandpa, Aunt and Uncle and Little Cousins all factoring in for some wonderful, but also wonderfully-pricey, activities. The TourSaver will not only allow us to get everyone on board (the boat, train, or airplane), but also will provide a great synopsis of the myriad things to do in the 49th state.

Where does one procure this 5X7 gem of travel value? Visit the TourSaver web site, or call 907-278-7600. $90 is the cost, but believe me, if you have family or friends headed up in the next year, this will be the best 90 Clams you’ve ever shelled out. I’ve got reservations in already at a number of hot spots. Kayaking in Seward, museums in Fairbanks, a hotel in Anchorage, halibut in Homer….heard enough? Go buy one already!