FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

This Alaskan Resort Transforms into Four-Season Global Destination

by Ron Bernthal

Feb 3, 2025

© Skylab Architecture

Daily

Set in Alaska’s majestic Chugach Mountains, Alyeska Resort is being transformed into a modern, four-season global destination. The addition of new and renovated facilities at the mountain village breathe new life into the resort, widely regarded as Alaska’s base camp for adventure. Expanded and enhanced visitor experiences, new accommodations and amenities, workforce housing, and the inclusion of the Glacier Creek area will elevate and redefine the resort for the next generation.

The multiphased project began with an extensive master planning effort, building upon the foundation of the original plan. From navigating regulatory requirements to fostering community engagement and embracing innovative design principles, the new development embodies a holistic approach aimed at creating a vibrant and sustainable destination honoring the unique heritage and character of Alaska.

The Village

© Skylab Architecture

Phase 1 encompasses two primary components, Alyeska Village and Moose Meadows. The village will include 325,000 square feet of new facilities to include new hotel accommodations and a condominium development, as well as a new conference center. Moose Meadows will provide 125,000 square feet of space, including 25,000 square feet of workforce housing and retail amenities; a 20,000-square-foot community center; a daycare facility; and an NHL regulation-sized, outdoor, covered hockey rink.

The new 450,000-square-foot village will be pedestrian-friendly, providing a wide array of modern conveniences while showcasing the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. Elements of sustainability and environmental stewardship will be integral to the fabric of the design, woven throughout to reflect a commitment to preserving the pristine wilderness of the region.

rendering

© Skylab Architecture

“I’d like to think that our plan for outdoor spaces in the village is what sets this apart,” said Robin Wilcox, principal, Skylab, the architectural firm for the Girdwood project. “While the buildings are defined to frame the views of the surrounding geography, it’s the interstitial [an adjective that means relating to the space or time between things] spaces that we planned to create intimate, sheltered moments within this epic environment. We’ve woven together pedestrian corridors and architectural expression through the landscape. We leveraged the wetlands as part of the landscape palette to carve out meaningful, experientially dense, and unique neighborhoods.”

Mass timber construction will be used for signature elements of the development, providing a sustainable solution to bridge innovation and meet budgetary constraints and community interests. There is a shared aspiration to incorporate elements of indigenous culture and heritage into the project in a respectful and meaningful manner, acknowledging the deep connection between the land and its original inhabitants.

One of the primary objectives of this new development was the recognition of the importance of providing affordable housing options. Plans for dorm-style housing units geared toward accommodating Girdwood’s workforce, as well as the integration of important community amenities such as childcare facilities and a community center, are planned to enhance the overall livability and functionality of the area.

The Village

© Skylab Architecture

Plans include the integration of community-based initiatives. During the master planning phase, it was discovered the Nordic Ski Club in Alyeska was planning new trails that overlapped the expanded resort area. By shifting the resort boundary to accommodate the club’s independent goals, their trails are now outside the development area. Parking for trail and community use is now planned to be provided within the resort.

Construction is anticipated to begin this spring. The project team remained committed to aligning their efforts with the evolving needs and priorities of the community, ensuring the development served as a positive force for the region. Phase 1 is estimated to be completed in fall 2027. Future phases are anticipated to include additional condominium housing and workforce housing.

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
Press Releases
Feb 7, 2025

Join Us to Celebrate the 13th Annual Leisure Lifestyle Awards

Sun, sea and sand beckon! Join us at this year’s Leisure Lifestyle Awards in Miami, Florida. Global Traveler invites you to celebrate the best in travel for the 13th annual Leisure Lifestyle Awards in this vibrant beach city. What better way to sit back and relax than at an event honoring those who have mastered the art of leisure?

A Summer Sojourn Along Europe’s Rivers with AmaWaterways

This summer, elevate your vacation experience with award-winning AmaWaterways. Offering a seamless blend of unparalleled luxury, authentic cultural experiences and unrivaled service, AmaWaterways cruises are the perfect way to uncover the heart of Europe during the sunniest season with itineraries that glide along the continent’s most iconic rivers, including the Danube, the Rhine, the Seine and the Douro.

February 2025
Feb 6, 2025

The Magic of Waterfalls: Discover the World’s Most Iconic and Unique Falls

They come in all shapes and sizes. Some are torrential and loud, dumping thousands of gallons of water per second, sending mist hundreds of feet up into the air as water soars over a mountain or cliff edge. Others are more delicate, like a long trickle down smooth rock, creating a vast and mesmerizing maze of trails before pooling below. Whatever the type, waterfalls have awed us for thousands of years — and for good reason.

February 2025
Feb 5, 2025

Cruise Between Two Oceans on the Incredible Panama Canal

As we cruised through Lake Gatún, gliding by islands covered with thick vegetation while tropical birds flew overhead, it was hard to believe we were in the midst of a manmade feat of engineering. As we hit the locks to bring us into the Caribbean, however, we could have leaned out and touched the concrete walls as our small ship slowly stepped down to sea level.

A Word with Nat Pieper, oneworld CEO

Name: Nat Pieper Title: CEO at oneworld City: Dallas, Texas First job: Stadium vendor

eFlyer News
Feb 5, 2025

Europe’s First Hell’s Kitchen to Open at The Unexpected Ibiza Hotel

Palladium Hotel Group and Gordon Ramsay Restaurants recently revealed an exclusive partnership to bring a Hell’s Kitchen to the newly launched The Unexpected Ibiza Hotel. The inaugural hotel of luxury brand, The Unexpected Hotels, The Unexpected Ibiza Hotel takes inspiration from Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel.

February 2025
Feb 4, 2025

Water Features Elevate Your Space with Artistic Vision and Soothing Serenity

Dark Planet Fountain  Transform your outdoor space into a sanctuary of sophistication with the Dark Planet fountain from David Harber. A testament to the meticulous craftsmanship and artistic vision that define luxury art today, the celestial form is constructed of smooth river rock or slate shards individually welded into a sphere of continuous water flow you can adjust from a quiet trickle to a more substantial sound that masks unwanted ambient noise. Standard dimensions include diameters of 30, 39 and a dramatic 47 inches, but additional sizes are available on request. Water tank and internal lighting included. From $24,104.

Madrid: The Charm of an Authentic City

They say Madrid is in vogue for many reasons: its lifestyle, its heritage, its cuisine and all of its new attractions. And it’s true, because Madrid is on the radar of travelers looking for a cutting-edge destination that still holds onto its essence. Join us as we explore its charms.

Slideshow
Feb 3, 2025

6 Reasons to Put Bologna, Italy, on Your Travel List

It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through Bologna, Italy, with us.