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.

© 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.

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“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.

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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.