Alyeska Aerial Tram | Anchorage

The Alyeska Aerial Tram, located in Girdwood about 40 miles southeast of Anchorage, is a scenic cable car offering a bird’s-eye view of the Chugach Mountains, Turnagain Arm, and surrounding wilderness. Originally built to provide access to the Alyeska Resort ski slopes, the tram has become a year-round tourist attraction, allowing visitors to experience Alaska’s dramatic landscapes with minimal effort while enjoying interpretive views of glaciers, forests, and coastal mountains.

Route and Landscape

Base Station to Upper Station – The tram ascends roughly 2,300 vertical feet from the resort base to the upper mountaintop station, covering over 2.5 miles in length.

Panoramic Views – The ride offers sweeping vistas of Turnagain Arm, snow-capped peaks of the Chugach Mountains, and surrounding valleys and glaciers.

Alpine Terrain – The upper station sits amid alpine meadows and rugged ridgelines, providing access to trails, observation decks, and scenic viewpoints.

Winter and Summer Perspectives – Winter transforms the slopes into ski terrain, while summer reveals wildflower-covered meadows, snowmelt streams, and distant icefields.

Wildlife and Ecology
While riding the tram, visitors may spot:

Birds of Prey – Bald eagles soaring along ridgelines and valleys.

Mountain Mammals – Mountain goats, moose in lower meadows, and occasionally bears in surrounding forests.

Flora – Alpine wildflowers, tundra vegetation, and subalpine forests illustrate the transition from valley to high-elevation ecosystems.

Visitor Experience

Observation Decks – The upper station includes decks with interpretive signage, picnic areas, and panoramic photo opportunities.

Hiking and Exploration – Trails from the top range from easy alpine walks to more challenging ridge hikes, suitable for both casual visitors and experienced hikers.

Photography – The tram provides one of the best vantage points in south-central Alaska for sunrise, sunset, and glacier photography.

Ski Access – In winter, the tram is essential for skiers and snowboarders, allowing access to the Alyeska Resort slopes without extensive uphill travel.

Cultural and Recreational Significance

Tourism and Skiing – The tram is a central feature of Alyeska Resort, linking winter recreation with summer sightseeing.

Engineering and Access – It demonstrates innovative use of cable car technology to safely and efficiently transport visitors over rugged terrain, a necessity in Alaska’s mountainous regions.

Education and Interpretation – Interpretive displays at the upper station highlight glacial geology, local ecosystems, and regional history, enhancing the visitor experience.

Atmosphere and Impressions
Riding the tram conveys a sense of ascent and immersion, moving from lush valley forests to exposed alpine ridges in minutes. Visitors often describe the stark contrast of coastal waters, snow-capped peaks, and alpine tundra as breathtaking, with wildlife and changing light adding dynamism to the experience. Seasonal variation-snowy winters, verdant summers, and golden autumns-creates layered landscapes that feel both wild and accessible.

Legacy
The Alyeska Aerial Tram offers a unique Alaskan vantage point, blending recreation, education, and scenic appreciation. Its combination of accessibility, dramatic views, and integration with both natural and recreational environments makes it a must-visit attraction for those traveling from Anchorage or exploring the Kenai Peninsula. The tram exemplifies how engineered infrastructure can provide immersive access to Alaska’s rugged wilderness while preserving the integrity of the surrounding landscape.