Alyeska Resort’s downhill mountain bike park will open Friday, June 7 for the ninth summer season of lift access mountain biking. Alyeska Resort is the only ski area in the state offering mountain biking access via chair lifts. The resort will begin running mountain bike operations off of the Bear Cub Quad chairlift only for the opening weekend, then will expand onto terrain accessible via Ted’s Express later in the month. Trails via Glacier Bowl Express will open later in the summer as snow melt dictates. The Alyeska Bike Park is open ever Friday, Saturday and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. from June 7 to September 15. A full schedule of bike park operations, events and pricing can be found online at www.alyeskaresort.com
“The ninth year of bike operations is about to kick off and that’s really exciting for us,” describes Brian Burnett, Mountain General Manager. “It’s been inspiring to watch the progression of the bike park grow over the years. We continue to see more and more riders come out to enjoy trails year after year and we’ve seen those riders continue to ride stronger. Our trails and trail builders have progressed as well, making for fun times on the mountain!”
The mountain bike park is based out of the Daylodge base facility where riders can buy lift tickets, season passes, rental bikes or sign up for lessons and/or tours. The resort rental fleet includes the Kona Operator downhill specific, full-suspension bikes. Disc brakes on both wheels, helmets and pads are required to ride the chairlifts. In addition to weekly mountain bike operations, the resort will be hosting races and events geared towards riders of every ability. There are women’s specific riding clinics as well as skills camps specifically for younger riders. The popular Alyeska Cup downhill race series will be held the final Sunday of June, July and August. The Mountain Bike Festival will be held the first weekend in September and will feature live music, races, jump contests, enduro races and the popular Pond Crossing, where riders cross a floating bridge across The Hotel Alyeska pond.
The Sitzmark Bar & Grill will be opening for weekend operations on June 7th to support the bike park. The Sitzmark is a great stop for bikers, hikers, locals and visitors. Check out the “Best Deck in Girdwood” and enjoy great food, beer, music and events throughout the summer. (www.TheSitzmark.com)
About Alyeska Resort (www.AlyeskaResort.com) Alyeska Resort is Alaska’s premier year-round destination featuring The Hotel Alyeska, an award-winning 300 room full-service property. Located just 40 miles from Anchorage, Alyeska Resort is your base camp for summer and winter excursions. Learn more at www.AlyeskaResort.com or 800.880.3880.
