Winter is one of the most magical times to visit Anchorage and Girdwood. Snow covers the Chugach Mountains, waterfalls freeze into sparkling blue columns, and the days are shorter but full of winter adventures- from world-class spas, helicopter tours and glacier landings to skiing, wildlife sighting, and cozy cafés. Whether you’re dreaming of stepping onto real glacier ice, sipping local craft beer in a mountain town, or exploring Anchorage’s vibrant cultural scene, winter is the perfect season to experience the best of Southcentral Alaska.
To make your trip effortless, Alpine Air Alaska offers an easy, convenient shuttle service from Anchorage to Girdwood, designed to take the stress out of planning and let you focus on the fun. Sit back, enjoy the scenic drive along Turnagain Arm, and arrive right at our hangar for your helicopter tour-no rental car or winter driving required.
And if you need help putting together the perfect itinerary? Give our office a call anytime. We love connecting with guests, sharing local recommendations, and helping you build a winter getaway you’ll never forget. From the best places to eat to hidden-gem trails and can’t-miss experiences, we’re always happy to help you plan your Alaska adventure.Â
Winter Itinerary 1: Anchorage → Girdwood Adventure & Overnight at Alyeska Resort
Perfect for couples, small groups, and anyone seeking a seamless, shuttle-included winter getaway.
Morning: Anchorage Pickup & Scenic Shuttle to Girdwood
We’ll pick you up in Anchorage! Settle into the Alpine Air Alaska shuttle van for a beautiful 40-minute drive along Turnagain Arm, with opportunities to stop for photos of frozen waterfalls, Dall sheep, and sweeping mountain views.
Late Morning: Glacier Discovery Tour with Two Landings
Arrive at our Girdwood hangar and check in for the Glacier Discovery Tour. Fly in a heated helicopter with an expert pilot-guide into the remote Chugach backcountry. Enjoy two glacier landings, towering peaks, and chances to spot wildlife like moose, Dall sheep, or even mountain goats navigating the winter terrain. Romantic views and unforgettable photo moments await.
Afternoon: Girdwood Brewing Co.
After your flight, we’ll shuttle you to local favorite Girdwood Brewing Company-home to award-winning beer, rotating food trucks, mountain views, and fantastic merch. Enjoy lunch, scroll through your amazing flight photos, and soak in the ski-town energy.
Check-In at Alyeska Resort
Once you’re ready, hop on the free Glacier Valley Transit shuttle straight to Alyeska Resort. Check into your newly renovated Signature room, each with beautiful mountain views. Grab complimentary ice skates and glide on the lighted pond, then unwind in the indoor saltwater pool and hot tub-complete with a wall of windows where you can watch skiers descend the North Face, the longest continuous double-black-diamond run in North America. (Pro Tip: Alyeska offers a Northern Lights wake up call in case the staff see lights overnight! Be sure to ask about it at check in)
Evening: Dinner & Nightcap
Ride the tram up the mountain for fine dining at Seven Glaciers (one of Alaska’s most stunning dining experiences) or enjoy fresh sushi at Sakura Asian Bistro. End the night with a cozy drink at the brand-new lobby bar, Greatland.
Next Day: Ski or Spa Day at Alyeska
Wake up refreshed and ready to ski world-class terrain with fresh powder, steep lines, and incredible views. Prefer relaxation? Spend your day at the Alyeska Nordic Spa, soaking in the outdoor pools, pampering yourself with a massage and sipping a lavender latte-or bubbles-at Two Trees Bistro. Head back to Anchorage afterwards or continue your Girdwood winter getaway.
Winter Itinerary 2: Anchorage-Based Winter Getaway with a Girdwood Day Trip
Perfect for travelers who want to experience both Anchorage’s urban comfort and Girdwood’s wild beauty-without changing hotels.
Morning: Breakfast at Snow City Café
Start your day at Snow City Café, one of Anchorage’s most beloved breakfast spots. Known for giant portions, creative scrambles, pastries, and legendary benedicts, it’s the ideal fuel for your winter adventure. (Pro tip: go early or expect a short wait-it’s worth it.)
Mid-Morning: Shuttle to Girdwood + Prince William Sound Scenic Flight
We will pick you up! Hop on the Alpine Air Alaska shuttle for a scenic 40-minute ride along Turnagain Arm to Girdwood. Expect snowy peaks, frozen waterfalls, and possible wildlife along the cliffs.
Arrive in Girdwood and check in for your Prince William Sound helicopter tour. Fly over fjords, glaciers, and towering icebergs; look for seals lounging on ice, vibrant blue glaciers, and dramatic winter scenery. This tour offers a full hour of flight time-more than any other helicopter company in Southcentral Alaska-allowing you to go farther and experience even more of the remote Chugach Mountains.
Want more time on the ground? Choose our Glacier Discovery Tour instead, with two landings and extra time to explore the ancient ice with your expert pilot-guide.
Lunch: Girdwood Brewing Company
After landing back at the Alpine Air base, head to Girdwood Brewing Co. for a local craft beer and rotating food trucks. With mountain views and a relaxed ski-town vibe, it’s the perfect way to unwind before returning to Anchorage on the shuttle.
Evening: Stay in Anchorage – Choose Your Vibe
Enjoy stylish, modern comfort in cozy studios and tiny-lodge-inspired spaces-great for couples or solo travelers who love elevated design and warm winter aesthetics.
OR
Anchorage’s first boutique lifestyle hotel, offering a polished, contemporary vibe with local touches and a sleek, urban feel.
Anchorage’s dining scene is full of gems. Choose one of these favorites:
- Whiskey & Ramen – Incredible ramen, craft cocktails, and a fun atmosphere. Make a reservation-it fills up fast!
- Moose’s Tooth – The best pizza in town and one of Anchorage’s busiest restaurants; great for groups. (not feeling pizza? Check out their other restaurants named after the peaks near Denali – Bear Tooth and Eye Tooth)
- Spenard Roadhouse – Comfort food, craft drinks, and the iconic bacon of the month dish.
Evening Activity: Northern Lights Tour from Anchorage
After dinner, extend your night with an unforgettable Northern Lights Tour from Anchorage with Greatland Adventures. Their expert guides know exactly where to go for the best chance of seeing the aurora, using real-time forecasts and local weather knowledge to chase clear skies. You’ll stay warm in a comfortable vehicle, learn about the science and stories behind the aurora borealis, and (with a little luck!) watch vibrant green and purple lights dance across the sky.
It’s one of the most magical winter experiences you can have in Alaska-perfect for couples, families, photographers, and anyone who has the Northern Lights on their bucket list.
Next Day: Explore Anchorage
Spend the morning enjoying Anchorage’s winter attractions:
One of Alaska’s best museums, with stunning exhibits on history, art, culture, and science.
Explore immersive cultural exhibits, traditional art, stories, and detailed indoor displays representing Alaska’s diverse Indigenous cultures.
Prefer fresh air? Walk or bike part of this iconic 11-mile trail for views of the ocean, mountains, and quite possibly moose.
Afternoon: Arctic Valley Tubing Hill
Cap off your trip with pure fun at Arctic Valley Ski Resort’s tubing hill. With groomed lanes, easy lift access, and gorgeous mountain views, it’s a blast for all ages. Warm up with hot chocolate at the lodge before heading back to Anchorage for the rest of your stay.