By Eric Hrubant, Founder & CEO of CIRE Travel
Alaska is where adventure thrives—massive mountains, endless wilderness, and awe-inspiring natural wonders lure travelers looking for excitement. With 663,000 square miles of pristine landscapes, 33,000 miles of coastline, towering peaks, and abundant wildlife, Alaska is one of the world’s top destinations for outdoor enthusiasts.
Alaska is known for its year-round thrills. For travelers keen to go hiking, skiing, or chasing the northern lights, Alaska lodges and hotels cater to these high-adrenaline adventures. Think Alaska is just about luxury cruises? We’ve rounded up the best of our northernmost state. It’s time to add an Alaska vacation to your wish list.
Why Alaska is a Must for Adventure Seekers
Alaska is wild. Its wilderness remains largely untouched, which gives visitors a chance to escape into its remote frontiers. Intrepid travelers can kayak alongside glaciers, trek through national parks, and witness the raw power of nature as grizzly bears catch salmon in rushing rivers. From the sprawling wilderness of Denali to the icy landscapes of the Arctic, Alaska has an unrivaled combination of breathtaking landscapes, extreme weather, and inherent natural beauty.
To get the most out of an Alaska vacation, it’s important to decide what time of year you’d like to visit. Alaska’s best season is every season. It just depends on the experience you’re after. If northern lights are a priority, choose late Fall or winter. If bird watching is your thing, think spring. This seasonal guide will help you choose.
Summer (June – August): Ideal for hiking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing as summer offers long daylight hours and milder temperatures.
Fall (September – November): The northern lights begin to appear. Fall colors paint the landscape. Fewer tourists make this a peaceful, scenic time for Alaska travel.
Winter (December – March): The best time for winter sports and aurora viewing. Snowmobiling, skiing, and snowshoeing in the stillness of Alaska’s winter wonderland is a fantastic way to enjoy Alaska’s coldest season.
Spring (April – May): Wildlife activity increases as the days get warmer. Bird nerds take note: this is the best time to observe Alaska’s migratory birds.
Alaska Hotels and Lodges: Choosing with care
Finding the right base for your Alaska vacation is essential. In a land where nature reigns supreme, your accommodations should offer more than just a place to rest—they should be a seamless extension of the wilderness itself.
Picture waking up to panoramic views of snow-capped peaks or secluded bays, with expert guides ready to craft excursions tailored to your desires. From private cabins with roaring fireplaces to intimate lodges with gourmet dining, the right property harmoniously balances luxury and adventure. Here are some of CIRE’s top choices:
Sheldon Chalet, Denali National Park
Perched atop Ruth Glacier in Denali National Park, Sheldon Chalet redefines wilderness luxury. Accessible only by helicopter, this five-bedroom lodge offers sweeping 360-degree views of Alaska’s snow-covered peaks and glaciers. Adventure abounds with guided glacier trekking, snowshoeing, and mountaineering. During the winter, keep your eyes open to spot the Northern Lights.
What truly sets Sheldon Chalet apart is its world-class dining experience. A private chef crafts multi-course meals with fresh Alaskan ingredients like wild-caught salmon, king crab, and foraged herbs. Each meal is a sensory journey in a dining room framed by floor-to-ceiling windows highlighting the Denali wilderness.
Starting at $35,000 for a three-night all-inclusive stay, Sheldon’s high price tag reflects unparalleled privacy for those looking for bespoke adventure and an immersive experience that can’t be found anywhere else. At Sheldon Chalet, luxury seamlessly complements your Alaskan adventure.
Alyeska Resort, Girdwood
Nestled in a lush valley surrounded by the Chugach Mountains, Alyeska Resort is one of Alaska’s premier destinations. Forty miles from Anchorage, this resort offers easy access while feeling worlds away. The resort’s modern, alpine-inspired design has rooms with mountain or ocean views, providing a perfect base for exploring the Alaska wilderness.
Adventures here are year-round, with activities like skiing and snowboarding in winter and hikes along scenic trails in the summer. After a day exploring, unwind in Alyeska’s saltwater pool, relax at the spa, or enjoy a cocktail by the firepit under the midnight sun.
Seven Glaciers is the resort’s award-winning fine-dining restaurant located atop Mount Alyeska. Guests ascend by tram for a multi-course meal featuring seasonal Alaskan delicacies like reindeer tenderloin, fresh halibut, and locally foraged berries paired with expertly selected wines.
With rooms starting around $300 per night, Alyeska Resort offers adventure in one of Alaska’s most accessible and scenic locations at reasonable prices. Whether chasing powder on the slopes or savoring a sunset dinner with panoramic views, Alyeska promises an unforgettable Alaskan escape.
Tutka Bay Lodge, Kachemak Bay
Tutka Bay Lodge is an exclusive wilderness retreat accessible by boat or floatplane from the town of Homer. This intimate lodge is best known for its handcrafted cabins with panoramic bay views that blend rustic charm with uber-modern amenities. The best time to visit is from late May through September when long summer days provide endless opportunities for adventure. Fall brings cooler, quieter days, ideal for relaxation and wildlife viewing.
Lodge guests can kayak through glacier-fed waters, hike secluded beaches, or fish for halibut and salmon. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot sea otters, eagles, and even whales. For those seeking a high-end culinary experience, Tutka Bay Lodge delivers. Chef and co-owner Kirsten Dixon leads the lodge’s acclaimed cooking classes and showcases Alaska’s freshest seafood and wild ingredients.
Dining at Tutka Bay Lodge is a feast for all the senses. Every meal is thoughtfully crafted with locally sourced ingredients. Breakfast might include smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict. Dinners might feature Alaskan king crab with wild herb butter—all enjoyed in the firelit main lodge overlooking the bay.
All-inclusive stays start around $7,500 per person for three nights. Its remote location, exceptional hospitality, and blend of adventure, relaxation, and culinary indulgence make it one of Alaska’s most sought-after escapes.
The Ultimate Weeklong Alaska Itinerary
For travelers who prefer a multi-destination adventure, we’ve crafted the ultimate weeklong Alaska itinerary. From glacier kayaking to mountain hikes, wildlife safaris, and chasing the northern lights, each day offers a new destination and unforgettable experience. Welcome to Alaska.
Day 1-2: Anchorage and Chugach State Park
Begin your Alaskan adventure in Anchorage, a city with easy access to outdoor activities and majestic Chugach State Park. In summer, tackle the Flattop Mountain Trail, a popular hike with panoramic views of Anchorage and Denali. Winter visitors can opt for snowshoeing or even ice climbing on frozen waterfalls in the park. Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center to get an insight into the state’s Indigenous cultures before heading deeper into the wild.
Day 3-4: Denali National Park
Head north to Denali National Park, home to North America’s highest peak. Summer visitors can take on whitewater rafting on the Nenana River or join a wildlife safari tour to see moose, caribou, and grizzly bears. Fall and winter adventurers can enjoy dog sledding and viewing the northern lights. Stay at Sheldon Chalet for a luxury experience within the park, where guides can take you glacier trekking or on mountaineering expeditions.
Day 5: Talkeetna for Flightseeing
For an unusual adrenaline-pumping experience, drive or take the Alaska Railroad to Talkeetna, a quirky town known for its flightseeing tours over Denali. Book a glacier landing tour to fly over Denali’s immense glaciers, steep ridges, and icy valleys before descending upon a remote glacier. Later, explore Talkeetna’s shops and cafés to sample local brews and meet like-minded adventurers.
Day 6: Seward and Kenai Fjords National Park
Make your way south to Seward, the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. Summer is ideal for a kayaking tour through Resurrection Bay or a glacier cruise to witness calving glaciers up close. You’ll spot sea lions, otters, and, if lucky, a pod of whales. Winter expresses an eerie, quieter beauty with less boat traffic, making it an excellent time for a private snowmobile tour or a winter photography expedition.
Day 7: Girdwood and Alyeska Resort
Wrap up your trip in Girdwood at Alyeska Resort. In winter, spend your final day skiing or snowboarding on one of Alaska’s best slopes. Summer visitors can take a tram ride up Mount Alyeska for sweeping views of the Turnagain Arm and surrounding glaciers, followed by a thrilling bike ride. End the day with a dining experience at the resort’s Seven Glaciers Restaurant, located high on the mountain and accessible only by tram.
5 Insider Tips for a Seamless Alaska Vacation
Planning an Alaska vacation is exciting but can also be overwhelming. Here are five insider tips to help you navigate the state’s vast wilderness, unpredictable weather, and unique logistics.
- Pack Layers: Alaska’s weather can shift from sunny to rainy in hours, even in summer. Pack moisture-wicking layers, a waterproof jacket, and sturdy footwear for all terrains. Don’t forget gloves and a warm hat for cooler evenings or glacier excursions.
- Plan Ahead: Alaska’s remote destinations fill up fast, especially during peak summer months. Reserve flights, lodges, and guided tours well in advance to secure the best experiences and avoid last-minute disappointments. The team at CIRE is always ready for your call.
- Travel by Rail: The Alaska Railroad has scenic and stress-free ways to explore Denali, Seward, and Fairbanks. Opt for the GoldStar Service for panoramic views, onboard dining, and expert commentary on the landscape as you weave across the landscape.
- Use Local Experts: Hiring a knowledgeable guide is the best way to reveal Alaska’s hidden gems, from secluded glacier hikes and prime fishing spots to remote wildlife-viewing areas. Book guided tours for deeper insights into Alaska’s culture and terrain—another place CIRE can easily assist.
- Stay Flexible: While planning is essential, staying adaptable allows you to seize unexpected opportunities like last-minute wildlife sightings or spontaneous boat tours. In Alaska, the best adventures often aren’t on the itinerary.
Your Alaska Adventure Awaits
Alaska’s untamed beauty, opportunities for adventure, and rich cultural heritage beckon. A true playground for thrill-seekers year-round, this stunning state offers luxury lodges, exclusive tours, and awe-inspiring landscapes and wildlife around every corner.
Planning an Alaska vacation can be exciting, but with so many options and remote destinations, it can also be overwhelming. CIRE Travel is here to make your journey seamless. From booking hotels and securing flights to crafting a bespoke itinerary tailored to your interests, we’ll handle the details so you can focus on the adventure.
Ready to answer the call of the wild? Your Alaska adventure awaits.
CIRE Travel is a full-service travel agency headquartered in New York, NY. Our expert corporate travel planners, honeymoon travel agents, and luxury travel planners support clients across the country and around the world.
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