By Allison Sayer
TNews Contributor
The parking lot at the base of Chair 3, heretofore the site of juice box tail gate parties for Alyeska’s littlest rippers, will be designated as premium parking during the upcoming ski season. Mountain Communications Manager Bayne Salmon confirmed the cost to park in the lot, officially named the “Christmas Lot,” will be $20.
The parking lot will not be staffed; visitors will pay using a kiosk. It is yet to be determined whether fees will be charged seven days a week or just during peak days. The Christmas Lot is at the base of the only beginner terrain at Alyeska.
The closest public parking to beginner terrain that will be free in the upcoming season is the lot that serves the Sitzmark, the Bake Shop, The Girdwood Center for the Arts, and La Bodega. It is about a third of a mile walk from the middle of the Day Lodge Parking Lot to the base of Chair 3.
Salmon stated he hoped the move will “alleviate congestion and improve the guest experience on peak days.”
Alyeska Resort has confirmed the he parking lot at the base of Chair 3 confirmed the cost to park in the lot, officially named the “Christmas Lot,” will be $20. (Photos by Allison Sayer)
Salmon noted the Christmas Lot spots make up only 4% of the total parking for Alyeska Resort. However, its slopeside location makes it a convenient spot for unloading and toting ski gear. Salmon stated charging a premium for slopeside parking will set it aside for people to whom that convenience really matters.
Parking in all other Alyeska lots, with the exception of valet parking, will continue to be free.
Challenge Alaska, the adaptive ski program headquartered just above the Christmas Lot, will be able to secure five complimentary daily spots and access a discount for some additional spots in the upcoming season. Challenge volunteers often park in the Christmas Lot to ensure the small lot adjacent to the building is available for participants, or use the lot as overflow when the building lot is full.
Challenge Alaska Executive Director Nate Boltz stated, “We are grateful to Alyeska Resort for continuing to provide limited access to the Christmas parking lot to Challenge Alaska. We commend Alyeska for always striving to provide an inclusive skiing and riding experience for guests of all abilities, regardless of whether someone lives with disability.”
In other parking lot news, residents have likely noted construction activity around the Day Lodge Parking Lot. According to Salmon, one major objective of this work is to provide better snow storage at the mountain base. He stated the work, when complete, will not result in either a gain or loss in available parking spaces for skiers.
Girdwood Fire Chief Michelle Weston stated she believed the switch to paid parking in the Christmas Lot will have a neutral effect on emergency traffic during ski season. As always, she reminds skiers to be sure to “keep fire lanes clear and not park in front of hydrants.”
