Travel Guide Girdwood

The name comes from Colonel James Girdwood, a Scottish entrepreneur who settled here during the first wave of the gold rush. The town was moved a few miles from its historic site following the devastating 1964 earthquake. Located 36 miles from Anchorage, Girdwood is nestled at the base of the Chugach Mountains. It is home to Alyeska, the only ski resort in the country, which attracts many Anchorage residents who live nearby, as well as many foreign tourists, particularly from Europe. Surrounded by seven glaciers in the summer, the town is a pleasant spot for hiking and fishing, but it's especially in the winter that its slopes are famous for skiing and surfing. During the summer months, it is the gathering place for the hippie community. It organizes a small festival which takes place in general the first weekend of July. Be careful before you go because the slogan of the Girdwood Forest Fair is "No politics, no priests, no dogs and the consumption of beer is only allowed in the party grounds." Once you've taken note of these guidelines, you'll be able to buy local crafts, listen to bands, eat, drink and all in a great atmosphere. Not to be missed if you are in the area