Nestled in a lush valley surrounded by the Chugach Mountains, Girdwood is a scenic resort town about 40 miles southeast of Anchorage. Known for its year-round outdoor adventure and artistic spirit, Girdwood blends ski culture, rainforest hiking, and small-town charm in a way that’s uniquely Alaskan.

Girdwood began in the late 1890s as a gold mining settlement along Glacier Creek. It was named after James Girdwood, an Irish immigrant who staked the first four gold claims in the area. The original townsite was located closer to Turnagain Arm, but after the devastating 1964 Good Friday Earthquake caused land subsidence and flooding, Girdwood was relocated 2.5 miles inland to its present location.

In the decades that followed, the town slowly evolved into a recreation and tourism hub. The development of Alyeska Resort in the 1950s and 60s transformed Girdwood into a premier skiing destination, drawing outdoor enthusiasts from around the world. Despite this growth, the town has preserved its laid-back, creative, and welcoming community spirit.

Today, Girdwood offers a unique blend of deep history, mountain adventure, and modern comfort — a basecamp for everything from glacier hikes to live music and farmers markets.

Did you know:

• Girdwood was originally called “Glacier City” and was home to several active gold claims at the turn of the 20th century?

• The 1964 Good Friday Earthquake dropped the original townsite by over 8 feet, prompting a full relocation inland?

• Girdwood is now the home of Alyeska Resort, which boasts the longest continuous double black diamond ski run in North America?

• It’s also one of the only places in Alaska where you can ski, mountain bike, and attend a bluegrass festival all in the same weekend?