ANCHORAGE WINTER ACTIVITIES FIELD GUIDE
Turnagain Arm in Winter: Tram Summits, Coastal Vistas and Close-Up Wildlife
A full-day scenic drive from Anchorage down the Seward Highway to Girdwood, a tram ride on Mount Alyeska and a visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center — a concise guide to what to expect on this seven‑hour winter outing.
Turnagain Arm in Winter: Tram Summits, Coastal Vistas and Close-Up Wildlife.
Adventure brief
Turnagain Arm in Winter: Tram Summits, Coastal Vistas and Close-Up Wildlife
Departing from Anchorage, this winter scenic tour follows the Seward Highway — one of only 13 U.S. corridors designated an “All‑American Road” — along the winding Turnagain Arm to the ski town of Girdwood and Alyeska Resort. The day pairs sweeping coastal and glacial-valley panoramas (including an optional tram to the top of Mount Alyeska) with a visit to the 200‑acre Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where rescued and non‑releasable moose, bears, wolves, musk oxen and other iconic animals are cared for year‑round.
Anchorage, Alaska, serves as a premier gateway for outdoor enthusiasts craving rugged, untouched landscapes. Among its standout offerings is the Turnagain Arm Winter Scenic Tour by Greatland Adventures, a journey that weaves through some of the most visually arresting winter scenery in the state. Starting from Anchorage, this tour takes visitors along the iconic Seward Highway, a route renowned for its sweeping views of snow-dusted mountains and icy waters. Travelers ascend aboard a tram to Mount Alyeska, where panoramic vistas of the Chugach Range unfold—a perfect backdrop for photographs or simply soaking in the alpine majesty.
Half the fun is encountering Alaska’s wildlife in their winter habitat. The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center offers a close-up look at native species like Alaska moose and Dall sheep, emphasizing the urgency of conservation efforts in this pristine environment. The entire experience balances awe-inspiring scenery with meaningful wildlife encounters, making it ideal for travelers seeking both adventure and educational value.
Greatland Adventures has cultivated a reputation for authentic, responsible trips that spotlight Alaska’s natural beauty. Their Turnagain Arm tour isn’t just about the sights; it’s about immersing yourself in the area's extreme seasonal conditions and understanding its ecological importance. Whether you're a seasoned outdoorsperson or a curious visitor, this journey offers a compelling taste of Alaska’s wilderness, brought to life through expert guiding and thoughtfully curated stops.
The tour’s accessibility and expert narrations make it an excellent choice for families or groups with varying levels of experience. As winter sugars the landscape with snow and ice, every moment becomes a new frame-worthy shot or quiet reflection on the wild, unspoiled frontier. This experience showcases why Greatland Adventures stands out in Anchorage’s outdoor scene—delivering immersive, scenic, and conservation-minded adventures in a state rich with natural wonder.
Route Schematic
Route & Key Stops
A sequence of scenic drives and short, focused stops takes you from Anchorage to Girdwood, up to Alyeska’s tram, then on to the AWCC before returning.
Anchorage — Departure and Seward Highway
Depart from Anchorage and travel the Seward Highway along Turnagain Arm with multiple opportunities to view and photograph coastal vistas and wildlife.
Girdwood & Hotel Alyeska
Stop in the ski town of Girdwood at Hotel Alyeska; guests may take an optional scenic tram to the top of Mount Alyeska for lunch and sweeping views of the glacial valley.
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Visit the 200‑acre AWCC to view and photograph Alaska’s iconic animals — including moose, bears, wolves and musk oxen — and learn about the center’s work with injured and orphaned wildlife.
Portage Valley and Return to Anchorage
After AWCC, the route returns through Portage Valley and back to Anchorage, concluding with hotel drop‑off.
Hotel pick‑up is available only at Anchorage hotel locations; private residences are not eligible for hotel pick‑up, so travelers not staying in hotels must arrange their own transport or meet at the designated departure point.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Seward Highway & Turnagain Arm
The drive itself is the first act: the Seward Highway’s designation as an All‑American Road underlines a route punctuated by wildlife and wide coastal vistas as you wind south from Anchorage toward Girdwood and Alyeska Resort.
Mount Alyeska Tram — A Glacial‑Valley Vantage
At Hotel Alyeska in Girdwood you can take an optional scenic tram to the top of Mount Alyeska for a commanding view down into the glacial valley below and a memorable spot for lunch with a panorama.
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
The tour stops at the AWCC, a 200‑acre nonprofit dedicated to the preservation and care of Alaska’s iconic species; the center houses injured and orphaned animals that cannot be released into the wild, including moose, bears, wolves and musk oxen.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
The rhythm of the day is simple and scenic: a hotel pickup in Anchorage, a leisurely drive down the Seward Highway with stops to photograph Turnagain Arm, a pause in the alpine town of Girdwood with an optional tram ascent to Mount Alyeska, then a short drive to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to walk or drive the exhibits before returning through Portage Valley to Anchorage.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this day works best for — and who should plan differently.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The tour runs about seven hours. Tours generally depart between 9:30–10:00 a.m. and return by roughly 5:00 p.m.
Hotel pick‑up is available at Anchorage hotel locations only; private residences are not eligible for hotel pick‑up.
The itinerary follows the Seward Highway to Girdwood and Hotel Alyeska (optional tram to Mount Alyeska), then continues to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center before returning via Portage Valley.
This experience is operated by Greatland Adventures and combines scenic driving with a tram option and a visit to the AWCC.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Turnagain Arm Winter Scenic Tour?
About seven hours; tours generally depart between 9:30–10:00 a.m. and return by approximately 5:00 p.m.
Where does the tour depart from?
The tour departs from Anchorage with hotel pick‑up available at Anchorage hotel locations only; private residences are not eligible for hotel pick‑up.
Is the Mount Alyeska tram included?
The itinerary notes an optional scenic tram to the top of Mount Alyeska; the tram is presented as an optional stop at Hotel Alyeska.
What wildlife will we see at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center?
The AWCC cares for and displays Alaska’s iconic animals that cannot be released to the wild, including moose, bears, wolves and musk oxen.
Can I visit the AWCC year‑round on this tour?
Yes — the AWCC receives and cares for animals year‑round, and the tour includes a stop there as part of the full‑day itinerary.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-10T12:48:28.717Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.