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.
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.
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.