Alyeska Resort names new executive chef and expands summer adventures

By AI, Created 4:20 PM UTC, May 21, 2026, /AGP/ – Alyeska Resort in Girdwood, Alaska, is launching the 2026 summer season with new Executive Chef Chris McCracken and a wider lineup of mountain activities. The updates span dining, biking, hiking, tram access and spa experiences across the Chugach Mountains.

Why it matters: - Alyeska Resort is tying together food, outdoor recreation and wellness to strengthen its summer draw in the Chugach Mountains. - The resort’s culinary refresh and expanded activities give visitors more reasons to stay on property and spend across multiple dining and adventure venues. - The changes matter for both travelers and locals looking for higher-end dining, guided mountain access and additional warm-weather options in Girdwood.

What happened: - Alyeska Resort appointed Chris McCracken as executive chef for its eight dining venues. - The resort announced expanded adventure offerings for the 2026 summer season. - Alyeska Resort is located in Girdwood, Alaska. - The announcement was made May 26, 2026.

The details: - McCracken brings more than eight years of culinary leadership experience. - His background includes destination ski resorts and high-volume hospitality. - His focus at Alyeska includes local sourcing and sustainable Alaskan seafood. - Seven Glaciers will return to its signature “Land, Air, Sea” menu concept under McCracken’s direction. - Seven Glaciers is an AAA Four Diamond Award restaurant with views of seven hanging glaciers. - Future dining plans include pairing dinners with local craft beers, regional wines and Alaskan spirits. - McCracken also plans to update classic menu items with seasonal techniques and Alaska-focused ingredients. - The Veilbreaker Skybridges return from July through September. - The skybridges sit 2,500 feet above the valley floor and stretch 410 feet across. - The experience lasts about two to three hours and is designed for people of all skill levels. - Two bridges cross over Christmas and New Year’s Chutes on Mt. Alyeska. - The skybridges offer 360-degree views of Turnagain Arm, hanging glaciers and the Chugach boreal forest. - Bookings are open for the 2026 season. - The Alyeska Bike Park reopens June 13. - The bike park offers lift-accessed downhill riding with gravity-fed trails, berms and wooden features. - Alyeska renewed its partnership with Kona Bicycles for the season. - The resort updated its eBike fleet with Kona’s full-suspension bikes for steep terrain. - Guided hiking options include the North Face Hike and Winner Creek Hike. - The North Face Hike climbs more than 2,000 vertical feet from the valley floor. - The Winner Creek Hike is a 5-mile route through Girdwood’s boreal rainforest. - New guided eBike tours include the Bird to Gird Tour and the Chair 3 Challenger. - The Bird to Gird Tour covers 20 miles for beginners along the Historic Iditarod Trail and the Turnagain Arm coastal path. - The Chair 3 Challenger uses Kona Remote X eBikes on lower mountain flow trails and technical turns. - The 40-passenger Alyeska Aerial Tram operates daily from mid-May through September. - The tram ride takes about seven minutes and climbs to 2,300 feet. - The resort’s 50,000-square-foot Nordic Spa includes outdoor hot and cold hydrotherapy pools, steam rooms, a Finnish sauna, an exfoliation cabin with Alaskan sea salt and a Halotherapy Signature sauna. - A heated pathway connects the spa amenities for year-round use.

Between the lines: - Alyeska is positioning itself as a full-summer destination, not just a winter ski resort. - The culinary changes point to a stronger emphasis on regional identity and premium dining experiences. - The adventure lineup balances high-adrenaline options like bike park riding and skybridges with lower-intensity offerings like tram rides and spa time. - That mix is designed to broaden appeal across families, outdoor enthusiasts and wellness-focused travelers.

What’s next: - Seven Glaciers will roll out its refreshed menu direction as the summer season develops. - Veilbreaker Skybridges bookings are already open for 2026. - The bike park will reopen June 13, followed by summer hiking, eBike touring and tram operations. - Alyeska’s dining and activity calendar is expected to continue evolving through the season.

The bottom line: - Alyeska Resort is using new culinary leadership and a wider slate of mountain experiences to make summer in Girdwood a bigger draw.