Alyeska Top of Glacier Bowl

This camera sits high on Alyeska Resort above Girdwood, Alaska, looking over Glacier Bowl and the upper mountain — the steep, snow-loaded alpine terrain that gives Alyeska its big-mountain reputation. From up here the view sweeps across the Chugach Mountains and, on clear days, down toward Turnagain Arm and the sea. This is some of the most dramatic lift-served terrain in North America. The upper mountain holds Alyeska's deepest snow and its most challenging runs; the resort's maritime climate piles on around 650 inches a season. Winter light this far north is low and golden through the short days, and the aurora frequently appears on clear nights. Conditions up here can shift fast — clear to whiteout — so the camera is a useful read before heading up. Alaska runs two hours behind Hawaii. Reached by the aerial tram and upper chairs, this zone is the heart of Alyeska's alpine experience. In summer the same heights draw hikers and sightseers for panoramic views over the Girdwood valley and the Turnagain Arm.