Golden Roots & Golden Slopes

Half a century ago, 11 Girdwood residents passed the hat and raised enough money to purchase what became the land base for a major ski area. Through initiative and perseverance, the 11 formed the Alyeska Ski Corporation and developed a ski area that was small in assets but big in promise. They did it because they understood that the Valley’s future lay in its golden slopes.

They found a French Baron who shared their dream. Francois de Gunzburg installed a poma lift, built ski trails and a day lodge and ordered Chair 1, a 5,700-foot double chairlift that rose 2,000 vertical feet. The upper terminus of the chairlift became known as the Roundhouse.

Today, the Roundhouse symbolizes the importance of outdoor recreation to this Valley’s legacy, much like Crow Creek Mine serves as an icon of the Valley’s golden past.

Built in 1960, the Roundhouse sits on an exposed ridge, 2,280 feet above sea level. The distinctive octagonal building first served as a warming hut and later as a popular mountain gathering place, complete with restaurant and lounge. Alyeska’s ski patrol used the lower level as its hea dquarters.

In summer, the Roundhouse turned into a visitor center for people to enjoy the alpine environment and the panoramic view that encompasses two mountain ranges, seven glaciers and scenic Turnagain Arm.

But age took its toil and public use all but ended in 1992 when the Glacier Terminal and aerial tram opened in 1992. The building was placed on the National Historic Register in 2003 in recognition of its significance to the development of skiing and other outdoor activities in Alaska.

Girdwood, Inc. was formed, in part, to restore the Roundhouse and turn its upper level into an interpretive center and museum. The ski patrol will use the lower level.

The move to preserve the Roundhouse

The Roundhouse renovation began in 2003 with seed money from the Turnagain Arm Kenai National Heritage Corridor Communities Association. Since then, Girdwood, Inc. has raised approximately $1.9 million for the project through a combination of public and private money, including the Rasmuson and Atwood Foundations, the National Park Service, HUD and the Eddie Gendzwill estate.

Alyeska Resort generously underwrote large parts of this project with extensive on-mountain support and technical expertise. The resort will add a small surcharge to tram fees to help fund the Roundhouse’s operating costs.

A massive undertaking

Girdwood, Inc. has completed the restoration of “The Roundhouse at Alyeska” and is ready for visitors. A full time Executive Director has been hired. The board also seeks artifacts for permanent display and revolving exhibits, and volunteers to help staff the museum. Continue to review this website for updates regarding “Funraisers” and educational opportunities.

The next steps

Girdwood, Inc

Non-profit 501 (c)(3)

P. O. Box 1102

Girdwood, AK 99587

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