Roundhouse at Alyeska Museum
About Us
The Roundhouse is Alaska’s only mountain top museum and interpretive center. We are located at the top of Mt Alyeska and we have the most spectacular views. Come learn about the history of Girdwood and Alyeska. Explore our shop with local artists and crafts while soaking in the views of the glaciers surrounding the valley.
The Roundhouse at Alyeska Museum is a project of Girdwood, Inc. Girdwood, Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization created for “educational and charitable” purposes in the Girdwood area. Girdwood, Inc. undertakes its own projects and provides services and support for other community efforts.
The Roundhouse’s of Alyeska has two missions:
Educate and teach the history of the Girdwood Valley
Be completely self-sustaining
Gift Shop, Displays and Events
The Roundhouse has a cute gift shop that helps support the day-to-day operations. They have Alaska artifacts from local artist, earrings, and unique Alaska items.
The Roundhouse is full of the rich heritage of the gold mining days in the Valley. They also are happy to explain how Alyeska became a ski resort and the colorful people involved. Currently on display is an exhibition on James Girdwood. One of the earliest settlers of Girdwood.
Periodically through the year, the Roundhouse will host various Meet the Artist events and musical entertainment. Check out upcoming activities at Visit Girdwood Event Page or Alyeska Event Page.
Roundhouse Building
The Roundhouse sits 2,280 feet above sea level and is accessible by the Alyeska aerial tram or ski lift. The distinctive octagonal building first served as a warming hut and later as a popular mountain gathering place. The structure was built in 1960, the Roundhouse was placed on the National Historic Register in 2003.
In the early 2000s, Girdwood Inc. raised 1.9 million to preserve and convert the upper part of the Roundhouse into a museum and interpretive center. Alyeska Ski Patrol uses the lower part of the building as their on-mountain operations center.
Many private and public organizations financially contributed to the construction and conversion of the space. Alyeska Resort generously underwrote large parts of this project with extensive on-mountain support and technical expertise. Today, the ongoing Roundhouse operation is supported by Alyeska Resort.
FREE ADMISSION!!!
Hours
Summer Hours:
Daily 11:00am – 5:00pm
(hours are subject to change)
Winter Hours:
11am – 4pm Friday-Sunday
(December 15 – April). (Subject to change)
hours are subject to change
The Roundhouse is only open when Alyeska Resort is running the tram. Please check Alyeska Resort Tram operations for ticket prices and hours.
Location
The Roundhouse at Alyeska is located at the Top of Mt. Alyeska. It can be accessed by riding the Tram to the Glacier Express. The views are spectacular!!
