Winter - Alaska Wildlife Center with Alyeska Tram
Anchorage, USA
- 6 to 7 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Combine wildlife, nature, and scenic views on this small-group full-day tour from Anchorage. Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to see bears, moose, elk, and more in their natural habitat. Afterwards, ride up the Alyeska Aerial Tram (extra expense) for sweeping views of the mountains, glaciers, and Turnagain Arm. Includes guided commentary, photos, and round-trip transfers from Anchorage.
- Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and Alyeska Tram
- Hear informative commentary on local geography, wildlife, and history
- Includes professional photos of the wildlife and tram ride
- Enjoy a more personal experience with a small group
What's Included
- Round-trip transportation from Anchorage in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle
- Admission to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
- Ride up the Alyeska Tram to 2,300 feet above sea level
- Expert, knowledgeable guide throughout the tour
- Scenic drive with commentary on local wildlife, history, and geography
- Small-group experience for personalized attention
- Professional photos taken throughout the tour, including wildlife and Alyeska Tram views
- Tram ride cost (not included, but it is part of the tour package)
- Meals or snacks (unless specified)
- Gratuities for the guide/driver (optional but appreciated)
- Personal expenses or souvenirs
- Any additional entry fees not specified in the tour description
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 509 W 3rd Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501, USA
Please check in at our new location: 509 W. 3rd Ave, directly across from the Hilton Hotel. Parking is available across the street. Check in at the concierge desk, then wait in our garden or indoor lobby. Please arrive 20 mins before departure. Look for the gray van with a bear!
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Operating hours.11:00 am
Itinerary
1
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
1 hour • Admission Ticket Included
2
Alyeska Ski Area
1 hour • Admission Ticket Not Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Frances_T
Very kind tour operator who accommodated our needs beautifully! Organised to pick us up at our hotel and dropped us off at a place in town we asked for at the end of the trip. We thoroughly enjoyed it!
Reviews
3.2
based on 19 reviews
Jacklyn_C, Sep 2025
This excursion has been removed from Viator as available. Viator gave me incorrect information. Vendor was gracious and rescheduled us to a valid excursion that met our time schedule
JeanFrancois_R, Jun 2025
I wish I could make a review on this excursion but it's been cancelled by the provider and I am still waiting for my credit (refund) from Viator. I suggest you contact them as I am not sure they have let you know about it and want to keep our money...!
Frances_T, Jun 2025
Very kind tour operator who accommodated our needs beautifully! Organised to pick us up at our hotel and dropped us off at a place in town we asked for at the end of the trip. We thoroughly enjoyed it!
Anne_K, Jul 2024
We wanted to go to Girdwood and to Alyeska Resort and up the tram to the top of the mountain. Girdwood Express arranged for us to ride along with a tour group, to be dropped off in Girdwood, and where to catch the shuttle bus to the resort. It was cloudy and rainy so we decided to not go up the tram, but to have a little lunch at the resort. Such a beautiful, elegant resort!! Then we retraced our steps and returned via shuttle bus to Girdwood where the Girdwood Express picked us up and returned us to Anchorage. Since we changed our plans, Girdwood Express called us to be sure we had returned safely to Anchorage. Great team!!!!
Michelle_P, Jul 2023
Our guide was super nice. When my niece spotted a moose on the road he was able to turn around and take us back and let us out to take pictures. He stopped to show us an eagles nest and the momma eagle sitting above it. He was also able to accommodate an earlier pick up time for us. And went above and beyond for my group of 5. Thank you, Chris!
Adam_B, Aug 2021
Alyeska itself is beautiful and fun, especially if you don’t have a lot of time but want a quick getaway from Anchorage. This really isn’t a tour, though, more like a group Uber ride. You’ll stop a couple places along the way, but mainly you’re just taking a van to Girdwood. When we got out the driver just told us when he’d be back to pick us up, but didn’t really offer any guidance on where the shuttle to Alyeska was, what it looked like, how often it ran, etc. We figured it out, but you’d think they could at least include a schedule or picture of the shuttle. Something. Considering the cost of the tram ticket isn’t even included you’d think the tour group would try to find some way to make it seem like they’re offering more than just a van to Girdwood.
Response from Host, Sep 2021
A Quick search of other GUIDED tours to the Tram hovers around $199.00 per person ours is $98.00. This is because you don't get to break away from the group and are sheep herded around and on a time schedule. By buying a self guided tour you were allowed to break away and do it on your own and saved $64.00 per person since the tram ticket is only $35.00. This is exactly what the Turnagain Arm Shuttle strives to provide "SAVINGS". There is absolutely "NO" deception as you read further down. The "Gas" station is attached to the town mall so there is plenty to do while you wait for your shuttle.
Thank you for your review below is what you read on Viator when you purchased your ticket as you read along your description/review is exactly what is printed on Viator. Also when you go to our website if you still needed help in making a clear decision we have a help section that will walk you step by step of what to expect so there would be no surprises. It also gives you a link to the Girdwood Shuttle schedule so again there is no surprise. The company also hands you a map with information on how to catch the shuttle into Girdwood. I am so sorry you feel you did not get what you bought. If we included the tram cost we would have to up the total price of the package and you would not have been able to save by buying a self-guided tour.
How does self-guided tour work?
A self-guided tour removes the variables of waiting on others and scheduling, and instead allows you to select a time to tour and show yourself around. During a self-guided tour, you have the freedom to explore the space any way you want without needing to follow a tour guide or feel pressure of being rushed. It allows you to get away from the crowd.
This is word for word what it says on Viator where you bought your ticket.
Overview Head to the Alyeska Aerial Tram on this self-guided tour from Anchorage. This tour is designed for the independent traveler, as there is no guide or tour group; you'll ride the Turnagain Arm Shuttle from Anchorage to the town of Girdwood, where you'll then hop on the free Glacier Valley Transit to the Alyeska Hotel to catch the tram. Enjoy the scenic ride up to the top of Mt. Alyeska, where you may participate in any activities you wish, such as hiking, before returning to Anchorage at your leisure.
• Travel between Anchorage and Girdwood with included round-trip shuttle rides
• Take the free Glacier Valley Transit bus to reach the Alyeska Aerial Tram Ride up Mt. Alyeska on the tram (excluded)
• Enjoy the flexibility of this self-guided adventure where you can depart and return on whichever shuttle you wish.
On the top of the Turnagain Arm website it makes it clear that:
The Turnagain Arm Shuttle is a comprehensive Tour Company providing an assortment of self-guided tours and mainline transport to breathtaking sights along the Turnagain Arm. We have prepared this site to act as a quick reference and resource guide to help you plan the life changing experiences you want to enjoy on your Alaskan adventure.
Jenna_P, Aug 2021
Literally a waste of time!! All this is - a taxi ride to the Tram. Nothing, I mean nothing else included. Why pay $98 a person when you can just literally drive yourself to the resort for free or Uber there? What a joke.. sad I wasted $198 for a taxi ride, should’ve read the fine print, but I always will after this waste of time and money.
Response from Host, Aug 2021
I am so sorry you did not enjoy your excursion. The title of your tour states you are on a Self Guided Tour. A self-guided tour is one where the traveler has a route, information, and some amenities arranged by a company, but is responsible from getting between point A and B each day on their own. There is no fine print it is stated in the title of what you bought along with the description. And when you print your ticket it states it again. The driver briefed you with a map of the area before you boarded and when he dropped you off. Dispatch was in constant touch with you to let you know your driver was on his way to be picked up. You were given chauffer service and never had to worry from start to finish.
You spent over five hours in Girdwood exploring on your own going from point A, B, C and maybe D and when you returned the driver stated you seemed to have had a great time because of the fact that you were free to go out on your own. I think what you’re most disappointed in is that you wanted us to pay for your Tram Tickets along with your ride to and from Girdwood. This would mean that we would have to raise our prices. The price of your one hour narrated ride with scenic stops for photos was a mere $49.00 each way. The description on Viator is clear and concise of what is offered and excluded. We exclude the tram so that you would know that we are not price gouging you by packaging the tram and raising our prices. We also have a website that clearly states we provide ground transportation to sites along Turnagain Arm. At Turnagain Arm Shuttle we provide you opportunity to break away from escorted tours and adventure on your own. This means of course you pick, choose and pay for your own tours once you arrive at your destination. You chose the Tram like over 400 people who also bought the same package prior to your taking the same tour. They chose this tour because it saved them money to do a self-guided tour. Had the tour offered more in the package the price would have been at least $179 pp. This means you saved $80.00 pp by choosing to purchase your tram tickets on your own. Because there were two in your party your savings was $160.00. We don’t have a fine print it is all advertised as a way to let the customer know that they are saving money when they ride with us and buy excursions on their own.
Girdwood, Alaska is where adventure seekers go to play…
Girdwood is a small resort town located 36 miles south of Anchorage – just a one hour scenic drive on the Turnagain Arm Shuttle. If you are traveling on our shuttle from Anchorage to Girdwood you will witness some stunning views as we venture south along the Turnagain Arm.
Girdwood is nestled within a tempered rain first and surrounded by the Chugach Mountain Range, Girdwood is an adventure-seekers paradise. This nature-enthusiast loving community offers biking, skiing, rafting, fishing, hiking, gold panning, and sightseeing for both the seasoned traveler and novice alike.
Girdwood offers so many different kinds of adventures it may take you two days to see it all. Be sure to do your homework and plan your day around shuttle departure and arrival times. To view the town’s local brochure for more information go to visitgirdwood.com.
The Glacier Valley Transit provides a bus service around town. Be sure to utilize this transportation route to visit the Alyeska Resort where you can take the Alyeska Aerial Tram up the side of a mountain to an elevation of 2300 feet for amazing views of the surrounding mountain peaks, glaciers, and wildlife. There are plenty of hiking trails around the resort as well. We encourage visitors to visit
la_family, Jul 2021
Riding the tram and enjoying the magnificent views. Taking the local shuttle made a more intimate experience.
Likely to Sell Out
From $129.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Winter - Alaska Wildlife Center with Alyeska Tram
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