Alyeska is set to open up select trails to mountain bikers on Friday July 6. The second annual downhill mountain operation will continue until October 8, three days a week on a Friday thru Sunday schedule, including Labor Day and Columbus Day.
Want a lift up? If you have $20 you can get a day ticket for maximum down time, but Chair 3 is the only one open this weekend.
The resort expects Chair 1 to open mid-July and possibly Chair 6 sometime after, depending on snow cover. Keep an eye on the Alyeska site for updates.
Note that the tram is not yet available to Mountain bikers, although plans have been set to open it up come September first. Again, it all depends on how much snow melts between now and then.
But what if you don't want to pay? Not to worry, some low mountain trails are easy to get to and extremely fun to ride. The Blueberry Pan Cake Trail, for instance starts at the top of Chair 7 (an easy ride up) and features boardwalks, bank/berms, quick switch backs and natural features. The resort's policy: if you can push it/ ride it up, than you can ride it down at no cost.
If you want to get a feel for the Blue Berry Pan Cake trail, check out the video below.
Should you choose to ride or push your bike up, keep in mind that some trails are one way only. Check in at the Alyeska ticket counter or check out the online map for details.
Need a bike or need one for someone else? Bike rental information is available here.