Events

The big summertime event is Girdwood Forest Fair (www.girdwoodforestfair.com [1]) held in early July for more than 35 years. Hundreds of folks show up to buy arts and crafts, graze through the food booths, and listen to bands cranking out the tunes from two separate stages. It’s a three-day party that seems to attract every free-spirited hippie left in Alaska. No dogs, politicians, or religious orders are allowed.

Skiing and snowboarding events fill the winter calendar at Alyeska Resort (907/754-1111, www.alyeskaresort.com [2]), but the most fun for spectators is the Spring Carnival and Slush Cup in late April, when costumed skiers and boarders blast downhill and attempt to make it across a slushy pond. There are lots of cold, wet folks at this one.