Best Bets

Hostel Girdwood is all about supporting local businesses. And although there are many great places to choose from, here are some of the BEST BETS in TOWN!

Adventure Guides

Girdwood has a lot to offer in the way of outdoor activities. Salmon fishing, ice climbing, heli-skiing, snowmaching, mountain biking, and just a ton of trails to hike. For those new to certain sports or for those seeking to push their envelope, a guided trip may be the way to go.       

 The Ascending Path guide company specializes in glacier hiking, rock & ice climbing in and around Girdwood. The locally owned and operated company boasts low client to guide ratio and some of the highest level certified guides in the business. Those staying at the hostel receive a 10% discount on any trip with Ascending Path.

Chugach Powder Guides is your first stop for some of the biggest and baddest heli-skiing around! Search for those perfect  powder lines and big air while being guided by U.S. ski team members, Extreme Champions and just hard-core athletes!

Glacier City Snow Mobile Tours motto is LIVE LIFE LARGE! No better motto for a company dedicated to providing  some   of the best snow machine tours around. Offering a variety of tours from beginner to advanced, Glacier City will outfit you for a day of adventure. Located at The Tourist Trap in Old Girdwood, this company will also help you plan other tours throughout the Kenai Penisula – at no charge – proving once and for all that The Tourist Trap is a steal!                             

 Eateries

The Girdwood Grind is the best place to get a cup of coffee, with old coffee house charm, a plethora of reading material,Raven’s Brew Gourmet Coffee, friendly service, free wireless internet and Modest Mouse on the stereo.  Show a Hostel Girdwood business card to receive .50 cents off your cup of joe.

Casa del Sol Mexican eatery serves up some of the biggest and wetest burritos north of Mexico! Stop in after you hit the slopes to recharge for another great day on the slopes!  Show a Hostel Girdwood business card to receive $1.00 off your order!!

The Bake Shop has plenty of outside seating, delicious sandwiches, all natural baked products and soups made from scratch.

The Ice Cream Shop is the local origami of ice cream. Watch a simple scoop of ice cream morph into milkshakes, malts, sundaes, and floats. Try a signature Alaskan ice cream flavor of Fireweed & Honey or Alaska Wild Berry.

Maxine’s Glacier City Bistro offers weekly open mike and national touring acts like Joe Jack Talcum of the Dead Milkmen.

Learn more about Girdwood business at Girdwood Chamber of Commerce.

  • Alaska's Eco-Friendly Hostel

    Girdwood Alaska Backpackers Inn is proud to be built with the most recycled, locally produced materials available in Alaska, and uses several innovative conservation techniques while offering you comfortable and affordable lodging.

    Stop in and see sustainability at work!

    • Portage Glacier