Alyeska Resort closes ski area out of caution around coronavirus

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One of the most epic ski seasons in recent history at Alyeska Resort is the latest casualty of the coronavirus pandemic.

“Effective immediately, Alyeska Resort will close the ski area for the remainder of the winter season in response to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic following government guidelines,” the resort said in a statement released Wednesday.

As of Wednesday, the 301-room Hotel Alyeska remained open to guests.

The resort said the mountain itself will remain closed to uphill travel as crews tear down equipment and perform avalanche mitigation work.

The resort said it would send more information to season pass holders in the future. The hotel’s Aurora Bar & Grill is still open for to-go and room service dining.

Located about 30 miles south of Anchorage in Girdwood, the resort was in the midst of one of its snowiest winters in years. According to the resort’s website, the top of the mountain has received more than 450 inches of snow this season.

The closure comes on the heels of a health mandate from the governor that temporarily prohibits dine-in service at bars and restaurants and closes other facilities such as movie theaters and gyms.

It follows similar closures at ski resorts in the Lower 48, Canada and Europe. Moose Mountain ski area in Fairbanks announced Saturday that it would close for the rest of the season.

As of Wednesday evening, the state had seen nine confirmed cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus.