As aurora season brings brilliant lights to Alaska’s night skies, Sheldon Chalet is welcoming travelers with posh private viewing parties — plus full-moon glacier treks, igloo-building activities, snow cavern spelunking and other one-of-a-kind winter outings.
The luxury property offers an all-inclusive experience in a remote location just 10 miles from the summit of Denali. Guests access Sheldon Chalet by helicopter from Anchorage or Talkeetna, traveling to a rocky ridge that sits at 6,000 feet of elevation.
Set above the Don Sheldon Amphitheatre on the Ruth Glacier, the six-sided lodge has large windows on each wall to capitalize on the scenic setting. The chalet’s interior features open living, dining and kitchen spaces outfitted with modern furniture. Five second-floor bedrooms accommodate up to 10 people.
With a dramatic Alaska Range backdrop and virtually no light pollution, Sheldon Chalet’s far-flung location presents remarkable opportunities for aurora borealis viewing and solstice-season stargazing. On-site guides point out constellations and discuss the science of the northern lights as guests sample wine by the central fireplace or watch the skies from the chalet’s open-air observation deck. Travelers can also arrange for guided hikes during the January 2020 lunar eclipse, the March 2020 supermoon and other seasonal celestial events.
The region surrounding Sheldon Chalet averages more than 100 feet of new snow per year, creating opportunities for skiing, sledding, snowshoeing and snowstorm watching by day. Guests have access to the property’s adventure gear as part of each stay, and an outdoor apparel rental package includes parkas, pants, boots and gloves. A property concierge and two guides assist with activities; the all-inclusive nightly rate also includes beverages, wine and meals made by the chalet chef.
Sheldon Chalet’s winter packages, available through January 31, include the five-night, six-day Shared Experience with three nights at Sheldon Chalet and two nights in Anchorage or Talkeetna ($23,900 per couple, double occupancy, or $11,950 per person). Groups of up to 10 can book the entire property for three nights, plus two nights in Anchorage or Talkeetna, through the Exclusive Experience package ($95,000 for up to 10 guests, and $25,000 per additional night).
Spring packages, available February 1 through April 30, offer exclusive on-property activities and accommodations for three nights or more.