Downhill biking.
It's what you get when you mix bikes with steroids. The same physics that spark the adrenaline rush of skiers and snowboarders are still around in the summer, and Alyeska is utilizing them.
"We’re going to have 2500 vertical feet of trails to descend on when we're going from the top of 6 to the base of chair 4. That puts us in the top five in the country for vertical offered for lift access mountain biking," said Brian Burnett, mountain services manager at Alyeska Resort.
Those 2500 feet have provided thrilling descents during Alyeska summers over the years, with just one problem—getting to the top. But this year, it's a problem no more.
The introduction of the chairlift makes it just as easy to go up, as it is to go down.
Downhill bikes need to be built for punishment, and punishment carries some weight—50 pounds in some cases.
"Without lift access, it makes it a lot less enjoyable for most people. Without a lift a lot of people aren't willing to push," said cyclist Kevin Murphy.
And the patience of bikers looking for altitude is finally paying off.
"It's been a long time coming from my understanding, and this is great. People are having fun," said Lynn Whitcomb, a mountain rescue patroller.
The addition of the chairlift could have major financial implications for local bike shops, too.
"With the lift access now, it's going to really blow up. You're going to see shops carry a little bit more in the lines of long-travel suspension bikes," said Murphy, who also works for Paramount Cycles in the summer.
The lifts themselves aren't the only lifts—trails have gotten a bit of a facelift as well.
Burnett described the trails as “smooth and buttery."
So for those willing to risk their bodies for a ride, you can rest assured your legs will be rested.
The course is best suited for bikers with both experience and proper equipment.
You can tame the trails Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until October 10.
