SUCCESS OF THE MONTH!

ATIA Board Member Appointed By President Obama To National Visitor Industry Advisory Board

The Alaska Travel Industry Association is pleased to announce that ATIA Board Member and Alaska Wildland Adventures President, Kirk Hoessle, was named to the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board. With more than 30 years of experience in the visitor industry, Hoessle was nominated by Sen. Mark Begich.

According to a press release from Sen. Mark Begich’s office the advisory board is tasked to promote travel to the United States and to serve as counsel to the Secretary of Commerce on travel and tourism issues.

"Kirk is a widely respected leader in the Alaska visitor industry and will be a great addition to the Travel and Tourism Advisory Board," said Begich in a press release. "He will bring a strong Alaska voice to issues of significance to the visitor industry and I applaud Secretary Bryson for appointing him."

Hoessle was elected to the ATIA board in 1999. During this time he has continually advocated for a sustainable Alaska travel marketing program led by private industry.

"Kirk has been a creative, constructive and engaged board member for the past 12 years," said Ron Peck, ATIA president and chief operating officer. "His expertise and understanding of Alaska and adventure tourism will be vital to this advisory board."

REMINDER!

ATIA Marketing Committee meeting & Board of Directors meeting

The ATIA Marketing Committee will meet on Tuesday, January 24, 2012, in Juneau at Centennial Hall from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. GMA Research will kick off the meeting with an in-depth review highlighting the valuable findings of the Images of Alaska study.

The Board of Directors Meeting will take place on Wednesday, January 25, 2012, at the Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Both meetings are open to the membership and general public.

OTHER Co-op Programs Now Available

• 2012-2013 Japanese Language Alaska Vacation Planner Display Ads
• 2012 Japan Workshops
• 2012 Korea Sales Mission
• "Experience Alaska" New York Media Event
• CLIA cruise3sixty Trade Show Sponsorship
• POW WOW
• TravelAlaska.com Banner Ads
• TravelAlaska.com Travel Specials

Alyeska Resort opening day scheduled for Wednesday, November 23  

November 16, 2011 ( Girdwood , Alaska ) – The mountain operations team at Alyeska Resort is preparing for opening day, Wednesday, November 23, 2011. The resort will be running the following lifts: Tram, Chair 6, Chair 4, Bear Cub Quad and both Magic Carpets for ski and snowboard operations from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The Mountain Learning Center and Sitzmark Bar & Grill will begin daily operations and the aerial tram will also be offering sightseeing and lunch at Glacier Express.

Early storms and cold temperatures in October and November have resulted in current snow depths of 62 inches at the top, 27 inches midway and 17 inches at the base. The resort advises skiers and snowboarders that early season conditions do exist on the mountain and all guests should use caution and be aware of obstacles. Skiers are always advised to be in control.  As the resort nears opening day, announcements will be made on specific terrain that will be available to the public for opening day. 

As part of the resort’s preparation, the snowmaking crew has taken advantage of the clear weather, and they have been able to run 39 snow guns consistently, working crews round the clock. This early season practice has resulted in a healthy man-made base on lower mountain terrain. For the snow guns to operate, the air temperature needs be to no higher than 26 degrees Fahrenheit.

Alyeska Resort offers guests the snow hotline (907-SKI-SNOW or 907-754-7669) providing daily phone recordings with a variety of resort information. The resort encourages skiers and snowboarders to call the hotline prior to driving to Girdwood for the most accurate snow conditions and other useful information such as lift status, openings and closures of terrain, and event details.

With opening day falling over Thanksgiving weekend, Alyeska Resort will be serving its annual Thanksgiving Buffet at The Pond Café, located in The Hotel Alyeska at 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 24, 2011. The menu features traditional favorites including roasted tom turkey, prime rib, Yukon Gold mashed potatoes, pecan sweet potatoes and a variety of desserts. The price for adults is $38 and the price for kids between the ages of 6 and 12 is $16. Advanced reservations can be made by phone at 907-754-2237 or online at Alyeska Resort.com

Seven Glaciers Restaurant will kick off their winter season on Wednesday, November 23 when Executive Chef Jason Porter introduces his new winter seasonal menu. On Thanksgiving Day, guests dining at Seven Glaciers can select from the regular menu or from a special Thanksgiving Chef’s Tasting Menu.  Reservations can be made at 907-754-2237.

Alyeska Resort has partnered with several exceptional companies to help customers save on lift tickets this winter.  On shelves now at Anchorage Debarr and Dimond Costco warehouse locations, Alyeska Resort is offering two adult lift tickets for $95.99, a savings of 20% off regular adult ticket prices. The same offer will be on Costco.com later this month.

Alyeska Resort has also partnered with Liftopia.com for a second season. Customers can find discounts on daily adult lift tickets. A select amount of lift tickets are made available each day, so customers are encouraged to check the website often to find the best savings.

Warren Miller’s new ski movie Like There’s No Tomorrow is scheduled for its Anchorage premiere on Thursday, December 1, 2011 at the Alaska Center for Performing Arts. There are two showings at 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. With every paid entry, there is a coupon for a FREE Alyeska Resort midweek lift ticket.

About Alyeska Resort (www.alyeskaresort.com)
Alyeska Resort is Alaska's premier year-round destination featuring The Hotel Alyeska, an award-winning 304 room full-service property. Located just 40 miles from Anchorage and Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, Alyeska Resort is your base camp for summer and winter excursions. The resort is within close proximity of three national parks and the Kenai Peninsula, and is home to the northernmost temperate rainforest, part of the Chugach Mountains. Alyeska Resort stands out in ski season with 650” of average snowfall annually and the longest-continuous double black diamond ski run in North America. Learn more about the resort and plan your Alaskan adventure at www.alyeskaresort.com or 800-880-3880.

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Greetings from the Alaska Railroad!

I wanted to take this time to let you know about out annual poster/print sale and signing event.

Here you will find an informative flyer with dates of our Fairbanks and Anchorage poster/print sighing as well as some information on the 2012 print and it's artist.

The Alaska Railroad would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your past support and patronage. We hope to see you in Fairbanks or Anchorage for the 2012 Poster Signing!

Warm regards,

The Alaska Railroad