View from Arctic Valley Road: Photo By Erik Hill
Arctic Valley, the ski area run by the Anchorage Ski Club (a 501(c)(3) non-profit), is now offering Moose’s Tooth and Alaska Brewing Company beer in it's new watering hole. The venue, currently named "the Bar at Arctic Valley," was put together entirely through the efforts of volunteers as a means to enhance and build the ski community.

"Five minutes after the chairlifts closed the parking lot would be deserted," said John Robinson-Wilson, mountain manager. "The bar closes an hour after the chairlifts stop and will allow people to mingle and chat before taking off."

The ski area and chair lifts are also entirely run by volunteers and are open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. With hours extending as spring draws near, the chairlifts and ski area will stay open longer to match the available daylight. The bar will open at 1 p.m. and close an hour after the chairlift stops running.

Located on the second floor of the lodge, the bar boasts a view of Anchorage and the setting sun. To celebrate the grand opening, the bar will open at noon this Saturday and will be serving until 9 p.m.

Celebrants will have the opportunity to revel in traditional German music in the Bavarian style with the the Alaska Blaskapelle band.

The Anchorage Ski Club is considering hosting other live music on a regular basis, but for now is just planning on having music for special occasions and celebrations.

Arctic Valley rates for non-members:
Adult: $32 / half day: $24
Student/senior/active military: $26 / half day $19

Anchorage Ski Club member rates:
Adult: $19 / half day: $14
Student/senior/active military: $15 / half day $11
ASC Lifetime Member: $10. / half day $7.00
Student/senior / military (ASC lifetime member): $8.00 / half day $6.00

--Gretchen Weiss