Review of Literature
Girdwood, Alaska is home to Alaska’s most popular ski resort, Alyeska. The Ski resorts fuels Girdwood’s economy, but also it’s unique sense of culture. According to Girdwood demographics, the town has a population of 1,817 people, 1,037 of which are men (2). Racially, the town lacks a variety of people; however, most people would disagree. You will find “Judges, senators, radical environmentalists, dredlocked ski bums, businessmen, foresters, gold miners, and developers”. The people of Girdwood all share the same love for the outdoors. Most Girdwoodians have a rugged, hippy, causal look that is a signature look of the town (3).
Girdwood is located 30.4 miles away from Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage (2). This allows many Anchorage residents to easily commute for the weekend. Many of the homes in Girdwood are owned by Anchorage residents (3). Girdwood residents also commute between the two towns. Connecting Anchorage and Girdwood is the beautiful Seward Highway. This highway has some of the most spectacular sceneries, making the drive an amazing treat. However, it is also one of the most dangerous highways in the state (5).
Girdwood has a few very popular annual events that really define the character of Girdwood residents. The main events include the New Year's Eve Torchlight Parade and Fireworks, The Girdwood Annual Forest Fair, and Alyeska's Annual Slush Cup.
There are many different generalizations about Ski towns in gereral. Some negative generalizations are that the cost of living is too expensive, the people are uneducated or that they are all hippies, and there are too many tourists,(1,4). However, there are many positive generalizations of ski towns including a beautiful scenery, a great sense of community, relaxed people, and a lot of outdoor recreation (4). These pros and cons are why only certain people are drawn to a ski town like Girdwood.
Girdwood is located 30.4 miles away from Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage (2). This allows many Anchorage residents to easily commute for the weekend. Many of the homes in Girdwood are owned by Anchorage residents (3). Girdwood residents also commute between the two towns. Connecting Anchorage and Girdwood is the beautiful Seward Highway. This highway has some of the most spectacular sceneries, making the drive an amazing treat. However, it is also one of the most dangerous highways in the state (5).
Girdwood has a few very popular annual events that really define the character of Girdwood residents. The main events include the New Year's Eve Torchlight Parade and Fireworks, The Girdwood Annual Forest Fair, and Alyeska's Annual Slush Cup.
There are many different generalizations about Ski towns in gereral. Some negative generalizations are that the cost of living is too expensive, the people are uneducated or that they are all hippies, and there are too many tourists,(1,4). However, there are many positive generalizations of ski towns including a beautiful scenery, a great sense of community, relaxed people, and a lot of outdoor recreation (4). These pros and cons are why only certain people are drawn to a ski town like Girdwood.