Headline News
Alyeska's New Owners Plan Expansion
Salt Lake City-based Cirque Property L.C. has purchased the Hotel Alyeska (formerly known as the Alyeska Prince Hotel), Alyeska Resort, plus the management contract for Anchorage Golf Course and all other real estate holdings associated with the Alyeska Resort.
Cirque Property L.C. is headed by managing member and avid outdoorsman John Byrne. Byrne is a single parent of two girls and a resident of Alta, Utah. The acquisition of Alyeska Resort, the largest year-round resort in Alaska, is the culmination of a resort and real estate career that has spanned more than 20 years.
“We want to put the ‘Alaska’ back into Alyeska and provide the guest with a genuine Alaskan experience,” said Don McLean, a representative of Cirque Property L.C. who has two decades of experience in real estate construction and sales in Telluride, Colo. He will be assuming a prominent role in Alyeska’s future.
As for the expansion of the resort, Byrne will be exploring the feasibility of new lifts that would reach the highest ridgelines within permit boundaries, expansion of Alyeska’s existing 1,400 acres, and improved lift-assisted public access to backcountry terrain, especially the Winner Creek area adjacent to the resort.
“Having lived and skied for many years in Alta and Snowbird, I am a firm believer in an open backcountry policy,” Byrne said. “And while I can assure you today that a beacon, shovel, probe and a partner will be required, we do intend to open Alyeska’s boundaries when conditions permit.”
Byrne also recognizes that safety is extremely important to this level of backcountry access. “Education and backcountry awareness need to become part of the equation, as well,” Byrne said. “On a personal level, I look forward to supporting the educational efforts of the community with respect to backcountry safety and awareness.”
The onsite management team of Cirque Property L.C. will consist of Doug Christensen, chief financial officer of Cirque Property L.C.; Rich Eidem, a Teton Village, Wyo.- based entrepreneur and mountain sports enthusiast; Larry Daniels, Alyeska Resort’s current general manager of ski and golf operations; and McLean. Byrne said the resort's current senior management team will remain.
Alyeska’s future plans will include a strong push to make the resort family friendly and to enhance the day skier experience. Alyeska’s summer recreational opportunities also are a priority.
"The potential for backcountry touring, lift expansion, Nordic trails, summer ski camps and mountain biking are beyond compare,” Eidem said.
Pending transfer of permits and licenses, the official change of ownership was set to take place Dec. 1, 2006. Terms of the financial arrangement between Cirque Property L.C. and Prince Hotels regarding the acquisition of Alyeska will remain undisclosed.
For more information or to book a vacation at Alyeska Resort, visit www.alyeskaresort.com.