By air: Anchorage International Airport is served by many major airlines. East Coast skiers who want to make the trek to Alyeska would be well advised to find a travel agent who specializes in Alaska in order to find the best airfares and packages.

By car: The Hotel Alyeska Resort is 45 miles south of downtown Anchorage. Get on Gambell Street south, which becomes the Seward Highway, Route 1, along Turnagain Arm, which has one of the highest tides in the world. The drive is quite scenic; try to alternate drivers so everyone can admire the view. Bring your camera and lots of film for the Dall sheep, moose and bald eagles often seen along the way. Turn left at the Girdwood/Alyeska highway turn-off, the resort is three miles up the road.

Getting around: If you stay in downtown Anchorage or at the Hotel Alyeska, you can get by without a car. Alaska Sightseeing or The Magic Bus (268-6311) can take you from the city to the resort with advance reservations. Ask at the hotel desk. Otherwise, you'll need a car. The Alyeska area (the town of Girdwood) doesn't have a local transportation system. However, the hotel runs a continuous free shuttle during mountain operations and in evenings by request. If you want to try some of the restaurants we listed, such as the Double Musky, make arrangements with the bell desk.