I spent 3 nights in an all-inclusive Alaska resort for $8,950. It came with helicopter access and felt like adult summer camp.

29.08.2023 - 20:51 / insider.com

For my first trip to Alaska this summer, I decided to forego the typical cruise and instead stayed at Tordrillo Mountain Lodge. The all-inclusive wilderness resort is located 60 miles northwest of Anchorage and accessible only by ski plane. 

My three-day/night package cost about $8,950 and included meals, lodging, transportation to and from Anchorage, non-alcoholic beverages, and access to other amenities. 

Alaska's long summer days full of sunlight and all of the various adventures really made Todrillo feel like an adult summer camp — and it was perfect for a solo trip. Here's why I'd recommend this experience to other solo travelers.

I'm a city girl and hardly a survivalist. I'd never recommend venturing out into the Alaskan wilderness solo but at Tordrillo Mountain Lodge, off-property excursions are led by experienced guides who are trained and equipped to deal with the wildlife (bears are not uncommon) or unexpected weather conditions you might encounter.

The guides were excellent and I was never totally alone except when I had to wander off to pee in a bush.

At this resort, guests also have access to a helicopter included in their stay. Each morning, at breakfast, we would chat with our guides and plan our day based on our interests and the weather, which could determine whether we could fly or not.

With a helicopter and tons of beautiful wilderness at my disposal, every day was full of wild new adventures. I found myself climbing mountain routes, exploring the Triumvirate Glacier, and even taking a dip in a glacial pond.

Being surrounded by nature is beautiful and overwhelming in the best way when you're all by yourself. It's an amazing opportunity for reflection, introspection, and gratitude that can't be mimicked by any meditation app. 

Curling up lakeside on one of Tordrillo's repurposed ski-lift swings to read might sound simple, but something about Alaska makes the mundane magical. I also appreciated relaxing in the resort's sauna and hot tub. 

Most of the folks I met during my stay in Alaska were friendly, welcoming, and happy to share recommendations and their appreciation of their home state with visitors.

I felt cared for during every part of my trip, from the lovely greeter who picked me up at the Anchorage International Airport to the talented Chef Gary Garcia at the lodge who packed me extra dark-chocolate-ganache shortbread tarts for my plane ride home.

I also found it was easy to make friends with other lodge guests, so I never felt lonely. We'd dine as a group each night, regaling each other with stories from the day's escapades over a gourmet meal of venison loin, sockeye salmon, or Dungeness crab.

I'm still in touch with several people I met at Tordrillo via Instagram. 

Summers