About the Experience
Sheldon Chalet is an
exclusive all-inclusive
experience like nothing else in Alaska or the world. Prior to Sheldon Chalet the only way to experience an overnight on Denali was to be a climber, sleeping in a tent, eating freeze dried food and battling the elements or in the rustic Sheldon Mountain House cooking camp food and utilizing an outhouse. Never before has anyone been able to enjoy this majestic setting in pure luxury sleeping on plush bedding, dining on gourmet food, enjoying warm showers and relaxing saunas until now.
Exclusive
Our 2000 square foot, 5 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom Chalet is offered as a private experience for up to 10 guests traveling as one family or friend group for a minimum of 3 nights / 4 days. The most ideal experience is 4 nights / 5 days.
Our all-inclusive Exclusive Experience includes an inbound and outbound helicopter flightseeing tour from Talkeetna or Anchorage, Alaska, all food prepared by our world-class chef, use of adventure apparel + gear, guided exploration and adventure in the 35 square mile Don Sheldon Amphitheater and a sauna with views of the summit for a truly grand experience.
Sheldon Chalet
Location
We are located in Denali National Park on the southern flanks of North America’s tallest massif at an elevation of 5,800 feet in the Don Sheldon Amphitheater of the mighty Ruth Glacier. The summit of Denali is only 10 miles away and visible from every vantage point. Air transportation is the only way to reach Sheldon Chalet. There are no roads, rails or trails accessing the area. The closest town of Talkeetna is 55 air miles away.
Best time of year to visit
We are frequently asked this question and find it challenging to answer because all seasons at Sheldon Chalet offer something unique and extraordinary. As Alaska’s only year-round luxury property, you can choose to visit in the depth of winter and be among the few who have experienced Denali during this season. Or choose to visit in summer during the land of the midnight sun for endless hours of adventure or during fall/spring for equally balanced days and nights. And if a chance to see the aurora/northern lights is on your wishlist, then plan to visit anytime from September through April. Refer to our season descriptions for inspiration on when to visit.
Arrival Airport
Whether you are flying commercial or private please arrive to the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC). If you are flying private please plan to land at Signature Flight Services at the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport.
Activities /
Exploration
All glacier exploration are in the style of mountaineering and range from easy to challenging and vary depending on the season. Please refer to our exploration page for details.
Age Requirements
To participate in roped/harnessed glacier exploration, guests must be at least 10 years old and/or a minimum weight of 100 lbs/45 kg. There is no maximum age restriction. There are plenty of activities, adventures and exploration for our younger guests both on and off the nunatak who do not meet the qualifications above.
Physical Fitness
Requirements
Sheldon Chalet offers exploration suitable for any level of physical fitness; from the consummate athlete to the light adventurer to those who simply desire to “adventure in place,”. because just being here is a grand experience. Each activity is curated to your physical fitness ability and determined once you have arrived, completed orientation and “glacier school” and been instructed by our guides as to what is available based on factors such as weather, glacier conditions and composition of the group.
Wildlife
Moose, bear, caribou, fox, coyote and more are plentiful in the fertile, glacier fed rivers of the Susitna Valley. You will have the opportunity for wildlife scouting on your scenic flight to Sheldon Chalet. Once you reach the beginning of the glacier or “the toe” as it is called, the wildlife viewing concludes and thus begins the jaw dropping scenery of the mountain. It is nearly impossible for wildlife to trek beyond the Ruth Glacier Ice Fall (a prominent feature you’ll see on your scenic flight) and make it all the way to the Don Sheldon Amphitheater.