Get away From It All This Summer at Luxe Alaskan Lodge

If you are tired of telling your kids to limit their screen time in order to get more face time with them, maybe the solution is to truly go off the grid.

On the shores of the Talachulitna River and Judd Lake in Alaska, the 5,600-square-foot Tordrillo Mountain Lodge is a luxury property accessible only by a 40-minute floatplane flight from Anchorage (an adventure and photo opp in itself), 60 miles away from any road. Sure it’s not easy to get to, but that’s the whole point. The lodge, after all, is owned by Olympic gold medalist Tommy Moe and heli-ski pioneer Mike Overcast, who began offering heli-skiing trips to this unexplored region 20 years ago.

Tordrillo Lodge, Lakeside Chalet One. Livingroom. Photo: Tordrillo Mountain Lodge

Tordrillo recently upgraded its guest amenities — just in time for the 60th anniversary of Alaska’s statehood this year. New improvements include new guest suites and updated baths, a new and larger dining room and bar with picture windows, three cedar decks overlooking the lake, five new chalets built with sustainably harvested four-sided logs, an expanded yoga and fitness center and the first fixed steel cable climbing route in the state.

“We are excited about the growth and development of the Tordrillo Mountain Lodge since we opened almost two decades ago in 2006,” says Overcast. “Guests will have a new experience in 2019 from the stylish lodge ambience, gourmet local cuisine prepared by private chefs and the many new summertime activities they can enjoy.”

The Lodge at night. Photo: Tordrillo Mountain Lodge

After the ski season has ended, there is still lots to do in the Land of the Midnight Sun. Families can partake in helicopter-assisted fat tire mountain biking, kayaking, canoeing, white water rafting, glacier hiking, wake surfing, waterskiing, wildlife viewing and stargazing. Anglers will be thrilled to catch Pacific salmon, rainbow trout, Arctic char and grayling in waters accessed by helicopter or by floating in rafts down a backcountry river. Activities, itineraries and even menus are curated to guests’ interests.

Fishing excursion. Photo: Tordrillo Mountain Lodge

The day begins with a breakfast buffet with fresh fruit, homemade pastries and a hot dish along with coffees and teas. There are also homemade soups, gourmet sandwiches and brownies for the second half of the day, and late-night cravings can be satisfied with a snack from the refrigerator or pantry.

Mountain biking excursion. Photo: Tordrillo Mountain Lodge

Summer packages, July 5-Sept. 15, start at $6,000 per person for three nights, which includes round-trip float plane flights from Lake Hood, Anchorage, to Judd Lake, lodging, two helicopter excursions, all gourmet meals, professional guide services, use of gear and fishing equipment, access to the fitness and yoga center, copper hot tub overlooking the lake and a wood-fired sauna. Groups of four guests or more visiting at least three days also receive a welcome bottle of Champagne, one massage and an additional hour of helicopter time. All major airlines service regular routes to Anchorage, with direct flights available from most major U.S. cities and non-stop options from Zürich and Frankfurt on Edelweiss and Condor.

View of the property. Photo: Tordrillo Mountain Lodge