Sheldon Chalet
One of the most exclusive adventures on the planet - in one of its most untouched regions. Sheldon Chalet might just be the most exciting destination Will offers.
Life in Camp
Sheldon Chalet is not just the first luxury hotel in Denali National Park, it is also the last. Its origins date back to 1950's - before Alaska was a state - when Don Sheldon was flying legendary photographer and cartographer Bradford Washburn over Denali to create the first maps of the area. But it was not until the 60's that he and his wife, Roberta were able to begin building Mountain House on a nunatak (a mountain surrounded by glacial ice) that Don had claimed during the mapping expeditions. The original house became a famous pilgrimage for alpinist, skiers and glacier trekkers for over 40 years, but it was not until 2014 when the second generation of Sheldons inherited the nunatak that they discovered blueprints for a chalet dating back to 1968 - so they decided to bring their late parents dream a reality. Now the chalet is perhaps the most exciting blend of luxury and adventure anywhere in the world, simultaneously honouring its past while preserving its future as the entire lodge runs on a net zero policy. There are no set itineraries at Sheldon. With exclusive use of the property and surrounding wilderness and a team of guides ready to take you out on a host of adventures your days will fly by, but you'll wish they wouldn't.
Timing Your Trip
Every season brings a different opportunity at Sheldon Chalet so the below chart is a little subjective - Will can recommend you the best option based on what you are looking for.
Skiing takes place year round but the biggest difference here is the weather and daylight. Those looking to see the aurora borealis and epic meteor showers need to visit in the winter (November through February) where days are short - but action packed - and nights are spent looking up at the night sky in the hope of those magic green hues or exploring glaciers by the light of the moon.
Spring brings a balance between day and night. Fresh winter snow covers the glacier for those looking to carve fresh ski tracks, while warmer weather brings the first chance to get out ice and rock climbing before returning home to the chalet for a sauna and the chance to see what darkness brings to the night sky.
Summer is all about adventures under the midnight sun - something everyone should experience once - and you can watch the sun actively change the landscape you are living in. Avalanches fall safely miles away and you can listen to water flowing thousands of feet below the glaciers surface, replenishing local rivers, while you enjoy a 'pool party' in the turquoise pools formed by the melting snow.
Jan
Excellent
Feb
Excellent
Mar
Excellent
Apr
Excellent
May
Excellent
Jun
Excellent
Jul
Excellent
Aug
Excellent
Sep
Excellent
Oct
Excellent
Nov
Excellent
Dec
Excellent
Famous For
The only property in Denali National Park - Thanks to Don Sheldon's early pioneering adventures in Denali, in the years before Alaska became a state in 1959, he was able to secure a private nunatak (a mountain surrounded by glacial ice) and it remains the only privately owned area in Denali to this day.
Private, luxury accommodation - The five bedroom chalet takes one booking at a time, ensuring the 25 square mile Dom Sheldon Ampitheatre will be your own private, pristine wilderness. - accessible only by air.
Epic Adventures - There are no set itineraries at Sheldon Chalet, each day bring a chance to explore something new. From guided glacier skiing and quarter mile sled runs, to glacier exploration, ice and rock climbing or a stunning fixed wing flight over Mt. Denali, the tallest mountain in North America at a little over 20,000 feet.
Gallery
Will's Ideal Pairing
"For me no trip to Alaska is complete without some bear viewing, so if you are visiting Sheldon Chalet in the summer then it is best paired with Tutka Bay Lodge, where Will is convinced he has eaten the best 'safari' food of his life."
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