For a truly astounding Alaskan adventure, take the luxurious route to mountain climbing and sleep on Denali in a cozy bed. In the Don Sheldon Amphitheater, just 10 miles from the summit of Denali, you can stay at the Sheldon Chalet for a carefree experience on the mountain. A concierge arranges everything, experienced guides take you exploring on the glacier, and an excellent chef sees to your every hunger pang. In this case, chef Dave Thorne brings his culinary brilliance to this tiny kitchen for the chalet guests. This exclusive tiny hotel has some of the most delicious cuisine in Alaska.
The Sheldon Chalet is a 5-Room Hotel in Denali National Park. The Sheldon family has had a mountain home here since 1966, but the hotel is a recent addition.
The chalet is perched on a nunatak (rock outcropping) on the Ruth Glacier, the chalet is less than 10 miles from the summit of Denali. Take an hour-long helicopter ride to the Don Sheldon Amphitheater from Talkeetna.
The design of the lodge is simple and elegant, modern and efficient. Bringing running water, high end cuisine and ample heat without negatively impacting the mountains was quite a feat, but they managed to get it right.
An elegant spread of champagne and wild Alaskan seafood greets travelers upon arrival at the hotel including oysters, halibut ceviche, tiny spot shrimp, king crab with Alaskan rhubarb cocktail sauce and local spruce tip mignonette.
In the afternoon, cookies are fresh baked and irresistible after a day out on the glacier. Everything you taste at the Sheldon Chalet will be fresh, made with local ingredients, and positively delicious.
The menu includes a wild Alaskan bent and game, seafood, foraged items and locally farmed vegetables all find a place in the meals over your stay. Two nights are required, but three is recommended.
Visit the Sheldon Chalet for chef Dave Thorne's amazing cuisine, bursting with rustic Alaskan flavors and classy as can be. And the view isn't bad, either.
