Think you’ve stayed somewhere remote? Well, think again.
The wondrous Sheldon Chalet is an exclusive-use mountain chalet sitting on a 6,000ft ridge in Alaska’s Denali National Park, one of the world’s most remote places to stay, only accessible by helicopter, and disconnected to the outside world with absolutely no internet connection
Perched on a ‘nunatak’ (a rock outcropping from a glacier) on a 5-acre ridge above the Don Sheldon Amphitheatre on the flanks of North America’s highest mountain, Denali, this chalet takes remote travel to another level.
Providing ultimate seclusion, there are no roads, railways, and the closest town of Talkeetna is 55 air miles away. As a result, the only way to access the chalet is by private helicopter which is exclusively offered by the Sheldon family – the only people permitted to land in the Denali National Park.
Prior to Sheldon Chalet, the only way to experience Denali overnight was as a climber, sleeping in a light fabric tent. Never before has anyone been able to experience the majestic setting of Denali National Park whilst being enveloped in pure luxury.
Located on five private acres (the only privately-owned land in Denali), the chalet runs largely on a combination of solar and generator energy created and stored for use in a new green technology known as super capicators. Designed to emulate the Sheldon Mountain House, the clever hexagonal structure means it is able to deflect the strong Alaskan winds, whilst providing ultimate insulation and warmth. Heated by a wood-fired masonry heater, combined with its specialised insulative exterior envelope system, the Chalet offsets its low diesel consumption via a high-efficiency turbine generator.
The five-bedroom chalet accommodates just ten guests at a time on an exclusive-use basis, and provides a truly intimate, one-of-a-kind experience for travellers, with each room providing spectacular views of the Denali mountains. The chalet has a sauna located beneath its helipad, a central wood-burning stove in the living area, and a balcony providing breath-taking panoramic views of the surrounding slopes.
Unsurprisingly, there is no wi-fi at the chalet, meaning guests are truly disconnected from the outside world; left to immerse themselves in the natural outstanding beauty that surrounds them.
The wonder of a stay begins on the private helicopter flight over the valley, when guests can marvel at the beautiful wildlife that roams beneath them in the Denali National Park, including moose, bears, caribou and coyote. Once landed, guests are greeted with a specially prepared Alaskan seafood extravaganza, paired with Champagne.
After the first cosy evening in the chalet, the true adventure begins. The day starts with a gourmet breakfast cooked by one of the chalet’s resident chefs (there are two chefs who alternate) who create delectable dishes using locally sourced Alaskan ingredients and tailor bespoke menus for every individual guest.
After a delicious start to the day, guests embark on a series of incredible experiences to explore the surrounding slopes. All guests are given a glacier training course to ensure they are fully prepared to encounter the wonders of the national park.
From March to June, the Don Sheldon Amphitheatre becomes a skiing paradise, with endless untouched powder to enjoy. Glacier guides lead guests through the vast terrain via backcountry skiing, glacier mountaineering and summit climbing. Other unique, once-in-a-lifetime activities that are exclusive to chalet guests include full-moon glacier trails, gourmet glacier picnics, ice climbing and meteor shower gazing. Sheldon Chalet truly is beyond anything guests have ever known.
Guests staying at the family-run Sheldon Chalet also have one of the highest chances to witness the Northern Lights in the entire world. Also known as the ‘aurora borealis’, Sheldon Chalet guests can experience this phenomenon during the long Alaskan winter nights when there are just four hours of daylight, and the lights illuminate the hundreds of peaks surrounding the chalet.
BOOK IT
Stays at Sheldon Chalet start from £26,000 per night based on 1-4 persons. Minimum three-night stay required. For 5-10 persons, the rate is £3,495 per person per night.
The Sheldon Chalet is easily accessible from major international airports and is 1.25 hours away from Anchorage Airport.
For more information, visit: here.
