Sheldon Chalet : The Most Luxurious Way To Experience Alaska

Nestled in the heart of Alaska, on North America’s tallest peak, Denali, Sheldon Chalet sits at an elevation of 6,000 feet, overlooking the majestic Ruth Glacier in the Don Sheldon Amphitheater. Only accessible via helicopter, just 10 guests share this pristine snow-covered paradise at a time.

Despite its remote setting, Sheldon Chalet is surprisingly accessible. The journey begins with a helicopter flightseeing adventure (short 1 hour and 15-minute helicopter flight from Anchorage or a 30-minute flight from Talkeetna). Where you will be welcomed at the lodge with glasses of champagne and sweeping alpine views, with a two-night minimum stay and three nights recommended to fully immerse in the experience. It’s a rare opportunity to experience such pristine remoteness, a mere 50 miles from civilization.

Sheldon Chalet offers an unrivalled way to immerse yourself in the wild Alaskan frontier. Cut off from the modern world, with no Wi-Fi, no mobile signal, here, the outside world becomes a distant memory, replaced by pure isolation and raw beauty of nature. It’s the kind of once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Perched on the privately owned Sheldon family ‘nunatak’ (a hill or mountain completely surrounded by glacial ice), a rocky outcropping of titanium and iron above the glacier, the Chalet is a feat of engineering genius. Surrounded by endless peaks, glaciers, and vast skies, the hexagonal design of Sheldon Chalet ensures uninterrupted views from very angle.

Photo courtesy of © Chris Burkard Photography/ Sheldon Chalet

Designed to be enjoyed all year round, the Chalet features expansive outdoor decks and a helipad that doubles as an observation platform – a perfect view point for catching late-Northern lights and star gazing beneath Alaska’s vast skies.

Inside, expansive common areas flow effortlessly, encouraging conversation and relaxation against a backdrop of extraordinary scenery. The first floor has been thoughtfully arranged to maximize these sweeping views. This is where the kitchen comes alive too, with the chef’s culinary creations, anchored by a handmade Alaska birch dining table, a glowing fireplace, comfortable sofas, wingback chairs, and a tucked-away library nook featuring notable Alaskan titles.

Arranged around a striking hexagonal layout, the five bedrooms each claim their own panel, this clever design allows for uninterrupted panoramic views of the amphitheater, Denali and surrounding peaks. Designed to host up to 10 guests, this floor embraces a Nordic-inspired simplicity to ensure deep rest and relaxation.

Completing the experience is the Chalet’s world-class dining, where personal chefs showcase Alaska’s finest sustainably sourced seafood, including king crab, salmon, and halibut. All dietary preferences are carefully accommodated, with menus thoughtfully tailored following a pre-arrival consultation to create a bespoke culinary experience.

A stay at the Sheldon Chalet is about immersion, the magnitude of the experience encourages to step beyond the lodge and into the landscape. The Chalet’s extraordinary location becomes the ultimate playground for guided glacier adventures, including glacier treks, back country skiing. As night falls, the spectacle continues overhead.

From autumn through spring, the ethereal display of the Aurora Borealis, as ribbons of green, red, and violet dance across the northern skies above Denali. The Northern Lights can be enjoyed from every window within the Chalet, or outdoors while gathered around a roaring bonfire on the helipad.

Prices starting from $23,000 a night, with a two-night minimum stay (and three nights recommended).

* All listings featured in this article were independently selected. However, when you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. All the images belong to the respective owners. ©Chris Burkard Photography/ Sheldon Chalet.