One of the most luxurious lodges in Alaska, and one of the most remote anywhere in the world, Sheldon Chalet has recently opened its doors in the heart of Denali National Park. With a maximum capacity for only ten guests, this intimate and private chalet offers its guests the chance to try everything from glacier trekking and snowshoeing to watching the aurora borealis flit around the sky.
For owners Robert Sheldon, his wife Marne and sister Kate, the Sheldon Chalet is a lifelong family dream come true. For the explorers, it’s a chance to experience North America’s highest mountain in lavish and entirely unique surroundings.
No easy feat, it took more than a decade alone simply to confirm planning permission for the lavish property, plus an additional three years for construction. Anchored deep into the granite, iron and titanium of the Sheldon Nunatak, the hotel offers luxurious amenities that defy its location 6,000 feet up upon a glacier — running water, electricity and generous heat. There’s also world-class food, courtesy of chef Dave Thorne, who has cooked for everyone from Justin Timberlake to Kings of Leon.
Arrival includes a six-hour flight to Anchorage, a two-hour drive to the small town of Talkeetna, followed by an hour-long helicopter ride to Don Sheldon Amphitheater, a 35-square-mile valley carved by glacial ice. Whilst the journey might be long, it’s well worth the wait – upon arrival, guests are greeted with Champagne and Alaska seafood hors d’oeuvres as they settle into the outstanding surroundings.
Perched on five private acres, the Sheldon Chalet offers five bedrooms featuring unique panoramas of the Alaska Range from every angle. Activities including heli-picnics, guided glacier trekking, heli-skiing and aurora borealis viewing – plus igloo building for those who fancy it. Interiors are simple, but elegant. Designed with simplicity in mind, the rooms are sparse, with faux fur throws and panoramic views. Instead, it’s the panoramic views that take centre stage.
Fine dining, exceptional views and once-in-a-lifetime experiences – discover this summer’s coolest stay.
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Rates from $2,300 per person, per night, include accommodations, food and beverages, and helicopter transfers. Click here for more.
Words by Sophie Ritchie