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Luxurious Comfort, Privacy, Wood-fired Sauna!

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Hemlock Grove Skier's Retreat alias Glacier Garden
Sauna and Hot Tub in the Woods
Dining
Full Kitchen!
Second Floor Living and Dining

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Free WiFi
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View in a map
Girdwood, AK
  • Place, Alyeska Ski Resort
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Girdwood Park
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Moose Meadow Park
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Airport, Anchorage, AK (MRI-Merrill Field)
    ‪59 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 2

4 Twin Bunk Beds

Bedroom 3

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 5

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 6

1 Double Bed

Master Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only · Jetted bathtub

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Dining area

About this property

Luxurious Comfort, Privacy, Wood-fired Sauna!

This modern house is set in a grove of large hemlock trees in the quiet Virgin Creek neighborhood of Girdwood. The property includes an exterior wood fired sauna set under the lush hemlock canopy. Large ceiling to floor windows open the house interior to the surrounding forest (squirrel ballet at unscheduled times).

The second floor balcony makes for a pleasant perch to observe the landscape or wildlife including the occasional bear. The polished concrete radiant-heat floor and gas fireplace ensure warm days and cozy nights.

Three bedrooms, a pullout bed, a small loft and plenty of couches provide comfortable sleeping for 8 friends. The “kids” bedroom has two sets of bunk beds. A large gas range and espresso machine anchor the fully equipped modern kitchen. A granite breakfast bar and large dining table adjoin the living room.

Furniture includes multiple leather sofas and chaise lounges set next to the huge fully opening windows. Perfect for the serious reader. The house has a central stereo system with music library.

Sound flows through the house and even feeds the exterior sauna! The house first floor includes a major gear and equipment room The recreation room/garage includes a Foosball table and a ski waxing bench.

Two large screen cable TVs and high speed internet. Wireless internet is also provided for your personal laptop. Cellular phone service for most carriers can be received at the house.

An endless selection of adventure and sporting activities are located in or near Girdwood including: fishing, rafting, hiking, climbing, skiing, gold panning, berry picking, snow machining, heli-skiing, parasailing, and more! Located near the trailhead to Virgin Falls or the Wagon Wheel Trail to Glacier Creek.

This is among the most comfortable rental houses in Girdwood. Perfect for families, small skiing groups. Talk to us for the BETA on the local inside track. Price: (see details), 4 night minimum. For special arrangements contact us directly!

Keywords: Serene Comfort
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 30
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Property # 212748
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock

About the neighborhood

Girdwood

Located in Alyeska, a neighborhood in Girdwood, this vacation home is in a rural area and in the mountains. Marlow Pavilion and Crow Creek Mine are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Alyeska Ski Resort and Girdwood Park. Traveling with kids? Consider Girdwood Center for Visual Arts and Sound Paddler. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, or check out other outdoor activities such as sledding and ice skating.
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Map
Girdwood, AK

What's nearby

  • Alyeska Ski Resort - 3 min drive - 2.0 km
  • Girdwood Park - 3 min drive - 2.0 km
  • Moose Meadow Park - 3 min drive - 1.7 km
  • Girdwood Center for Visual Arts - 3 min drive - 2.0 km
  • University of Alaska - Anchorage - 51 min drive - 81.0 km

Getting around

  • Girdwood Alaska Railroad Depot - 8 min drive
  • Girdwood, AK (AQY) - 5 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Sitzmark - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Chair 5 - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Alpine Cafe & Bakery - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Alpenglow Coffee House - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Seven Glaciers Restaraunt - ‬14 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Luxurious Comfort, Privacy, Wood-fired Sauna! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Luxurious Comfort, Privacy, Wood-fired Sauna!?

As of May 9, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Luxurious Comfort, Privacy, Wood-fired Sauna! on May 10, 2026 start from $536, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Luxurious Comfort, Privacy, Wood-fired Sauna!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Luxurious Comfort, Privacy, Wood-fired Sauna!?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Luxurious Comfort, Privacy, Wood-fired Sauna! located?

This family-friendly Girdwood vacation home is located in the mountains, within 1 mi (2 km) of Virgin Creek Falls and Alyeska Ski Resort. Girdwood Center for Visual Arts and Chugach National Forest are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 64 out of 68 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 68 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 68 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 68 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 68 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Abby D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great spot - well equipped and comfortable for our party.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christopher G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect base camp for our ski trip. The kitchen was fully equipped, wood fired sauna was amazing after a day out in the cold, and there was plenty of space to unwind and relax. The hosts were very responsive to a few issues and got everything resolved quickly. Would stay here again.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tera S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This house is absolutely beautiful and incredibly cozy, and huge! There was plenty of space for everyone, we all Enjoyed the game room . The wood-fired sauna in the backyard was such a fantastic bonus—we loved it! Highly recommend this place.
The wood fired sauna was so cozy and a great place for us to hang out and be warm.
Such a secluded area and big trees everywhere. Very private.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kara O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great house

Perfect for our stay
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Scott L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Alyeska Ski Trip

Great location and something for everyone. Sauna and hot tub were great!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place for visit

Stayed for the circque series and getting together with friends. Open home, great location.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lee W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Girdwood stay

Amazing area, nice house
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jon W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A month to relax

Had a great time staying here and found everything to be just as advertised. Great for large groups!
Stayed 28 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

ROB D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent Girdwood Home

Great place! Clean, fun, clever, roomy and very well appointed.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bryan J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great home close to Alyeska resort!

Our group of longtime friends loved the house, location, and especially the sauna. Highly recommend, and would consider for future trips to the area!
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Taryn M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful experience!

The house, hot tub, and sauna were all fantastic!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christina P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great house nestled in hemlocks and mountains

This house has everything we needed. It was clean, comfortable, and well stocked. Shower pressure is amazing. The walls are very thin, but there is plenty of room for everyone, both to spread out or hang together. Location is very private. Beautiful falls within walking distance. We would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Karise H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing location

We had such an amazing time staying here during our winter vacation. So close to the resort but all the comforts of home. The kids enjoyed it as much as the adults. Thank you!
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rob H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Something for everyone!

This was a great spot for our family, tucked away in a quiet neighborhood, yet close to amenities. Something for everybody, (games/sauna/etc) and designed for the local activities. Great communication, would stay again!
Stayed 11 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jessica A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Can’t wait to go back!

Beautiful home. Scenery is amazing. Communication was great. Highly recommend and can’t wait to go back! ❤️
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Feb 19, 2022
Thank you!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ellen C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Weekend Getaway

Property was bright, clean and full of fun! Hot tub took quite a bit of effort to get heated, but was fun once it did!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Misty M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing property with warming amenities

Family and I stayed at this place for a long weekend and we will definitely be back. Wonderful home with lots of fun details and lots of things to do and enjoy. We really enjoyed the tub and sauna. The teens enjoyed the Rec room. The music around the entire house was awesome. Thank you for a home away from home.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ronald L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Alyeska

House had hot water issues, David arranged for us to move to another location which was spectacular. Skiing was fantastic with 3” of fluff on the second day. One of the best ski vacations I have taken.
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Harry B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Good times!

We loved David and Jen’s house. We especially loved the storage for the ski gear, the sauna, and plenty of room to cook. This house uses space well!We had the best time in Girdwood. Being 5 mins from the mountain and hitting the brewery on the way home. While we were happy to support the local market, we definitely would have done a grocery run in anchorage prior to arrival had we known the lack of available groceries in town. That’s on us!
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Shanna B.

Liked: Check-in, location
Disliked: Cleanliness, communication, listing accuracy

Don’t do it

Area is awesome and checking in was a breeze. However that’s where it all goes wrong. Futons smell like body odor for starters. Pillows are flat and also have a sour odor. Beds were so bad we had to leave and rent a hotel due to back issues. When exploring Alaska the last thing you want is back problems and poor rest. When asked to refund last half of stay the host went silent and wouldn’t cancel our stay. Hopefully they use the money to fix the broken windows or put a television on the main hang out floor.
Stayed 13 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

brian g.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great spot for a multigenerational family ski vacation. The home is well appointed and kitchen well stocked. The wood fired sauna was fantastic.We would stay there again.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jenifer S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

High quality comfort in a wooded area of a ski resort

The house has amazing windows and views, with cozy bed linens and radiant floor heating. The house was well-appointed with items to meet basic needs for the stay. The area offers fun restaurants and nearby attractions. The owner was very easy to communicate with, and we had a fantastic stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022
Verified

4/10 Poor

Cate H.

Liked: Check-in, location
Disliked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy

PLACE NEEDS WORK!

"If you enjoy vacationing in small spaces with thin walls, uncomfortable furniture, and broken amenities throughout the property, then this place is for you. Slept 9 extremely uncomfortably with zero privacy or ample living space. Washer sounds like a helicopter is landing on the roof. Dryer squeals during operation. Espresso machine doesn't work. Living room seating is an uncomfortable sectional broken into pieces and scattered around the living room. Balcony has no furniture. Ice machine did not work. Bed in the loft room was missing wooden slats causing it to fold and lift up if weight was unevenly applied. Couldn't use the Hot tub. Couldn't use the Sauna. It was completely full of junk. Billiards triangle is too small to rack the balls. Drying closet didn't work. Multiple windows were broken and could not open. The lone redeeming quality is the waterfall within short walking distance. A+ by God on the waterfall. F- by the owners for attention to detail and care for property."
Stayed 15 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Pam V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great property. Great location. Great experiemce

The property is clean and modern, and centrally located from Anchorage, Seward, and Whittier. It was a perfect fir for our group. The Owners were very responsive. If we ever make it baxk this way, we will rebook
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tom R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Location

This property met all our needs and was an absolutely beautiful place to stay. Plenty of space. Short walk to a waterfall. Short drive to anything in Girdwood. Highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

About the host

Hosted by Jen Sandberg

Host profile image
We are local Alaskans and most of us learned to ski at Alyeska. My Father surveyed and staked the First Chairlift at Alyeska in the 1950s. Living in Girdwood has been my dream since childhood. I have had the great luck to have climbed and skied the Chugach Mountains and the Alaska Range with pioneering climbs, heli guiding, snowcat guiding, including providing guide and rescue for extreme snowboard and skiing competitions in Valdez. My wife and I are benefited with four young adults ages 25 through 28 .. Growing up in the 1960s and 1970s in Alaska was a dreamy childhood with salmon and trout choked rivers in our back yards. We appreciate our guests and our goal is to provide you a taste of the beauty and serenity that a full canopy rain forest brings. Outdoor activities no matter what the sport are in our minds about "being there". Taking in your surroundings and experiencing the power of the natural environment and understanding your place in it. Have a great stay!

David is a civil and environmental engineer working in areas of pollution prevention, water and wastewater treatment and environmental restoration. He has operated a small engineering firm for more than 30 years and volunteered to environmental and governmental organizations to help steer environmental policy. He is recognized as Alumni of the Year via his alma mater Montana State University and is a humble recipient of the Carnegie Hero Award for his 7-day solo rescue of an injured climber in the Alaska Range. A TV "shockumentary" titled "Avalanche Alley" was produced that can be seen rotating on Discovery Channel. Jennifer Sandberg originally hails from Salt Lake City and Park City Utah and is a lot smarter than David when it comes to hospitality

Why they chose this property

A beautiful forested setting with Virgin Creek whispering in the background. Nature speaks to the guests as Hemlock boughs gently filter the winter light. Great to bring the family together or as a private get away for a couple.

What makes this property unique

Quiet sun, acoustic ambiance, forest fragrance, simple living, outdoor sauna, radiant heat, cozy gas stove, privacy, rushing creek, full stereo on all levels and in outdoor sauna. The ceiling to floor windows welcome the sun and the treetops into your living space. The acoustic insulation provides quiet slumber on the third floor while the night owls recreate on the first floor. The recreation room is equipped with a ski wax bench and exhaust fan. The entryway has cubbies for your gear and a ski rack for hanging your prize boards.

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English
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