Employee Handbooks
ARAMARK Parks and Destinations - Alaska Employee Handbook
(currently under revision - link Pops up in new window)
ARAMARK Parks and Destinations - Alaska Employee Housing Handbook
(link Pops up in new window)
Denali 2010 Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best way to get to Denali? What if I'm driving myself?
- Where can I stay the night in Anchorage prior to boarding the bus for Denali?
- What should I bring?
- Where should I apply for a social security card?
- Should I bring my computer to Denali?
- Will I get Cell service?
- Will I be able to get mail while I am in Denali?
- When I am not working, what is there to do?
- How will I get around if I don't have a car?
- Where will I be staying?
- Who do I report to or contact if I have any questions?
- How can someone get in touch with me?
- My family/friends want to come visit me in Alaska this summer. Are there any special programs?
- How often do I get paid?
- Can I get direct Deposit?
- Are there ATM's in the area? Can I cash a personal check or paycheck?
- Can I cash a personal check or a paycheck?
- What are the standards of appearance?
- What type of uniform do I need?
- What is the best way to get to Denali?
Need a ride?
To book your transportation from Anchorage to Denali, visit the following website: http://www.graylinealaska.com/aramark.cfm
Enter username: Employee
Enter password: ARAMARK
Please note that in order to book online, you’ll need a major credit card (Visa, Master Card, AMEX, or Discover). If you have trouble booking online, you should contact Nedra Anderson at anderson-nedra@aramark.com or 907-264-4628.
If you are choosing to take this transportation from Anchorage to Denali, you must book AT LEAST 3 days prior to your travel date.
Once your booking is complete, you should print your confirmation and have it on your person the morning of your transportation date.
Don’t forget-the start date indicated on your offer letter is the date you should book your transportation for.
The rates for ARAMARK employees are as follows:
Every employee is allowed one carry on (i.e. lap top bag, small back pack, brief case-that would fit under the seat on a plane) and one large bag or two medium bags that could be carried on to an airplane.
Anchorage Airport Pick-Up: At the north end of the south terminal outside of carousel #1 in the bus holding area. (There will be a map on the online booking tool.) Bus Arrives: 6:45 am; Departs: 6:50 am
ARAMARK Office Pick-Up (241 N. C Street): please arrive by 7:00 a.m
If you are unable to arrive on the date stated on your offer letter, you MUST contact your property Human Resources Manager or Department Manager as soon as possible.
**Please note that early arrivals are not permitted. If you arrive any earlier than the start/arrival date on your job offer, you will be responsible for the costs and accommodations associated with your early arrival.**
Driving yourself?
You MUST CHECK IN BEFORE 3 PM with your property’s Human Resources Office on the START/ARRIVAL DATE listed on your offer letter. Please remember that Denali Park is 5-6 hours from Anchorage and 2 hours from Fairbanks. Employees will not be able to check in after 3 pm. Please schedule transportation accordingly.
Many flights arrive into Anchorage International Airport (ANC) in the early morning, allowing you to avoid spending the night in a hostel or hotel; however, be sure to give yourself at least 6 hours of extra time for those unexpected delays.
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- Where can I stay the night in Anchorage prior to boarding the bus for Denali?
ARAMARK has made arrangements with two establishments in Anchorage where employees are able to stay at a discount. One option is the Comfort Inn on Ship Creek Ave. ARAMARK employees will receive a discounted rate of $65 plus tax per night up to May 31st and after September 1st. The rate from June 1st through August 31st is $179 plus tax per night. To make your reservation at the Comfort Inn, contact them at 907-277-6887. Be sure to mention that you’re an ARAMARK employee in order to receive the discounted rate. Another option is the Alaska Backpackers Inn (a hostel) where you would be charged $22.50 per night (this rate is subject to change). Please keep in mind you may share a room with up to 6 people. You can reach the Backpackers Inn at 907-277-2770.
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- What should I bring?
- Spending money for unexpected circumstances
- Payroll advances are not provided and it could take up to 4 weeks before you get your first paycheck
- Voided check or letter from your bank for Direct Deposit
- Alarm clock (battery operated)
- Personal toiletries
- Laundry soap
- Bath towel/washcloth
- Shampoo
- Extra eyeglasses/Contacts
- Medication (at least one month supply)
- A business casual outfit (Khaki’s and a nice shirt. NO jeans, t-shirts, shorts or open toed shoes) for travel to and from the Park in accordance with our complimentary travel providers requirements.
Some optional items you may want to consider bringing:
Bug repellent/net - Hiking boots
- Camping/rain gear
- Flashlight
- Clothes hangers
- Books/magazines
- Camera/film
- Stamps
- Portable iron
- Extra blanket and pillow (sheets, one blanket and one pillow provided)
- First aid kit
REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION FOR ALL EMPLOYEES
Federal Law requires all employees to provide positive documentation and proof of eligibility to work in the United States. Upon arrival, employees must provide original documentation, i.e. Social Security card, birth certificate, driver’s license, passport. International students must have a visa allowing work in the U.S. and must have applied for a Social Security card prior to arriving in the Park. No person will be employed, transported to the Park or housed without the required documentation.
Social Security cards are an ARAMARK payroll requirement. Without this documentation, you will not be employed, transported to the Park or housed!
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- Spending money for unexpected circumstances
- Where should I apply for a Social Security Card?
In Alaska, you will need to apply either in Anchorage or Fairbanks. If you need information about getting to or contacting the Social Security office, you can go to: www.socialsecurity.gov (you will be asked to type in a zip code, use 99501 for Anchorage, or 99701 for Fairbanks). The Social Security office hours are 9 am – 4 pm.
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- Should I bring my computer to Denali?
Many employees prefer to have their own computer while here in Denali. We do have wireless access in some of our employee areas/housing units. We also have computers available for employee use in either the employee recreation rooms or the employee dining rooms. ARAMARK Parks and Destinations-Alaska will not be held responsible for any lost items or damage to ANY personal affects.
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- Will I get cell service?
We do get cell service in most areas of Denali. The main providers in this area are AT&T and Verizon.
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- Will I be able to get mail while I am in Denali?
If you need to ship some of your belongings to the Park before you arrive, please send them to:
McKinley Chalet Employees
YOUR NAME
C/O ARAMARK Parks and Destinations
Human Resources
PO Box 87
Denali National Park, AK 99755
Doyon/ARAMARK Employees
YOUR NAME
C/O ARAMARK Parks and Destinations
Human Resources
PO Box 49
Denali National Park, AK 99755
McKinley Village Employees
YOUR NAME
C/O ARAMARK Parks and Destinations
Human Resources
PO Box 209
Denali National Park, AK 99755
!!!!!!!DO NOT SEND PACKAGES
TO THE ANCHORAGE OFFICE!!!!!!!
We have found that the United States Postal Service is the best way to send packages to the Park. UPS and FedEx are usually slower than USPS Priority.
It is your responsibility to check on the arrival of packages to our Human Resources office. Human Resources will only accept mail for employees for TWO WEEKS after you have arrived. After this date, the mail will be returned to sender if it is sent to Human Resources.
We encourage employees to acquire a Post Office Box at a cost of $35.00 for 6 months. You can rent a box in person upon arrival in Denali, at which time you will be charged a $1.00 key fee. You can also apply in advance via phone or mail. However, if you choose to preapply it is a $7 key fee. For additional keys, it is $7. To rent through the mail, go to your local post office and fill in all the white boxes on a Box Rental Application. The postal employee will fill in all the grey boxes, checking your 2 forms of ID. Mail the application along with your check for the rent to:
Postmaster
Denali National Park AK, 99755
You may call the Denali Post office at: 907.683.2291. Office hours (winter through May 11th) 10:00 am – 12:30 pm.
If you rent a box for the summer, you may file a Change of Address card to forward your mail at the end of the season. You may not have your mail forwarded to PO Box 87, 49 or 209, as they are business boxes. So, please DO NOT have your mail forwarded to the ARAMARK Parks and Destinations address! back to top
- When I am not working, what is there to do?
All ARAMARK Parks and Destinations- AK employees are eligible for FREE (space available) Tundra Wilderness and Natural History Tours of Denali National Park and Preserve. This is a great way to see and enjoy the park. Employees are also eligible for FREE (space available) raft tours on the Nenana River through Explore Denali Rafting and FREE (space available) seating at our Cabin Night Dinner Theater. Employees receive a 10-25% discount at company owned restaurants and gift shops. A number of local companies offer product discounts and discounted (space available) tours to ARAMARK Parks and Destinations- AK employees. Employees also have access to our recreational facilities and activities.
Many of our employees participate in a number of outdoor activities, flight seeing tours, ATV tours, overnight backpacking treks, helicopter tours, white water rafting trips, and dog sledding. We host two running, walking and biking marathons throughout the summer. We also provide transportation to Fairbanks and back for movies, shopping and dining out on a regular basis.
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- My family/friends want to come visit me in Alaska this summer. Are there any special programs?
We offer a special Friends and Family rate of $99.00 per night. For more information, see the attached flyer or go to www.denaliparkresorts.com/aramark-friends-family.cfm. Please note that availability may be limited on some dates. In addition, the Denali Education Center, which is a non-profit organization that works to improve awareness of Denali, has a program called Denali Weeks that may be of interest to employees' friends & families. See the attached Denali Weeks flyer for more details.
- How will I get around property (if I don’t have a car)?
We do have courtesy transportation that provides transportation between our properties.
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- Where will I be staying?
Each property has employee housing and dining areas.
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- Who do I contact if I have any questions?
- If you are working at the McKinley Chalets, you can contact Sarah Brandt, Human Resourcse Manager at 907-264-4677
- If you are working at Doyon/ARAMARK Joint Venture, you can contact Sara Lynn, Human Resources Manager at 907-264-4607.
- If you are working at the McKinley Village, you can contact Ted Weeks, Human Resources Manager at 907-264-4622.
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- How can someone get in touch with me?
There are telephones in some employee rooms, but not all; however, there are phones and Internet capabilities at all properties. Calling cards are required for long distance.
Please tell your family where you will be working, including the property, department and position. Call them once you arrive in the Park so they do not have to worry about your safe arrival.
The contact telephone number for each property is:- The McKinley Chalets 907-683-8292
- Doyon/ARAMARK Joint Venture 907-683-9244
- The McKinley Village 907-683-8916
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- How often do I get paid?
Listed below is the pay cycle schedule for the 2010 season. Please plan accordingly; keeping in mind it may take up to 4 weeks before you receive your first paycheck.
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- Can I get direct deposit?
We strongly encourage employees to receive their pay checks via direct deposit or pay card. There are numerous benefits to this. You get paid faster than receiving a paper check and you will not need to keep large amounts of cash on you or in your room (especially if you cash your paycheck).
If you do not currently have a checking account, open one before you leave for Alaska or during your time in Anchorage. Many banks offer free checking with a direct deposit option. In order to set up direct deposit, you must provide a blank voided check or deposit slip to the payroll department (no exceptions). It will normally take 3-4 pay periods before direct deposit will be activated.
First National Bank in Healy, AK is also available for those who want to open an account once they are in the Park. They offer a free checking account with Direct Deposit. To contact First National Bank, please call 907-683-7750. To open an account your must present a government ID and proof of a physical address.
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- Are there ATM’s in the area?
There are ATM’s in the area so be sure to bring your card.
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- Can I cash a personal check or a paycheck?
Paychecks can be cashed at the Vault, located at the McKinley Chalet Resort in the Human Resources/Administrative Building. You can only cash one paycheck per pay period.
NO PERSONAL CHECKS WILL BE CASHED AT ANY TIME!
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- What are the standards of appearance/dress code?
Standards of Appearance
Dress, grooming and personal cleanliness standards contribute to the morale of all employees and affect the business image we present to our guests. As a representative of Denali Park and Resorts, all employees must follow the grooming standards as a basic condition of employment.
Failure to arrive in accordance with these standards will void all job offers.
Employees are expected to dress in the appropriate clean and pressed uniform and present a clean and neat appearance.
Extreme hair styles and colors are not permitted. Hair must be clean, combed and well groomed at all times, no non-natural styles or colors. Long hair must be tied back out of your face. Beards may not exceed two inches in length and starting a beard or mustache during the season is not acceptable.
Jewelry worn on the job must be conservative, in good taste, appropriate to working attire and not conflict with job related safety standards. Visible body piercing, with the exception of ears, is unacceptable.
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- What type of uniform do I need?
- You may be required to provide some or all of your uniform. Your department manager will contact you with specific items you will need to bring.
- The required uniform must be worn at all times on the job in entirety.
- Open toe shoes and clogs are not acceptable.
- Employees are required to keep uniforms clean and pressed.
- Company uniforms, nametags, jackets and hats may NOT be worn off duty.
- For most departments at the McKinley Chalets and McKinley Village (unless otherwise specified)
- All employees must provide 3 pair of black slacks, a black belt, 5 pairs of black socks and a pair of POLISHABLE BLACK NON-SLIP shoes. The following website has a large selection of polishable black non-slip shoes: www.shoesforcrews.com. If your department has additional uniform requirements, your department manager will contact you before your arrival.
- The following departments/positions for Doyon/ARAMARK Joint Venture need to provide their own tan khaki pants:
- Transportation Bus Drivers
- Riley Creek Mercantile Staff
- Wilderness Access Center Reservation Agents
- Morino Grill Staff
- Retail Staff
- Colored jeans and cargo pants are not acceptable.
- ALL Food and Beverage Employees MUST bring polishable, non-slip shoes.
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Glacier Bay Frequently Asked Questions
Glacier Bay F.A.Q. Printable PDF file (appears in new window)- What should I Bring?
- What is the temperature?
- What are the required qualifications and documents for all employees?
- Where should I apply for a social security card?
- How can someone get in touch with me?
- How can I receive mail?
- Can I get direct deposit?
- What are the activities?
- What are the standards of appearance?
- What type of uniform do I need?
- How do I get to Glacier Bay?
- Where can I purchase airfare to get to/from Juneau?
- My family wants to come visit me in Alaska this summer. Are there any special programs?
- WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
These are things you might want to include on your packing list.- Spending money. We do not provide payroll advances. It may take up to 4 weeks before you get your first paycheck.
- Battery Operated Alarm clock
- Personal toiletries, bath towel, wash cloth
- Shampoo, Laundry soap
- Extra eyeglasses
- Extra medicine
- Bug repellent/mosquito net for camping
- Personal camping gear (Tent, stoves, small pots can be checked out from Human Resources)
- Hiking Boots
- Rain gear (Glacier Bay is located in a rain forest—you will certainly enjoy a summer gortex rain jacket and pants and waterproof or rubber boots)
- Headlamp/Flashlight
- Clothes & Hangers—some hangers are available on location.
- Books/magazines
- Camera/film
- Postage Stamps
- Extra blanket and pillow (we provide 1-2 blankets based on availability, 1 pillow and sheets)
- First Aid Kit (for personal and backpacking needs)
- Phone card
- Hawaiian Shirt for Luau
- Ornament for Christmas Tree to celebrate "Christmas in the Park"
- Favorite recipe for International Day
These are things that are provided:- Linens-bath towels, wash cloths, sheets for the bed (not fitted)
- Laundry Detergent
- Irons
- Cleaning supplies and rags and vacuum
- What is the TEMPERATURE?
The average temperature (in Fahrenheit) for Glacier Bay (Gustavus) is:
The average maximum temperature is not usually higher than 60. These average temperatures in summer are lower than Anchorage and many of our employees have been surprised to find it colder here than some other areas of Alaska. You will be glad you brought a warm jacket, especially when you are on the boat.May June July Aug Sept 45.7 51.4 54.7 53.6 48.6
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- WHAT ARE THE REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND DOCUMENTS FOR ALL EMPLOYEES?
Federal Law requires all employees to provide positive documentation and proof of eligibility to work in the United States. Upon arrival employees must provide original documentation. To look at the list of possible documentation, please go to http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-9.pdf. No person will be employed without required documentation. Important note: Aramark has a company policy requiring that all employees, regardless of the other documentation, have their social security card. If you arrive without a Social Security Card, you must apply for a new card in Juneau before leaving for the Park. This trip will be paid for by the employee. Foreign students must have a visa allowing work in the U.S. and must have applied for a social security card.
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- WHERE SHOULD I APPLY FOR A SOCIAL SECURITY CARD?
You can apply at your local social security administration (to find go to www.ssa.gov) or go to the office in Juneau at 709 W 9th St # 231 (907) 586-7070, 9 am- 4 pm.
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- HOW CAN SOMEONE GET IN TOUCH WITH ME?
There are no telephones in employee rooms; however there are phones as well as wireless internet access, in the Employee Dining Room. The phone numbers for the Employee Dining Room are: 907-697-4092 and 907-697-9900
In case of minor emergencies or important messages, friends and family can call the Human Resources Manager at 907-697-4032. In case of emergency, they can call Human Resources (above) and front desk at 907-697-4000. Calls to the front desk should be made ONLY in case of emergency. Calling cards are required for long distance. It is recommended that you bring one in the case that the store in town and gift shop sell out. Many people want to call family to tell them they arrived safely only to realize they have no way to call. There is no cell phone service in the park.
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- HOW CAN I RECEIVE MAIL?
If you need to ship some of your belongings to the Park before you arrive, please send them to:
Your Name
Glacier Bay Lodge and Tours
PO BOX 179
Gustavus , AK 99826
Packages sent to the Anchorage office will be returned to the sender.
Note: U.S. Priority Mail is the quickest and most reliable way to ship and receive mail here in Gustavus. UPS and FedEx do not deliver to PO Boxes, so if you need to use the physical address it is:
Glacier Bay Lodge and Tours
179 Bartlett Cove
Gustavus, AK 99826
It is much preferred that you use the PO Box as we have had trouble with people receiving mail at the address above.
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- CAN I GET DIRECT DEPOSIT?
Employees at Glacier Bay Lodge are strongly encouraged to receive payment via direct deposit.
You must bring a voided personal check with you to set up direct deposit. If you do not bring a check, you must bring an official direct deposit authorization form or official note on bank letterhead. Even if you know the account and routing number, the direct deposit CANNOT be processed if you do not have one of these documents. If you do not have a personal bank account, please establish one before your arrival in Glacier Bay. Keep in mind that direct deposit does not go through immediately. For your first few paychecks you will receive paper checks that you can mail to your bank. There is an ATM machine at the mercantile in town, but it is sometimes out of order. There are no banks in Gustavus, AK or Glacier Bay.
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- WHAT ARE THE ACTIVITIES?
Because Glacier Bay Lodge is located on the water, most of the outdoor activities are water-based.
Glacier Bay runs boat tours that go “up-bay” into the heart of Glacier Bay National Park all the way to the tidewater glaciers. You will see abundant wildlife on the coast and in the water such as sea lions, mountain goats, puffins, bald eagles, sea otters, porpoises, bears (both black and brown), moose, seals, and whales (usually humpback or orca). As employees, you can take this tour for free on an availability basis.
We have kayaks for employee use (though you won’t be able to use them at the beginning of any summer until they have been inspected for safety). They are all 2-person kayaks. You can go out for a ½ day paddle around the bay or do an overnight on the nearby Beardslee Islands. Many employees choose to load up the kayak and take our “upbay” tour boat to a farther away drop off point and then get picked up by the same boat a few days later. We have all of the necessary gear (kayaks, paddles, spray skirt, etc). We also have knee high rubber boots, but we have a limited selection so it is strongly recommended that you bring your own. These boots are recommended for kayaking (getting in and out of the cold water) as are rain pants and a rain jacket.
There are also several hiking trails in the area and a campground located ¼ mile from the lodge.
We have a limited number of bikes that employees can use to ride from the lodge to town.
We have a TV area in the Employee Dining Room that has a DVD player. There are DVDs available for checkout and many tapes. There is a large selection of books and board games, as well.
Tours and employee discounts change from year to year and are subject to change.
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- WHAT ARE THE STANDARDS OF APPEARANCE?
Dress, grooming and personal cleanliness standards contribute to the morale of all employees and affect the business image we present to our guests. As a representative of ARAMARK, all employees must follow the grooming standards as a basic condition of employment. Failure to arrive in accordance with these standards will void all job offers.- Employees are expected to dress in the appropriate clean and pressed uniform and present a clean and neat appearance.
- Hair must be clean, combed and well groomed at all times.
- Extreme hair styles and colors are not permitted.
- Dread locks are not permitted.
- Long hair must be tied back out of your face.
- Beards may not exceed two inches in length and starting a beard or mustache during the season is not acceptable.
- A clean shaven appearance is required when working unless a beard has previously been grown.
- Jewelry worn on the job must be conservative, in good taste, appropriate to working attire and not conflict with job related safety standards.
- Visible body piercing, with the exception of ears is unacceptable.
- WHAT TYPE OF UNIFORM DO I NEED?
ALL employees must provide BLACK slacks/pants, a black belt, and black nonslip shoes. Jeans, cargo pants, sweatpants, and tight fitting stretch pants are not acceptable. Front of the house food and beverage, front desk, retail, marine and driving positions require polishable shoes.
- The required uniform must be worn at all times on the job in its entirety.
- Uniform shirts will be provided and are required to be tucked in when worn.
- Open toe shoes and clogs are not acceptable. However, professional Chef’s clogs are acceptable for kitchen staff
- Employees are required to keep uniforms clean and pressed.
- Company uniforms, nametags, jackets and hats may not be worn off duty.
- The only hats allowed to be worn on duty must be issued by your supervisor.
- HOW DO I GET TO GLACIER BAY?
Getting to Glacier Bay is half the fun—you basically have two options, fly or take a boat/flight combination. Whichever method of travel you choose, please let us know a few days in advance as to what time to pick you up at the Gustavus, AK Airport by calling 907-697-4032 (HR) or 907-697-4010 (GM).
FLYING:
If you are flying, your target city is Juneau, Alaska (JNU).
Juneau can be accessed via Seattle from the lower 48 or Anchorage depending where you are coming from. Alaska Airlines is the only airline that flies into Juneau. From Juneau, you will need to take an Air Taxi to the town of Gustavus, Alaska GST. (Alaska Airlines does fly to Gustavus, AK once per day during June, July & August—check their webpage for details.) There are basically four Air Taxi companies to choose from:
1. Air Excursions 907-697-2375 (Company Preferred)
2. Wings of Alaska 907-789-0790
3. Fjord Flying Service 907-697-3005
4. LAB 907-789-9160
Alaska Airlines (www.alaskaair.com)
BOAT:
Some find boat travel to be an exciting way to get to Juneau, Alaska. Please check out the Alaska Marine Highway System web page for more information (www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs).
Please note that once you get to Juneau, AK you will need a ground transfer to the Airport for your Air Taxi flight to Gustavus.
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- WHERE CAN WE PURCHASE AIRFARE TO GET TO/FROM JUNEAU?
You might try some websites such as those listed below for airfare. back to top
- My family wants to come visit me in Alaska this summer. Are there any special programs?
Family members of employees are eligible for a discount on hotel rooms.
The discount is based on availability. These discounts are subject to change, but last season there was a $50/room for immediate family members of employees. Rooms must be booked through the Anchorage call center or through the Lodge General Manager.
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