Alaska Club for Women to Close, Leaving Patrons Disheartened

The Alaska Club for Women announced it will close its doors on December 1, 2025, leaving many patrons in Anchorage dismayed. Located at 450 W. Northern Lights Blvd., the women-only gym has been a sanctuary for female members seeking a comfortable workout environment. The announcement, made with less than two weeks’ notice, has sparked frustration among those who relied on the facility for its welcoming atmosphere and community.

Molly Just, a long-time member, expressed her disappointment. “It offered a space and the ability to work out without feeling intruded on,” she said. For over a decade, Just has frequented the club, forging connections with staff who knew her by name and enjoying the convenience of easily accessible equipment. The abrupt closure has left her and many others contemplating their future gym options.

The decision to shut down the women’s facility is part of a broader plan to renovate the site, which will also lose its basketball court. In its place, the Alaska Club aims to introduce a 21-plus strength training room, new turf, additional weight-training equipment, and a Fly Sport area for youth and family activities. The Alaska Club West will remain operational, providing various fitness options, including cardio and weight training.

In an email to members dated November 19, the Alaska Club attributed the closure to decreased attendance and shifting priorities. “While we know this change may be disappointing for those who regularly used this space, it reflects the shifts we’ve seen in attendance and the broader demand for expanded strength training and family recreation options,” the club stated.

Tracy Dumas, director of marketing and public relations for the Alaska Club West, acknowledged the significance of the women-only space. “We’re genuinely sad to close this space. For many years, the Club for Women has been a meaningful place for members,” she stated. Dumas emphasized that the decision was made in response to identified needs for expanded full-family recreation in West Anchorage.

The closure leaves a gap in the availability of female-only gym spaces in Anchorage, where options are limited. Other facilities, such as Her Fusion Fitness and Capital Fitness, offer women-centered training opportunities, but none replicate the same atmosphere that the Alaska Club for Women provided.

Megan Pittas, another member, highlighted the importance of women’s spaces in fitness. “I want to continue using Alaska Club services and hoped the gym could consider alternatives like women’s-only days or hours at different clubs,” she said. Her sentiments reflect a broader concern among members about losing a community-focused environment that catered specifically to women.

Membership costs at the Alaska Club vary, with reports indicating that a gold membership required for access to the women’s club is approximately $115 per month for individuals, and over $170 for family plans. While Dumas did not provide specific figures, she assured that membership costs are comparable to other clubs of similar size and offerings.

To mitigate the impact of the closure, the Alaska Club has offered an automatic one-year membership upgrade to frequent users of the women’s club, granting them access to the Summit, an adults-only facility in South Anchorage. This upgrade will commence on December 1, according to an email sent to members.

Just discovered the impending closure through a friend just days before the official announcement. As a small business owner, she understands the need for the gym to adapt its business model but expressed disappointment over the lack of communication. “It’s disappointing how the club didn’t announce it earlier,” she remarked.

As the December closure date approaches, many members are left weighing their options. Some, like Just, plan to explore other locations within the Alaska Club network, including the Jewel Lake facility, while others are reconsidering their memberships altogether. The Alaska Club for Women’s closure marks the end of an era for many women in Anchorage who have cherished the unique environment the gym provided.