Do you have what it takes?

Thirty-five years ago Hap Wurlitzer didn't think he'd be in the lodging business. An avid skier and passionate outdoorsman, Wurlitzer thought Hatcher Pass would be the perfect spot for downhill skiing and planned to raise enough money to build a chairlift to accommodate the sport. When an opportunity to purchase a 10-acre plot of land became available, he turned in his $10 and staked his claim.

In 1967 the building process of the A-frame lodge began, slowly followed by nine private cabins and a sauna house. Although the chairlift never was constructed, Hatcher Pass Lodge stands at Mile 17.5 Hatcher Pass Road and caters to visitors and residents alike. Open yearround, Wurlitzer stays busy with general maintenance and operations of the lodge. He relies on his staff to keep the place running.

One of Wurlizter's greatest challenges is his location. Although situated in a pristine and beautiful surrounding at 3,000 feet in elevation, his summer season is extremely short due to the extended snowfall. Balancing staff time and the flow demand of visitors is an on-going challenge.

To offset this difficulty, especially during the winter season, the lodge has become a popular wedding location. Wurlitzer didn't have any prior expectations to owning a lodge, but he advises, "it takes time to develop and to anticipate that as part of the process."

Bill, Cindy and Daryl Royce are relatively new to the lodging business. Birch Pond Lodge, located at the northern boundary of the Nancy Lake State Park, is an ecofriendly facility that includes a main lodge and two standalone cabins. The Royces pride themselves in using the most ecological methods for constructing their site including hand-peeled and sanded logs from spruce beetle killed trees from Tok.

They all agree its been a great learning experience and to be prepared to do everything. Besides the demands of construction, the Royces lead cross-country ski excursions, hikes, groom ski trails and offer ice skating opportunities within their 160-acre property.

Because there are so many winter activities available at Birch Pond Lodge, this has become their main focus. If this wasn't enough to keep them busy, they also prepare wholesome gourmet meals for their guests in between guiding and cleaning.

The Royces value sharing their Alaskan experience with their guests and are with them for a good portion of their visit. "It's busy, but we're enjoying it," said Bill.

Zack and Anjanette Steer wanted a change of lifestyle free from modern daily distractions like automobile traffic, crowds, materialism and "upward mobility." In 1999, they purchased Sheep Mountain Lodge, located at Mile 113 Glenn Hwy.

On the property are 10 private cabins and the main lodge building that features a restaurant with full service bar and banquet.

On an average day, the Steers are up at 5:50 a.m. reporting weather conditions every hour for the National Weather Service, and then go straight to baking duties. Most of their time is spent in the restaurant either cooking or waiting tables. Although they have a seasonal staff ranging from two to seven employees, there is always something that needs to get done.

The lodge is open yearround except for a couple of weeks in the spring and fall to catch their breath from the hectic summer season.

Although they admit not having much time to enjoy life outside of their demanding summer schedule, they said that owning a lodge gives them a sense of pride in ownership and a "can-do" attitude reflective of the community of Sheep Mountain.

Although there is no way to train for the position, the Steers have jumped in with both feet. "The first year we had no idea how much food to order to stock a restaurant for one week. We ran out of flour after two nights and had to make a 150-mile round-trip midnight run to Carrs," Zack Steer said.. "[But] each year lodge life gets a little easier. I'd like to think it's because we get a little smarter…"