Name sought for alpine ski area in Hatcher Pass

PALMER — Hatcher Alpine Xperience (HAX) is asking the public to help name a proposed alpine ski area in Hatcher Pass. People are invited to submit names for the mountain until Sunday, Dec. 17, the winning name will be chosen by HAX members in January 2018, according to a news release

HAX, a volunteer-driven nonprofit, is in the early phases of developing a chairlift operated ski area at mile 10.6 on N. Palmer-Fishhook Rd. Recently, the organization was awarded $500,000 by the Mat-Su Health Foundation to buy a triple chairlift and fund a part-time executive director.

HAX is seeking the public’s help in naming the mountain. Following the submissions, the HAX Board of Directors will select up to 10 of its favorite potential mountain names at its December 18 meeting. HAX members will then have until January 28 to vote on their favorite name. The winning name will be accepted by the HAX Board of Directors, who will cast the deciding votes in the event of a tie.

The proposed ski hill is entirely dependent upon community support including volunteer work, donations and fundraising. Currently the project is in Phase 1a which includes a 2,400 square foot maintenance shed to house the volunteer’s snowcat, approximately six miles of trail clearing, temporary warming facilities and a beginner (triple) chair lift. The next phase will include a parking lot and access road updates, a day lodge and high-speed quad lift.

For information about the planned ski area or to learn how to help, visit www.skihatcherpass.org