New ski area in Hatcher Pass may still open this season

Months after a major equipment delay shelved plans for the new ski area in Hatcher Pass to open for the season in early December, the first lift in the area in decades is now galloping toward completion with hopes that it could still open to skiers before the snow melts for the summer.

Installation of the lifts, located in the new Skeetwak ski area at mile 10.6 of Hatcher Pass Road, started early this month. As of Feb. 18 the bullwheels and sheave assemblies have been installed and the wire cable that carries the chairs is slated to be strung Feb. 22, after which the chairs will be hung, said Butch Shapiro, president of the board.

Skeetawk is operated by a community nonprofit, Hatcher Alpine Xperience, which leases the area from the Mat-Su Borough. The first phase, currently in construction, includes a 1,250-foot triple chair lift and a warming yurt, which was finished before the first snow of the season. Costing about $2 million — the cost of the lifts, installation and construction —the area has been funded through a variety of grants and donations, including community support and memberships, Shapiro said.

But plans for opening late last year hit what board member Andrea Frost called a “crushing” delay when the lift parts, ordered from a company in the Lower 48, were delayed because of major flooding near the manufacturing area. That pushed back the highly anticipated Dec. 1 opening and put an indefinite delay on any operation funding lift ticket and season pass sales would have raised.

“It’s been really exciting — the lift is really happening,” said Frost, who joined the board last fall. “We get a lot of questions about when we’re opening, which is still tough to say because we still need money to continue finishing the lift construction and keep building.”

Now that construction is well underway here is hope that the lift will actually open before the end of the year, giving locals a little time on the slopes this season. Shapiro said despite the delays he can still feel the community’s excitement for the area.

“The energy is unbelievable .. and it’s really exciting to feel that energy all the time,” he said. “I don’t think a day goes by when I’m not called or questioned or whatever about the project, and you can just feel the energy so it’s really great.”

Beyond lift installation and cashflow, the biggest roadblock to opening is securing insurance, Shapiro said. Still up in the air is whether or not the organizers have the type of agreement with the borough required by the insurer. Right now, he said, they hold a lease, while the insurer may require them to move to a land agreement before clearing the area opening. And while he said the borough would likely OK the change, it would require a few steps with the Mat-Su Borough Assembly, a delay could set them back into April, he said.

“The underwriters have the application, we’re going back and forth with different requirements … insurance is not inexpensive,” he said. “We’re not positive yet whether we can operate on the current lease, or if we need this other agreement in place.”

Financially, he said, the area is able to pay for the equipment and lift installation — but not much more.

Frost said that’s why they are in desperate need of continued community support. To get the area operating and eventually offering services like ski lessons, a pro-shop and food, the nonprofit still needs more funding and more volunteers.

Frost said they are eagerly accepting in-kind donations for everything from equipment to office supplies. They are also looking for companies and individuals who want to sponsor lift chairs, trails, runs and even the yurt. The ski area also has supporting memberships and will eventually re-open sales for season passes. And lift operators and other volunteers will be able to work in exchange for lift tickets, Shapiro said. More information about donations and sponsorships can be found on the area’s website at Skeetawk.com.

“We believe the reason we’ve had the success we’ve had now is that we’re really focused on community,” Frost said. “We’re a local community of skiers, snowboarders and outdoor enthusiasts … were trying our hardest to get this thing going and keep the cost low the community.”

The next fundraiser for Skeetawk will be hosted by the Mat-Su Cabaret, Hotel, Restaurant and Retailers Association (Mat-Su CHARR) at Tailgaters Sports Bar and Grill in Wasilla on March 5 at 5 p.m. and will include silent auctions, a raffle and other prizes.

Other outdoor events happening in the Valley:Bike or Ski the Willow Community Trails (Feb. 22)

See the area, connect with the MatSu Park and Trails Foundation and take a self-guided tour. Bikes will be available to demo. 11 a.m. — 1 p.m.

Where: Newman Memorial Park, Willow

Fee: Free, with food provided. Register in advance to secure a demo bike.

RSVP to whoskins@matsutrails.org.

Palmer Hay Flats Exploration Day (Feb. 22)

Join the Great Lands Trust to celebrate the recent completion of a project that added 236 acres to the Hay Flats. Guided hike, kids’ activities, fat bike demos, warming station, hot drinks and snacks provided. 10 a.m. — 2 p.m.

Where: S Rabbit Slough Rd, Palmer

Fee: Free

Skiathlon Race at Government Peak Recreation Area (Feb. 23)

Skate ski 5k, then change skis and classic ski 5k more. 1 — 3 p.m.

Fee: Registration starts at $15

Visit Matsuski.org for more information.