Rentals and group lessons to join Hatcher Pass ski area for 2021-2022 season

The snow has yet to fly in Hatcher Pass, but the organizers behind the region’s nonprofit ski area are already far into their plans for the 2021-2022 winter season.

On a recent sunny September day, construction crews were hard at work installing a septic tank system and digging a well, said Scott Patridge, the general manager. Those projects, paid for by a Borough grant, will allow future construction of a day lodge and bathrooms when funding is available, he said. For now, Patridge said he’s eager to roll-out their new ski and snowboard rental area.

“The project I’m most excited about that’s ongoing … is our under the yurt rental shop project,” he said. “We’ll have rentals and a rental shop this season, which is really going to be a game changer for us because last year I had to turn away a lot of people that didn’t have their own equipment.”

Patridge said rental and group lesson prices have yet to be set, but will be similar to those at other ski areas in the region, like Hilltop in Anchorage.

“Most importantly, we should have some gear for school groups and other nonprofits that want to come out here and learn,” he said.

Users can get a preview of what’s to come, buy discounted season passes, hear some live music and ride the lift in the fall colors during Skeetawk’s annual Blueberry Ball, scheduled for Sept. 18 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the ski area. Admission is a suggested $10 donation per-person, and includes rides on the lift.

Over the pandemic and 2020 to 2021 season Skeetawk followed health guidance from the National Ski Association, requiring masks be worn in the lift line and common areas at the bottom of the hill. Just what COVID measures will be in place for the 2021 to 2022 season remains to be seen, Patridge said. He’s hopeful, however, that they will allow users to linger in the warming yurt.

Skeetawk is located about 10 miles up Palmer-Fishhook Road into Hatcher Pass. It first opened for the 2020 to 2021 season after its lift delivery and construction was delayed, canceling its 2019 to 2020 season. Operated by the community-based nonprofit Hatcher Pass Xperience and with a single triple chair lift and multiple groomed runs, the area has welcomed thousands of users.

Despite the pandemic and related restrictions, an abundance of snow and a long season helped Skeetawk distribute about 400 season passes and sold over 8,000 day passes for the 2020 to 2021, Patridge said.

Still, the area is looking for funds to keep construction going on hoped-for projects, including additional runs, a day lodge, bathrooms and, eventually, two more lifts. Cash for those projects comes from grants, community fundraising and fees.

During ski season, the lift is typically open from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. It is also open on Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District holidays, except Tuesday and Wednesday.

Season passes are $390 for adults; $320 for military members and first responders or students age 13 to 18 (or with a student ID); $200 for youth ages six to 12; and $5 for those over 70 years old or under five. Passes purchased at the Blueberry Ball receive a 10% discount. Memberships, which are separate from season passes and work as a form of fundraising, are $35 for the season.

Daily lift tickets can be purchased at the warming hut at $39 for adults or $32 for military or first responders; $32 for students ages 13 to 18 or with a student ID; $20 for youth ages six to 12; free for kids five and under or adults over 70.

Parking at Skeetawk during ski season is free for season pass holders and members, and $5 for all others.