Skeetawk reveals new logo and celebrates with community at Palmer City Ale House

PALMER — Hatcher Alpine Xperience recently unveiled their new logo for the Skeetawk ski area in Hatcher Pass. The logo depicts the Talkeetna Mountains with Palmer Fishhook Road winding like and ‘S’ up the pass.

“We love it,” Executive Director of HAX, Amy O’Connor, said.

HAX is a nonprofit organization working to bring the first ski lift to Hatcher Pass. They have raised the necessary funds to begin major construction which is currently underway. O’Connor said they’re striving to get the lift in by winter.

“The community wanted this,” O’Connor said.

O’Connor and several other volunteers celebrated the new logo with the community at the Palmer City Ale House on June 19. They sold mounds of merchandise featuring the logo while local bands performed on the stage.

HAX has been working on the logo since last autumn, starting with a local contest, according to O’Connor. She said that a sixth grader from Birch Tree Charter School won the logo contest last year.

The student’s logo shows a skier silhouette riding over the mountains made of hands holding each other. She said the hands were her favorite part because it symbolizes community working together, which is what HAX is all about.

“I love what we’re doing,” O’Connor said.

O’Connor said they were inspired elements of the student’s work when designing the final product, which became a more simplified, graphic design.

“It sort of became its own thing,” O’Connor said.

Local designer Bryan Becker worked on the logo with HAX board member Jackie Webb, according to O’Connor. She said that the public feedback has been positive so far and they are welcoming more comment.

“We want to work with the community. This is their ski area. It should reflect what they want,” O’Connor said.

Bearpaw Brewing Company crafted a special brew for Skeetawk, featuring the new logo on the cans. O’Connor said that HAX receives a dollar for every six-pack sold.

During the celebration, HAX honored a very active volunteer and longtime supporter of the skiing community, Dave Hendrickson. O’Connor said he’s a legendary skier who’s made countless contributions to skiing efforts across the state. Hendrickson received a volunteer appreciation award and the first seat on the lift when it’s operational. He was honored for his numerous contributions and continued support for HAX.

“It’s a huge honor to get the first chair,” O’Connor said.

HAX is hosting Yurt building parties at Skeetawk. It will be four days of erecting a yurt which will serve as Skeetawk’s first lodge. They’re asking for a “small army” of volunteers and experience is not necessary. For more information, visit the HAX Facebook page or call 907-982-3740.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com