Trailblazing: Ribbon cut on major improvements for skiing at Government Peak

PALMER — Now that winter has settled in across the Mat-Su, people who thrive in the state's longest season are out in force, donning skis, snowshoes, and hopping sleds. Government Peak Recreation Area in Hatcher Pass is a large draw for those enthusiasts, who on Wednesday evening marked the official dedication for major facility improvements—most notably, the installed 4.5 miles of LED lighting along the area's three cross-country ski trails. In addition to local dignitaries and group representatives, some 150 members of the Junior Nordic Kids cross-country skiers joined in a ribbon-cutting to officially mark the occasion.

Prior to this winter, the borough had no artificially lit trails which meant cross-country enthusiasts had to don headlamps in order to take advantage of the Pioneer, Susitna and Matanuska loops during the dark days of winter.

Borough Public Affairs Director Patty Sullivan led the half-hour dedication ceremony and was first to address the crowd. She wrote the two largest grants for the project which included $390,000 from the Mat-Su Health Foundation and $200,000 from the Rasmuson Foundation.

"It was an easy pitch," Sullivan told the gathering. Sullivan said Alaskans endure nine months of winter by supplementing themselves with vitamin D, spaghetti, mashed potatoes and ice cream. She said the new lighting pushes back on the absence of sunlight and improves mental health.

"When the sun goes down, life isn't over anymore...you can come out and click into your skis," said Sullivan. "You have five more hours added to your day."

Jayson Smart, senior program officer with the Rasmuson Foundation, congratulated the community on the improvement project which totaled almost $1 million.

"It's an incredible asset to the community," Smart said. He added the strong community support, combined with a borough government that wanted to get involved, made it easy for the foundation to fund the project.

Borough Mayor Vern Halter said one of his and the Mat-Su Ski Club main focuses was trying to get Alaskans physically involved. He said doing so not only provides the physical benefits, but also improves mental health during the state's long days of darkness over the winter.

"Hopefully this facility will be that fulcrum to get people outdoors and exercise," Halter told the crowd. (Government Peak provides) all kinds of great opportunities for people to recreate...now all we have to do is get the word out."

Others taking the microphone included: Mike Campbell, borough capital projects manager; Hugh Leslie, borough recreation services manager; borough assemblywoman Barbara Doty; Hans Hill, Mat-Su Ski Club president; Ed Strabel, Mat-Su Ski Club board director. During his address, Hill presented a number of appreciation plaques to project supporters.

Following the ceremony, the crowd—those who weren't busy on the trails, was invited in for hot chocolate and cookies.

A total of 6.5 kilometers of world-class Nordic skiing trails were established in the 8,060-acre recreation area comprising Government Peak in 2012. In 2014, a new 4,000-square foot Adventure Center was completed. Part of the improvement project involved a kitchen upgrade and new fire suppression unit.

The trail lights are activated by a photocell to turn on when it gets dark. An installed timer shuts them off at closing time which is 9 p.m.