Industry News
A new ski area will be opening in Alaska for the winter 20/21 season.
It will be the first new lift-served ski area in Alaska since 1983, and the first new lift-served ski area in the United States since Cherry Peak, UT opened in 2015.
The new ski area will be named Skeetawk, which means “where we slide down” in Dena’ina.
Skeetawk is a dream turned reality by a group of locals who founded a non-profit named Hatcher Alpine Xperience (HAX) in 2015. The ski area is located at mile marker 10.6 on Hatcher Pass Road, just outside Palmer, AK.
To kick off their inaugural season, Skeetawk will debut a triple chairlift serving 10-12 runs spread across 30 acres of skiable terrain.
The ski area has big plans for the long term. After recently securing a 40-year lease, Skeetawk hopes to continue its buildout into Phase 1B and Phase 2. Phase 1B would entail a high speed detachable quad chairlift rising from the base to an elevation of roughly 2,650 ft. Phase 2 would entail a high alpine chairlift rising to the summit of Peak 4,068. Along the way, snowmaking, lighting for night skiing, increased parking, and other infrastructure would be built to support the expanded ski area.
Skeetawk Stats
- Chairlifts: 1 triple chairlift
- Skiable Acres: 30
- Runs: 10-12
- Base Elevation: 1,450 ft.
- Top Elevation: 1,750 ft.
- Vertical: 300 ft.
Opening a new ski area is a feat in itself. Here’s to a snowy and successful opening for America’s newest ski area!
Skeetawk is scheduled to open on December 5, 2020, for their inaugural winter season.
*Bonus*
You’ll notice on the left side of the trail map a run named “Community Trail.” Skeetawk is seeking naming suggestions and a sponsor for the trail. Send them an email at info@skeetawk.com or follow and reach out to them on Facebook or Instagram (@skeetawk).
