Palmer, Alaska — The newest ski area in Alaska is in a tough position. Opened back in 2020, Skeetawk has had a few late openings due to its sole chairlift being situated at a low elevation and the terrain currently not having any snowmaking. The lack of snowmaking is hurting Skeetawk, which hasn’t received much natural snow so far this season. However, that snowmaking issue could soon become a thing of the past.
Last week, Skeetawk provided an update on the implementation of its master plan. The Alaska ski area announced that the Rasmuson Foundation and the Mat-Su Health Foundation have provided the financing to build out snowmaking infrastructure at Skeetawk. Snowmaking could help Skeetawk become one of the first ski areas to open in Alaska each season.
The main goal is to continue to expand up the mountain, which has a deeper snowpack and more varied terrain. Three new potential chairlifts would provide intermediate and advanced skiers and riders with more varied terrain to explore. Other parts of their master plan include installing avalanche mitigation infrastructure, adding a magic carpet for beginners, building a base lodge and mid-mountain chalet, adding a snow tubing park, and creating an area for RVs to camp. You can read more about Skeetawk’s future plans here.
Skeetawk will begin operating its chairlift for lessons only on December 26th. The Alaska ski area is also building a jib park for skiers and snowboarders.
Image Credits: Skeetawk
