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In this episode, Amanda sits down with Megan Justice, General Manager of Skeetawk Ski Area — a nonprofit making major strides toward accessible, affordable skiing in Hatcher Pass. They discuss the history of lift-accessed skiing in the Mat-Su Valley, how Skeetawk is expanding youth access to outdoor recreation, their brand-new snowmaking system, and their biggest upcoming project: Lift 2, a mile-long detachable gondola designed to open up 500 acres of terrain and year-round revenue opportunities.

Megan shares stories about community support, partnerships with local schools, the importance of keeping skiing accessible, and all the ways locals and businesses can help bring the gondola to life. This is an inspiring deep-dive into how a decades-long community dream is becoming a reality for future generations of Alaskans.

• The Origin & Mission of Skeetawk

Nonprofit under Hatcher Alpine Experience
First lift opened in 2020
Mission: promote safe outdoor recreation, education, and healthy lifestyles
Teaching an entire valley how to downhill ski

• Community Support & Partnerships

Skeetawk’s growth has been community-driven
New 6% access road funded by Mat-Su voters
School district partnerships now possible thanks to road improvements
Kids learning to ski through field trips and homeschool programs
Skeetawk prioritizes affordability and accessibility

• Current Offerings

30 acres of skiable terrain
Rental shop, lessons, instructors
New surface lift for beginners
Introductory avalanche courses
Yurt café with coffee, pastries, and a beer garden
Flourishing Carters pizza truck on site this season

• The Big Next Step: Lift 2

Mile-long Doppelmeyer detachable gondola
Opens 500 acres + access to 1100-acre lease area
Year-round revenue potential: scenic rides, berry picking, summer tourism
$25M project:
- $15–20M financing
- $3–5M grants
- $3–5M capital campaign
Goal: keep winter recreation affordable for locals by using tourism revenue

• How the Community Can Support

Business sponsorships from $5,000 to $100,000
Gondola cabin panel sponsorships
In-kind professional services (engineering, construction, etc.)
Networking + connection introductions
Letters of support — especially from kids!
Lift 2 webpage launches early December for donations and info

• Why It Matters

Increasing youth access to outdoor activity
Supporting mental health during dark Alaska winters
Boosting the Mat-Su economy
Preserving the local, community-centered vision for Hatcher Pass recreation

“We exist and grow because the community wants this to happen.”
“We’re just trying to ski.”
“This project will outlast all of our lives and be there for future generations.”
“Kids’ letters of support are the most impactful thing we bring to legislators and grantors.”

Call to Action

👉 Visit https://skeetawk.com/lift2#help to learn more about Lift 2, get involved, sponsor a gondola cabin, or donate.
👉 Follow Skeetawk on Instagram & Facebook for updates.
👉 Get your kids on the snow and support accessible winter recreation in the Mat-Su Valley!

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