Skeetawk Ski Area

Skeetawk is derived from the Dena’ina word Shk’ituk’t, which means “where we slide down”—a perfect description for this community ski area set in the Talkeetna mountains, 90 minutes north of Anchorage and 25 minutes from downtown Palmer. Hatcher Pass has always been a place backcountry skiers flocked to, but Skeetawk makes the great terrain available to even more snowsports lovers.

Open since 2020, Skeetawk is a unique place—a grassroots operation run by a nonprofit focused on benefiting the community. And that focus shows, with an authentic, intimate atmosphere that attracts 300–400 people on a typical day.

Beginner to Expert Terrain

Skeetawk’s season is approximately late November to late April and open weekends during the day and Monday, Thursday, and Friday for evenings. The mountain features one triple chair lift (with more in the works) that takes skiers and boarders up 300 vertical feet. There they can choose from 30 skiable acres along over a dozen trails of varying skill levels, including from green circle (beginner) to black diamond (expert). There’s also a terrain park for aspiring aerialists to hone their skills and a “school yard” area for beginners.

Riders interested in exploring the hundreds of acres of terrain that will eventually be accessed by a future lift can get an all-day preview by booking a seat on the cabbed snowcat. Snowcat riders average 7-8K of vertical elevation riding in mile-long, dynamic terrain covered by everything from wide groomers, powder fields, and jump-filled gullies.

Backcountry Access

Backcountry skiers are also welcomed to use the parking area (donation requested) and access backcountry trails, some of which are maintained. As with any backcountry experience, be sure to take the necessary precautions; those new to the backcountry are encouraged to sign up for one of Skeetawk’s “Backcountry 101” courses, including the American Avalance Association-certified Avalanche Awareness and Avalanche Rescue courses.

Rent Gear & Grab a Bite

Fuel up at the on-site food truck and grab some hot drinks or beer, and relax in the warming yurt or at one of the many outdoor tables (which are especially enjoyable in the spring sun). Rental equipment is available in advance, as are ski and snowboard lessons for all ability levels. For families with multiple children or a group of friends, the first lesson is full price; each additional child is half price.

Summer At Skeetawk

Then make plans to come back in the warmer weather! Beginning in spring Skeetawk’s biggest bash during ski season is Hatcherpalooza, complete with live bands, on-hill and off-hill easter egg hunts, ski/snowboard competitions, and more! Then when the snow is gone and the leaves are green Skeetawk has a few hiking trails and a monthly summer music festival schedule that always includes live music, food trucks, a beer garden, chairlift rides up the mountain, and more!