Chilkat Valley News - Serving Haines and Klukwan, Alaska since 1966

A Friday gathering is slated to address the idea of developing a ski lift and operation in Haines.

The Lutak side of Mt. Ripinsky and Mosquito Lake’s “Ski Hill” are some of the areas that will be up for consideration for a ski operation at the new Ski Lift Working Group’s first meeting, which is open to residents and will be held Friday, Dec. 9 at 4:30 p.m. in the Haines Library Conference Room.

The meeting was organized by Carol Tuynman, with support from the Haines Chamber of Commerce.

“The Chamber is focused on a year-round diversified economy that can bring tourists to town even during the winter months. This would help other businesses, for example, restaurants who generally close for the winter months,” said Chamber director Andrew Letchworth. “It’s been a desire for a long time. A long winter with covid might have stirred the pot a little bit to get people motivated. We’re looking primarily for economic benefit. The desire to have a ski lift creates some momentum.”

Rope tows were operated in Haines downtown and at the Mosquito Lake Road site about 60 years ago. The operation at Mosquito Lake gave its name to “Ski Hill,” a mountainside slated for upcoming logging by the State of Alaska. Re-clearing there might help develop a new ski and lift operation, according to state forester Greg Palmieri.

The Alaska Division of Forestry in July proposed a timber sale of 1,200 acres at “Ski Hill,” east of Mosquito Lake Road.

Tuynman said other possible locations for a ski lift are still being considered and that the community’s input is key.

“The meeting Friday will address concerns and measure possible strategies of finding common ground amongst the community,” Letchworth said.

“It would be great to hear more voices. We want to encourage the community to get involved in exploring the possibility of creating more winter recreational activities for Haines residents.”