Hatcher Pass Ski Area Feasibility Analysis (1996) and Development Concept (2003)

Project Dates: 1996, 2003 (separate projects)
Lead: Chris Beck
Clients: Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) (1996), Matanuska-Susitna Borough (2003)
Location: Hatcher Pass

Hatcher Pass, an hour's drive north of Anchorage, is one of the most popular outdoor destinations in the state, with over 180,000 annual visitors taking advantage of hiking, biking, sightseeing, backcountry skiing and snowboarding.

In 1996, Chris Beck worked with a team of consultants to evaluate the feasibility of building a $25 million ski resort in the area. Projections of summer and winter demand were key to the project, and were measured through a combination of phone surveys, focus groups, interviews with national and international ski vacation package wholesalers, as well as information on current patterns of use. This analysis demonstrated that demand for the project, as originally conceived, was insufficient to cover development costs. This led to the property developer pulling out from the project.

In 2003, the Matanuska-Susitna Borough sought assistance with a Development Concept for a recreation development in Hatcher Pass that included a scaled-back version of the ski area with a separated residential and resort development. Chris Beck, working with Land Design North, prepared initial conceptual plans, included with the Matanuska-Susitna Borough's request for qualifications. An Alaska developer has taken up the project, which is now in early development stages.