Dear Anchorage Ski Club Members and Friends of Arctic Valley,
So what if Arctic Valley went away? Forever?
The Arctic Valley Ski Area is one of those unique alpine treasures found only in Alaska’s south-central region. Although there have been many changes over the past 70 years, one of the largest is on the horizon. The future of Arctic Valley is currently being defined by the Chugach State Park (CSP) and their future management plans. As you may know, this summer Chugach State Park released a draft of the Chugach State Park Management Plan (CSPMP). Although Arctic Valley predates the CSP, our 55-year lease is coming to an end in 2022. According to the currently proposed management plan, CSP is not planning to renew Anchorage Ski Club's lease. This has huge—and possibly terminal—ramifications for the Club’s continued operation of Arctic Valley. The Club is a nonprofit organization, and it depends on its current lease arrangement with DNR and CSP for ongoing survival.
Within the current CSPMP, there is limited mention of the historic development and management of Arctic Valley by the Anchorage Ski Club. In addition, the CSPMP intends to relegate the operations of Arctic Valley to a concession contract. In plain terms, this means that the contract will be put out for bid, and anyone—or any company—could submit a proposal. It could also mean that even if the Anchorage Ski Club were successful in securing the concession contract, the nature and financial terms of the contract could significantly change creating a situation that limits our operations, income opportunities, and long term management. Ultimately these changes could effectively put the Club and Arctic Valley Ski Area out of business. There is also no guarantee that CSP will continue to permit lift-operated snow sports in this area.
Although 2022 seems like a long ways away, it is important that the Club can be assured of continued operations in order to acquire grants and loans that are critical to the operations of the ski area and lodge. If our lease runs out, then we may have to liquidate the lifts, lodge, and all facilities. We feel that the Club’s operation of Arctic Valley as a ski area and recreational facility is appropriate and consistent with the recreational and historical policies of the Park, which merits renewing our lease in its current (or similar) form. But as the Draft CSPMP currently contemplates, a concession contract will not assure the continued operations of the ski area or lodge. In addition, the expiration of our lease currently mandates the removal or forced sale of our facilities.
Earlier this summer, we appealed to our members and friends to comment on the Draft Chugach State Parks Management Plan. If you have already provided comments - Thank You! If you have not, TIME IS RUNNING OUT. The draft comment period for the plan ends Monday, October 31, 2011.. The time to comment is NOW. This is your opportunity to provide support for Arctic Valley and let CSP know that you think this is a valuable recreation resource. Unless we, as Arctic Valley enthusiasts, take the time to let planners know how much we value this area, it may not be there in the future. It is currently not apparent in the Plan that they recognize the significance of this area and how integral Arctic Valley has been in many of our lives. Without your input, CSP will not know the significance of the ski area and lodge to the people of Alaska.
Please let them know what Arctic Valley means to YOU. In my years with the Anchorage Ski Club, I have heard from many of you; how you have learned to ski, snowboard, or sled in Arctic Valley. How many of you grew up enjoying the slopes in the winter and the alpine hiking in the summer? Maybe you are the person that just "discovered" this jewel of a ski area just a half-hour from Anchorage. Tell them your story and let them know the significance of Arctic Valley ski area to you and your family. The Club's “official” input to the plan pales in comparison to individual Alaskan’s voicing their concerns.
Please take the time to comment on the Draft Management Plan. Please put your comments in your own words – even if it’s just a few lines. If you are at a loss for words, I have attached a document containing some relevant points that we feel are important to convey to CSP.
The CSPMP Draft can be found on-line:
http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/chugach/planning.htm.
Written comments can be submitted to:
Monica Alvarez
Department of Natural Resources
550 West 7th Avenue, Suite 1050
Anchorage, AK 99501-3579
Phone: 907-269-8145
Fax: 907-269-8915
Email: monica.alvarez@alaska.gov
To receive full consideration, comments must be received no later than 4:30pm AST,
Friday, September 9th, 2011.
I look forward to seeing everyone next season, and hopefully long into the future,
at Arctic Valley.
John Koltun
President, ASC
koltunj@skiarctic.com