Small Ski Hills in Southcentral Alaska Preserve Access to Snow Sports

Volunteers and staff at Hilltop, Arctic Valley, and Skeetawk work to keep skiing and snowboarding affordable and community-focused.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 5:06pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a snowy ski slope with a chairlift and skiers, broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of vibrant blues, greens, and whites, capturing the energy and community spirit of these small, local ski hills.A community-driven effort to preserve affordable access to snow sports in Southcentral Alaska.Anchorage Today

In Southcentral Alaska, a mix of staff and volunteers at the small, non-profit ski areas of Hilltop, Arctic Valley, and Skeetawk work to maintain access to snow sports for the local community. From teaching lessons to operating lifts and groomers, these dedicated individuals ensure the slopes remain affordable and welcoming, even as larger resorts price out many families. The article highlights the community-driven spirit that keeps these cherished local hills running, preserving a beloved winter tradition.

Why it matters

As ski resorts across the country become increasingly expensive, pricing out many families, the small, community-focused ski areas in Southcentral Alaska provide an affordable and accessible alternative. These hills, run by passionate volunteers and staff, help maintain the region's winter culture and traditions, ensuring the next generation can enjoy the sport.

The details

At Hilltop Ski Area, snowboard instructor Kurt Meehleis has taught hundreds of students the fundamentals of snow sports, helping them 'become a snowboarder' through personalized lessons. Across town at Arctic Valley, longtime volunteer Rich Todd keeps the lodge stocked and running, while the Anchorage Ski Club has worked to preserve the area through tough times. And at the newer Skeetawk Ski Area, a partnership with the Mat-Su Central School allows dozens of homeschool students to access the slopes at low cost, introducing them to skiing and snowboarding.

  • Hilltop Ski Area has been a community hub for generations of Anchorage residents.
  • Arctic Valley Ski Area will celebrate its 90th anniversary next winter, marking the end of longtime board member Beverly Luedke-Chan's tenure.
  • Skeetawk Ski Area opened in 2020 after years of community efforts to bring a ski area to the Hatcher Pass region.

The players

Kurt Meehleis

A snowboard instructor at Hilltop Ski Area who has taught hundreds of students over his 30-year career.

Robert DeBerry

A community development manager at Hilltop Ski Area, where he says 'you can go almost anywhere in Anchorage, throw a rock in a crowd and hit somebody that has a Hilltop story.'

Beverly Luedke-Chan

A longtime board member of the Anchorage Ski Club, which operates Arctic Valley Ski Area, and whose family managed the ski area for much of the 1960s and 1980s.

Rich Todd

A volunteer at Arctic Valley Ski Area who has taken on a variety of roles, from lift operator to groomer, to help keep the small ski area running.

Joe Rucker

A teacher and student adviser at Mat-Su Central School, who helps chaperone homeschool students to Skeetawk Ski Area through a partnership program.

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What they’re saying

“'I don't tell a person how to snowboard, I help them become a snowboarder.'”

— Kurt Meehleis, Snowboard Instructor

“'We're here because we love it. We work in an industry that is all about fun and giving people that community, camaraderie (and) glue that holds us all together.'”

— Robert DeBerry, Community Development Manager

“'There aren't that many small, independent ski areas left. We're kind of a dying breed, and it is important to me to leave the area (and) the club in a state it could continue on. It is so hard to afford to be able to learn to ski nowadays with all of the costs it entails.'”

— Beverly Luedke-Chan, Longtime Board Member

“'If you grow up skiing here, you develop this love for a small mom-and-pop place. It's your community.'”

— Rich Todd, Volunteer

“'It doesn't matter what gear you have, grab whatever gear you can get and go. … Having it right in our backyard is a huge blessing.'”

— Jamie LeCount, Homeschool Parent

What’s next

Skeetawk Ski Area is planning a $25 million gondola expansion that would more than double the skiable acreage and allow the nonprofit to tap into summer tourism.

The takeaway

These small, community-focused ski areas in Southcentral Alaska are preserving access to winter sports and traditions, providing affordable and welcoming alternatives to the increasingly expensive 'destination' resorts. Their dedicated staff and volunteers ensure the next generation can enjoy the slopes, fostering a love of snow sports that is deeply rooted in the local culture.