One major assumption we seem to have
made in the recent city-wide election is that bigger is better.
Part of Hilltop's attraction is the quaintness and serenity it
has to offer, away form the hustle and bustle of a typical
resort. However, all we seem to know in our society is that more
is better, leaving any sense of beauty and serenity far behind.
It is ironic that in our ever increasingly fast paced world, we
do not feel the need for preserving and protecting places of
serenity, particularly in a developing city such as Anchorage.
Our creativity for other solutions to the Hilltop issue has been
replaced by the need to consume and conquer, holding true to the
spirit of a society concerned with quantity over quality. As the
city of Anchorage continues to grow, and parks become
increasingly scarce, we may come to truly regret this vote.
Jeff Heuseveldt
Let's encourage Hilltop to be BETTER, not bigger.
Please vote NO on Prop. 1 on April 4th. This misleading and confusing proposition, billed as a long-term lease, would allow Hilltop Ski Area to expand its footprint from 60 to 160 acres, cutting 43 acres of trees and bulldozing public land into one continuous slope.
Some proponents argue that the area has already been
"ruined" by the spruce bark beetle. Dead trees,
however, are far from worthless. Their biomass stores valuable
nutrients that came from the soil, which is partially formed from
decaying trees. At one stage in this cycle, saplings sprout forth
from fallen tree trunks. Among the dead spruce stand healthy,
mature birch, healthy young spruce, and a vast array of plants.
The diverse vegetation and topography support diverse wildlife.
Destroying a complex forest ecosystem due to a cyclical disease
in a single species is comparable to cutting off one's head
because of a headache.
Piece by piece, year by year, we've cut away at the integrity of
Far North Bicentennial Park. This park, as an intact forest
ecosystem, provides Anchorage residents a precious bit of
wilderness right here in town, within reach on a daily basis.
Hilltop provides a valuable service, but its present size is more
than adequate. Hilltop admits that future operations, including
the Special Olympics, require only a new chalet and improvements
to the parking lot. For more information, see www.kidsneedparks.org.
Let's encourage Hilltop to be BETTER, not bigger. Future
generations will thank you for voting NO on Prop. 1.
Terri Pauls
Hilltop Ski Area Expansion Proposal
Proposition 1 is set to be voted on in the April 4th city
elections this year. This proposition, if passed, would
allow for the expansion of the current Hilltop Ski Area from 60
acres to 160 acres, almost triple its current size. More
than 30 of these acres would take in an area not currently leased
to Hilltop, thus allowing for the conversion of current
Bicentennial Park ski trails into a downhill ski and snowboarding
area.
There are many issues involved in the decision on this
proposition-increased noise and light pollution from the added
lifts, lights, and snow makers, possible water pollution
problems, due to increased runoff and erosion of hillsides, and
fiscal issues. Of these, the monetary issues initially seem
the largest. Since the 1989-1990 winter, use of the Hilltop
Ski Area has decreased, and only since 1995 has the ski area
regained economic stability. In light of this, is it really
wise to take on 6 million more dollars in loans (the money which
will come from public and private sources for the
expansion)? From where will the added people come to make
use of the added lifts? Hilltop is generally thought of as
a place for beginners, and with our proximity to more advanced
alpine ski resorts, such as Alyeska and Alpenglow, are more
slopes needed? Even Hilltop testified in front of the
Anchorage Assembly that they could just as easily improve their
facilities and not expand, their business plan also states this,
saying that they could increase revenue simply through
improvements. Also going unmentioned is the fact that waits
now rarely exceed 3-5 minutes, and some lifts rarely see use.
Public discussion of this proposition has centered on
youth. Some contend that the expansion of the ski area is
needed to meet the needs of young snowboarders and skiers in
Anchorage. While I agree that Hilltop is a great place for
young people to learn how to snowboard and ski downhill, what
about those of us who are cross-country skiers? I'll admit
that I occasionally go downhill skiing, even at Hilltop, but I go
cross-country skiing almost daily, and I know that I am not
alone. The plan to extend Hilltop would do away with the
Spencer Loop, part of the Bicentennial Park trails. This
trail is one of the best trails in the Hillside-Bicentennial
system, and it is used daily throughout the year, not only for
cross-country skiing, but also for running, hiking,
nature-viewing, and horseback riding. A new downhill skiing
slope on the other hand can only be used during the winter
season.
So, I ask, which set of youth will benefit more? Sure, the
new slopes will be used by some youth during some of the year,
but the rest of us must be considered too. There are
currently three downhill ski areas in or near to Anchorage.
For challenging cross-country skiing, there is only one other
place in Anchorage, Kincaid Park, and this is a long way from
South Anchorage. Are the downhill skiers more important
than the high school cross-country running and skiing programs?
What about such groups as Trailside Discovery, a summer
youth/nature camp program, who hike on the Hillside trails? There
are enough slopes among the current ones at Hilltop, Alyeska, and
Alpenglow for the downhill skiers, and, if the Spencer Loop and
Kincaid are left alone, there are enough trails for cross-country
skiers too.
Apparently there is the possibility that the Spencer Loop can be
moved. The decision, though, would be up to the owners of
Hilltop. This would cost even more money, and the agreement is
non-binding. Additionally, this movement brings up more
environmental concerns. The expansion of the downhill ski
area would already cause the clear-cutting of 30 acres of prime
forest, and moving the Spencer Loop would mean the partial
destruction of habitat not formerly touched. As an avid
birdwatcher, I would not be happy to see this. I have
walked the Spencer Loop trails many times, as have many other
birdwatchers, because it is one of the best places in Anchorage
to listen for and see songbirds. I also know that the area
has been used, and is currently used, by scientists studying
songbirds. All though the presence of the trail provides
opportunities for me to watch birds, maintaining some trail-free
forests is key for the continued survival and success of forest
species in Anchorage.
For all these reasons I urge those of you who can vote to vote
against Proposition 1. For those of you who can't, please
advise someone who can to vote against it. The issue is not
as cut and dried as Proposition 1 advocates would want you to
believe. This is not a vote for or against youth.
Many young people cross-country ski too, and they need to be
remembered. Also, the environmental and fiscal sides of the
equation must be addressed. By taking all of these into
consideration, the best option is to leave what is now good
enough alone.
If passed, Proposition 1 will allow Hilltop to clear, light and make snow on up to an additional 60 acres. It will change a beautiful part of Far North Bicentennial Park and increase conflict among all other users.
Over the years, equestrians have felt the pressure of
increased use of the park, and have lost traditional trails. Many
of the long timehorse trails were turned into the Nordic ski
trails. Horses are still welcome on them in summer, but not in
winter. The mushers are being squeezed from both sides. The
development of Heritage Land Bank land along Tudor, where their
trails have traditionally been, and pressure from the use of the
Campbell Creek Science Center have caused rerouting of trails. If
Hilltop expansion pushes multi-trail users north, more conflicts
will occur on mushing trails. Think of rounding a corner with
even 5 dogs running full speed, and finding a skier or walker
with his dog in the middle of your trail.
If Hilltop expands, they will be required to replace the Spencer
Loop cross-country trail. What about the other users? The point
is that as chunks of the park are restricted to a single use,
everyone else gets less to share. The less area there is to share
among multi-users, the more conflict there is for all users. Vote
NO on Proposition 1.
Pixie Siebe 346-3329
Chris Birch’s letter (ADN 2/23/00) regarding the Hilltop Expansion is misleading when he suggests that a "yes" vote on Prop 1 would "enable Hilltop to construct and operate a new chalet, upgrade the parking lot, construct a new lift .. continuation of the popular Hilltop programs."
Nothing he listed depends on the expansion of the ski area. Money for the chalet and parking lot is already available. Replacing the current lift with a higher capacity lift has been suggested many times. Hilltop is financially sound so its worthwhile programs will continue.
It is also wrong to say the expansion is a "a vote for the youth of our community." It is a vote for a select group who are learning how to downhill ski or snowboard and can afford $18 a day to do it. Those kids gain little since the new slopes will not offer more challenging terrain, just more beginner slopes. They will still go to Alyeska every chance they can.
A vote for Prop 1 is a vote against a much larger number of youth who will no longer be able to use the area to be clearcut. That area is used by skiers, runners, equestrians, orienteers, hikers, bikers and more. It is used by kids and adults all year long.
Public testimony at hearings about the Hilltop expansion showed overwhelmingly that the area Hilltop wants to clearcut is not idle wilderness. It is a very busy playground. I’d hate to see my kids lose it to Hilltop’s chain saws.
Sincerely,
John Weddleton
Support our Youth & Adults – Vote NO on Proposition #1
Many letters have been written stating that expanding Hill Top ski area will help our children. The logic is missing on these statements. Voting FOR is not a vote for kids. It’s a vote for some kids who downhill ski and snowboard. Yes, Hill Top offers a great service to our community. I have taught ski lessons at Hill Top and our children learned to ski there. Hill Top serves the interest of Anchorage well, and offers a great experience for beginner skiers of all ages who can afford it.
However, making it bigger will not "help" our youth more or make more youth use the ski area. Hill Top does not exceed its capacity and does not turn skiers away who can pay for a lift ticket. Also, money for the new lodge is already committed from our tax dollars and will happen regardless of the vote. The funds are federal tax dollars given to Hill Top through Special Olympics. The proposed expansion is not part of this monetary package. If Hill Top can’t afford these basic upgrades, how can we expect them to pay for expanding their terrain?
Hill Top ski area is a seasonal operation while the additional land it is seeking is used year round. In the summer, the land is used for hiking, biking, running, bird watching and horseback riding, while the downhill runs are generally unused. The real question is "What is the best use of our public space?" Do we support a business that has not financially proven it can justify the additional costs for expansion, or should we support the free use of our park land currently used by many varied groups within our city?
Vote NO on Proposition #1.
Tom Newins
Hilltop Expansion or Watershed
Protection? - Vote on April 4th.
Dan Rosenberg
Proposition 1 will be on the April 4th Municipal elections ballot
and unless you are familiar with this issue it's hard to know
just what this vote is about. If forthright, Prop 1 would be
titled Hilltop Ski Area Expansion. And it's a large expansion,
more than two and a half times the size of Hilltop's current
area. A yes vote allows Hilltop to expand. A NO vote will allow
Hilltop to operate and improve their present facility, host the
snowboarding Special Olympics but not expand their ski runs. All
park users benefit from a NO vote.
Is there a need for Hilltop to expand? Hilltop has never
demonstrated a need to expand. Lift lines are seldom over 3-5
minutes and hill capacity is never fully utilized. Meanwhile, a
poma lift sits mostly idle. A faster lift would eliminate the few
periods of long lift lines. Hilltop's business plan acknowledges
that their future operations only require a new day lodge and
improvements to the parking lot. No new ski runs are necessary.
Since the 1989-90 ski season the number of skiers at Hilltop has
steadily declined. Alyeska has also experienced a decline in
skiers during this same period from 1989-1997, in spite of
improving lifts, snowmaking capabilities, and the base lodge.
Meanwhile Alpenglow failed. In spite of this Hilltop is seeking
public and private money to finance the more than $6 million
necessary for their planned improvements.
Hilltops own forecast anticipates a need for additional 8,000
skiers per year just to offset the operating costs of the new
lift and trail system. Major demographic changes are occurring in
Anchorage as the economy experiences a major shift from high
paying to lower paying jobs. While more families are dependent
upon lower paying service oriented jobs, Anchorage growth is
almost at a standstill, and school enrollment declined in 1999.
Where will these kids, age 10-16, Hilltop's major customer base,
come from? Who will be paying the high price of a lift ticket and
equipment rental costs to pay off $6 million in loans over the
next 30 years?
Hilltop's plans call for another ski lift, 50 - 1,000 watt sodium
floodlights and 50 - 400 watt highway lights, and a doubling of
their snowmaking equipment. More snow fog and more lights will
cover the Hillside. If Prop. 1 passes, a few downhill skiers, for
the price of a lift ticket, will now have exclusive use to
another 80 acres of the park. This land is currently being used
year-round for a variety of recreational activities and providing
clean air, clean water, and wildlife habitat. These benefit all
residents at no cost. Hilltop's public land grab will also
require a new trail be built to replace the Spencer Loop,
removing more trees and further altering the landscape.
Snowboarders, a large percentage of Hilltop's business, primarily
buy lift tickets so they can use the Snowboard Terrain Park.
Snowboarders are not looking for new beginner slopes but a faster
lift ride to get them back to the "terrain park" as
quickly as possible. No expansion is necessary.
What effect will additional snowmaking requirements have on the
ecology of Campbell Creek? Hilltop asked this very question in a
document they published in February 1994. However, they never
answered it. Studies have not been conducted and the question
remains unanswered.
The Far North Bicentennial Park Plan recognized the need to
preserve this space for watershed protection. Clearing trees and
bulldozing the landscape will increase runoff and erosion into
Campbell Creek. In December 1984, Hilltop used over 580,000
gallons of water per day from Campbell Creek. By doubling their
snow making capacity Hilltop will tax their theoretical maximum
withdrawal of 979,000 gallons per day from the creek from October
through December.
Proposition 1 encourages piecemeal assault on the open space,
wildlife, and recreational values of Far North Bicentennial Park
(FNBP). As others follow Hilltop's footsteps and continue to chip
away at Anchorage's last legacy of wilderness, the attributes
that attracted so many to this city will no longer be apparent.
Don't gamble on one of the few undeveloped large tracts of public
land in the Anchorage bowl? Even Hilltop acknowledges their best
chance for a successful operation is by just improving the base
facilities and parking. The value of open space in FNBP and the
demands placed upon it will only appreciate as Anchorage matures.
Arctic Valley can provide more downhill skiing opportunities
within the Anchorage bowl. A NO vote will encourage Hilltop to
use its energy and expertise to revitalize this existing area, if
and when the time is right.
Vote NO on Prop 1.
Anchorage Waterways Council
March 4, 2000
ALL of our WORLD CLASS downhillers came from the Glacier Academy, based in GIRDWOOD, at the base of very steep and icy ALYESKA.
I guarantee you, they did not waste their time training at Hilltop! I am not aware of a single Down Hill Olympian who learned to ski at HILLTOP!
X-C Skiers who have made WORLD CLASS ranking all trained at Kincaid and ON THE SPENCER LOOP! Here are just a few:
WORLD CLASS events held at Kincaid Park, and/or Spencer Loop:
WORLD CLASS events held at Hilltop:
There are literally THOUSANDS of mountains more suitable than the one hilltop has chosen. Why take from a world class x-c ski course to make a substandard cross-hill ski area? Anchorage needs more WORLD CLASS areas to attract events and outside skiers.
Charlie Bader