Anchorage's Far North Bicentennial Park is threatened by the proposed expansion of the Hilltop Downhill Ski Area. Proposition 1, if approved by the voters, will allow Hilltop to clear-cut an additional 60 acres of the park.
If Hilltop Ski Area is allowed to expand, most of one of the great trails in Anchorage will be lost in exchange for some mediocre downhill skiing. The Spencer Loop is used heavily year round. Hilltop's expansion will turn it into a single use, one season ski area.
The Spencer Loop offers the finest recreational setting of any trail in Anchorage. It features a creekside setting, mature forest, views of the creek gorge and Mt. McKinley. It has few intersections with other trails and crosses no roads. It is challenging and thrilling but without the risks of backcountry skiing. Perhaps of greatest importance, it offers quiet and solitude, attributes that are valued by skiers and others throughout the year. These features are rare on our urban ski trails.
These pictures were taken in the evening on March 14, 2000. They are a poor substitute for putting on your skinny skis and going to see it for yourself. Don't wait too long, you might miss your chance.
This isn't officially the start of the Spencer Loop, but it's the first thing we see when we head down the Gasline to the drop into the Campbell Creek Valley. About everything you see here will be clear-cut for the base of the new ski runs and a road and parking. The sign will be a sad souvenir!
This picture is looking southwest near the north east corner of the proposed new slopes. In the winter there's a view through the trees. Notice the mix of trees.
The picture at the left looks towards the south from the same spot as the first picture.
The picture to the right is on a flat part of the trail after the brief downhill run from the first 2 pictures. Not very good terrain for a downhill ski. A nice spot to kick and glide on the cross-country trail.
Notice the predominance of birch trees here.
The picture at the right was taken looking uphill to the east. The trail climbs, then turns south towards the current downhill ski area.
Notice the stumps from spruce beetle killed trees. Nordic Ski Club volunteers have kept the trail clear with lots of volunteer labor.
The picture to the left is part of the trail very close to the current downhill ski area. It was taken looking mostly to the west.