Hatcher Pass Ski Guide & Avalanche Educator

With arguably more experience in the Hatcher Pass area than any other ski guide or avalanche educator, CMI is your best choice for guided backcountry skiing, snowboarding, or ski mountaineering in this part of the Talkeetna Mountains. CMI also provides avalanche safety courses in the Hatcher Pass area. Mat was skiing Hatcher Pass long before there was an avalanche center and forecast. He knows the terrain, weather, and snow dynamics here with an incomparable depth of knowledge.

Whether you’re interested in wide open and mellow powder slopes, Alaska’s most accessible spine lines, freeriding bouldery pillows, jump turning down hidden couloirs, or scrambling granite ridges for a day of ski mountaineering; CMI can provide an appropriate objective for your interest and ability level.

The snow climate of the Hatcher Pass area in the southwestern Talkeetna Mountains varies from season to season, but is typically characteristic of an intermountain (aka transitional) snowpack. The three major drainages (Fishhook, Archangel, and Little Susitna aka Gold Mint) each have a unique character and provide diverse riding opportunities. Deeper in these mountains a Mountaineering Club of Alaska and American Alpine Club hut system exists along the Bomber Traverse, which provides for incredible multi-day skiing and riding adventures in a semi-glaciated environment.

This area is only an hour drive from Anchorage and the international airport. It’s just a 20-30 minute drive from Palmer, a fast-growing town of ~6,000 with all modern conveniences and services. A variety of options for lodging, food, brew, and even legal cannabis exist at the base of Hatcher Pass (just outside the public land managed by Alaska State Parks).

Great car camping is available right at the trailheads for some of the area’s best skiing and riding. It’s just a short drive down the road to get a shower, gas, laundry, food, beverages, local craft brew, and legal cannabis.