Alaska's Hatcher Pass Could See Snowcat, Heliskiing Next Winter

A company that wants to shuttle skiers by snowcat and helicopter to distant peaks in the increasingly popular Hatcher Pass area has sparked objections from some outdoor enthusiasts worried about increased avalanche danger, pollution and noise.

“They’ll say they won’t interfere with us, but sure enough on a blue powder day, they’ll be right there poaching that line right above you,” said Toby Schwoerer, a longtime backcountry skier in the area who opposes the plan.

“And it’s a safety issue,” he said. “They drop atop me and they may trigger an avalanche that buries me.”

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