Kenai Fjords National Park Over-the-Snow Transportation Feasibility Study.

PDFTech ReportDOT-VNTSC-NPS-12-02186/112423DTFH70-11-X-30048National parksSnowWinterPublic transitFeasibility analysisNeeds assessmentAlaskaUnited States. National Park ServiceLinthicum, Alexander SLian, F. ScottJohn A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (U.S.)AGR-PUBLIC AND TRIBAL LANDS-PUBLIC AND TRIBAL LANDSVolpe National Transportation Systems Center, Technical Reference CenterKenai Fjords National Park seeks to expand winter access to the Exit Glacier Area. Year-round access would better enable the park to accomplish its mission related to visitor experience, education, and research. The road to the area is inaccessible to cars November through April because of snow and ice. This report documents a feasibility study for over-the-snow (OTS) transportation that would carry passengers in a vehicle with treads up the snow-covered road. Through a site visit, interviews, and independent analysis, the report examines existing conditions, comparable services, vehicle options, market demand, owner-operator models, and business models. The report finds OTS service will increase winter use at the Exit Glacier Area and require NPS to make additional non-transportation-related investments. The park should seek an owner-operator model that improves access while minimizing additional NPS liability. The local business community has an opportunity to partner with the park in creating a new winter recreation destination. If implemented, OTS service should initially be offered in March and April to casual, sightseeing visitors