The abandoned Skyline Skiway in St. Michaels has been collecting dust for years. What was once a Nordic ski jump and a ski resort in the 1920s and 30s eventually shut down and nature started to take its toll on the area. As time passed, the community started to forget it existed. Then the Graywater’s came in.
K.J. and Alyssa Graywater were gifted the Skyline Skiway by the landowners which included a total of 25 acres.
On Wednesday, June 26, a large crowd gathered in the once abandoned area to witness a new beginning with a powwow demonstration. The crowd got to see a Wacipi dance, prayer, singers, and drum ceremony. A teepee was also put up during the ceremony. Not only were there attendees from the Spirit Lake area and Devils Lake, but a huge tour bus brought people from Michigan to attend the event.
“This is what being Dakota is about,” said K.J. Graywater at the ceremony. “It’s an honor to be in this position to welcome everyone here. This property has really humbled me.”
While the property still needs some fixing up, much of the overgrown grass has been cut and now vehicles can drive in and access the grounds. The Graywaters have plans for the area including “glamping” nights in a genuine teepee and similar presentations to Wednesday’s for visitors throughout the summer months. Sledding, snowboarding and skiing may be coming in the winter months.
“We have so many different interests,” K.J. told the Journal. “We would like to push forward with tourism activities twice a week during the summer months.” Those activities would include but not limited to dance demonstrations and storytelling.
They operate a Facebook page where they are updating the progress of the land. The name of the page is “SkiJump Adventures.” They are also looking for volunteers to help with fixing the land as well as any spare lawnmowers. Financial donations are also being accepted.
