July 9, 2026, Seward Folly

by Addie Cooley

The Ozerkov family’s proposal for a recreational resort on Mount Marathon was approved by the planning and zoning committee on Tuesday, July 7. This approval marks a new chapter for the committee and city of Seward, as ‘recreational resort’ is a new term for the area and did not have an established protocol within the planning and zoning committee for approval. The resort, Marathon Ridge Retreat, will include ten guest lodging cabins, four sauna and wellness structures, a 2,480-square-foot day lodge, a 6,000-square-foot event hall, a 3,500-square-foot maintenance facility, two single-family residences, and plans for a chairlift and additional parking facilities.

The zoning and planning meeting proved to be multifaceted in its comments section regarding the resort. Many Seward voices were heard, from within city limits and beyond, announcing their support or disapproval for the resort.

Aialik Street on Mount Marathon. Photos by Seward Folly

The main topics of interest included the chairlift into the bowl of Mount Marathon, safety concerns, and traffic in the surrounding area. Quite a few comments were heard establishing the credibility and genuineness of the Ozerkov family, from former employees, neighbors, and community members that have spoken with the family about the project. The Ozerkovs have spoken with fire officials, utility providers, environmental professionals, and city staff to ensure safety of the structures on the rugged mountain terrain. Access roads for emergency vehicles will be built, along with improvements to existing roads. The family also cited their invitations to converse with local nonprofits, schools, businesses, and tribal organizations to receive feedback about the resort.

The Marathon Ridge Retreat introduces a new era of tourism in Seward that provides year-round tourism access to the city, largely depending on the building of the chairlift into the bowl of Mount Marathon, allowing skiers easier access in the winter.  Tim Ozerkov ensured the conservation of nature on the property, stating that 7% of the 44.25 acres will be developed, and the rest will remain untreated.

“We view this property as something to be cared for over the generations,” Ozerkov stated. “That philosophy has guided every decision we’ve made.”

Tim, his brother Matt, and sister-in-law Heather, represented the resort at the meeting, responding to community member’s comments. Owners of the Oz Lodge, with properties including the Bunk House, Tiehacker Chalet, Alice Chalet, and Seward Saunas, the family has experience within the Seward tourism industry and sees this as an opportunity to “not simply develop land, but to invest in Seward’s future.”

While shown a great amount of community support, the resort still faces some difficulties with nearby homeowners and conservationists. The face of Mt Marathon has been largely untouched, and the implementation of a resort and possible ski lift would be a monumental change from the mountain’s rugged history.

Public commenter Rodney Rick discussed this stipulation, explaining, “I know a lot of people don’t want it to change, but as a board, I don’t think your job is to make sure it doesn’t change, it’s just to make sure it changes responsibly.”

A new era of tourism has reached Seward with the Marathon Ridge Retreat, and will introduce a new wave of winter tourists to the area, depending on the chairlift phase of the building plan. The construction plan spans from 2026-2034, with this accommodation taking place in the last of five phases. The initial phase spanning from 2026-2028 includes civil, road work, and utilities, with the cabins and maintenance facility phase taking place in 2028-2030, the day lodge and saunas in 2031,the event hall in 2032, and the winter recreation in 2034.