The Hurricane Ridge Winter Access Coalition is looking for funding to help keep Hurricane Ridge Road open four days per week this winter.

Through a cooperative effort with Olympic National Park, the coalition is hoping to raise $48,860 by Nov. 23.

The park currently does not have funding for the one additional day (the road is normally open three days per week, weather permitting), but is willing to hire additional staff if community funding is available, coalition members said last week.

“We think this is an excellent opportunity for the local community, mountain community, and economic development on the peninsula,” local mountain guide Tyler Reid said. “It’s a step in the right direction and could put us on the path to a more stable and sustainable future for Hurricane Ridge access.”

The coalition first met with Olympic National Park Superintendent Sarah Creachbaum on March 10 after gathering more than 1,000 signatures for the effort.

“It’s important to understand that this is a new landscape and not another trial period,” said Roger Oakes, author of “Skiing in Olympic National Park” and longtime advocate for winter activities at Hurricane Ridge.

“We appreciate the park’s willingness to work with us,” Oakes said.

Frank Crippen, owner of North by Northwest in Port Angeles, said, “Owning a business in the winter here is tough. Backcountry skiing and snowboarding are seeing incredible growth in the last few years. Port Angeles has the potential to be a destination ski town.”

Reid added, “Seven-day access is our ultimate goal and this is the first step. It (the fundraising) is very doable but it’s going to take a community effort.”

Donations are being collected through a Kickstarter-style online fundraiser. The group’s website also has directions on how to donate by check. Funds are being administered by Washington’s National Park Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. For more information or to make a donation, go to www.accesstheridge.org.