A sequence of 236 varve thickness measurements by Perkins and Sims from proglacial Skilak Lake in southern Alaska is shown to contain spectral features similar to those of the sunspot index. In general, the varve spectrum qualitatively mimics that of the sunspot index, with discrepancies perhaps arising from the misinterpretation of random summer layers as annual increments (varves). These discrepancies may be largely removed through maximization of the sunspot index-varve cross correlation whereby a time-scale factor increment is applied to the varve series measurements. Varve thickness is positively correlated with the sunspot index and with vanishing lag (insofar as can be resolved). As varve thickness and meteorological variables have previously been shown to be strongly correlated, a direct link between the sunspot index and varve thickness is suggested by way of climate response to solar variations.