AI Tries To Write The News: Record snow and cold, Eaglecrest begins 50th season

Editor’s note: AI Tries To Write The News is a weekly feature where a commercial AI blog tool is asked to write news stories about notable local events of the past week, with excerpts of the results provided. Text that is outright fiction/nonsense is highlighted in red, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the rest is entirely accurate. The intent is to familiarize readers with what AI-generated news content looks like, and should not be considered factual or "reporting" in any sense other than as a basis of comparison to the human-written articles.

Stories for the week of Dec. 14

AI-generated photo and caption: "Downtown Juneau buried in record snowfall during December 2025."

Example 1

Juneau Independent story from Dec. 20, 2025: Shivering solstice: Record cold, high winds don’t keep Juneau from heading out during shortest days of year

Adult runners were sinking in snow to their knees, the temperature was barely above 10°F and occasional sudden wind gusts topping 60 miles an hour were strong enough to knock people over. That might explain how Finn Taintor, 9, claimed first prize for the "one-mile" course of the second annual Solstice Sweater Shuffle on Saturday morning.

"I found a strategy with moving your feet really fast so that you could jump through the snow without sinking into it," he said while taking refuge in the cabin shelter at Sandy Beach after the race. He was wearing a Gingerbread Running Team ("You can’t catch me!") fleece jacket, in keeping with the theme of the event that saw most other participants also clad in holiday-themed sweaters and other attire.

The race in Douglas that started at 10 a.m. was part of a full weekend of outdoor holiday and winter solstice events, which are occurring despite record-cold temperatures well below zero in some parts of Juneau and winds gusting up to 75 mph forecast between 3 a.m. Sunday and 9 a.m. Monday, according to the National Weather Service Juneau.

But the forecast notes the coldest temperatures are expected in the Mendenhall Valley, and the highest winds downtown and in Douglas, so while predicted wind chills of minus 15°F are expected citywide the impacts will be felt differently…

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AI-generated story: Unprecedented December: Record-High Snowfall and Record-Low Temperatures Hit Juneau

December 2025 brought an extraordinary weather event to Juneau, Alaska. The city experienced record-breaking snowfall combined with the coldest temperatures ever recorded for this month. This unusual combination has captured the attention of residents, meteorologists, and climate experts alike. The impact on daily life, infrastructure, and the environment has been significant, making this December one of the most memorable in Juneau’s history.

Record Snowfall Shatters Previous Benchmarks

This December, Juneau recorded over 90 inches of snowfall, surpassing the previous December record by nearly 30%. The heavy snow began falling in early December and continued almost daily, blanketing the city in thick layers of snow. Local weather stations reported that some neighborhoods saw snow accumulation exceeding 8 feet in certain spots due to drifting and repeated snowfalls.

The persistent snow created challenges for transportation and public services. Roads became difficult to navigate despite continuous plowing efforts. Public transit faced delays, and many flights in and out of Juneau International Airport were canceled or rescheduled. Schools and businesses adjusted schedules or temporarily closed to ensure safety.

Temperatures Drop to Historic Lows

Alongside the snowfall, temperatures plunged to levels never before seen in December for Juneau. The mercury dropped to -15°F (-26°C) on several nights, breaking the previous record low of -10°F (-23°C). These frigid temperatures intensified the impact of the snow, making snow removal harder and increasing risks of frostbite and hypothermia for those exposed outdoors.

The cold snap also affected infrastructure. Water pipes froze in some homes, causing bursts and water damage. Power demand surged as residents relied heavily on heating systems, leading to occasional power outages in certain areas. Emergency services issued warnings and advice on how to stay safe during the extreme cold.

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AI-generated photo and caption: "Eaglecrest Ski Area main lodge and slopes in winter."

Example 2

Juneau Independent story from Dec. 19, 2025: Eaglecrest Ski Area closed due to water line break; repairs delaying opening of Ptarmigan lift

Eaglecrest Ski Area’s 50th year is getting off to a rough start as a mainline water break forced the resort to close on Friday — the scheduled opening of its daily holiday-season schedule — and the Ptarmigan lift that accesses the top of the mountain is undergoing longer-than-expected repairs, according to officials.

An announcement at Eaglecrest’s Facebook just before 8 a.m. Friday announced the ski area is closed for the day due to the pipeline break, which means no water is available at the lodges.

"We will be closed today for the safety of our guests and staff," the post notes. "We are working with crews to resolve the issue and will provide updates when more information is available."

The ski area has suffered other recent setbacks as well, including the water line for the snowmaking system freezing, preventing it from working, General Manager Craig Cimmons said in a video posted on the resort’s Facebook page at about 7 p.m. Thursday. He said there has been ample snowfall during the past week and there is a solid snow base due to persisting cold temperatures…

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AI-generated story: Eaglecrest Ski Area Kicks Off 50th Season Amid Aging Infrastructure and Future Opportunities

Eaglecrest Ski Area has opened its gates for the 50th season, marking a significant milestone for this beloved community ski hill. Nestled on Douglas Island near Juneau, Alaska, Eaglecrest has long been a favorite destination for locals and visitors seeking quality skiing and snowboarding experiences. As the ski area celebrates half a century of operation, it faces pressing challenges related to aging infrastructure. At the same time, its leaders are optimistic about future opportunities that could revitalize the resort and enhance the experience for generations to come.

The Legacy of Eaglecrest Ski Area

Since opening in 1974, Eaglecrest has grown from a modest community ski hill into a well-known winter sports destination. Its location offers stunning views of the surrounding Tongass National Forest and the Gastineau Channel. The ski area has always emphasized accessibility and community involvement, operating as a non-profit organization supported by local volunteers and the City and Borough of Juneau.

Over the years, Eaglecrest has expanded its terrain to include over 640 acres of skiable area, with a mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs. The resort also offers cross-country skiing trails, snowshoeing, and other winter activities. This diversity has helped Eaglecrest maintain a loyal following despite competition from larger resorts elsewhere.

Challenges from Aging Infrastructure

As Eaglecrest enters its 50th season, the ski area faces significant challenges with its infrastructure. Many of the original lifts, buildings, and snowmaking systems have reached or exceeded their expected lifespans. This aging equipment poses safety concerns and limits the resort’s ability to operate efficiently during peak times.

For example, the main chairlift, installed decades ago, requires frequent maintenance and occasional shutdowns, frustrating visitors and staff alike. The lodge, while charming, lacks modern amenities that today’s skiers expect, such as expanded dining options and updated rental facilities. Additionally, the snowmaking system is outdated, making it difficult to maintain consistent snow coverage during warmer or low-snow winters.

These infrastructure issues also affect the resort’s financial health. Repair costs are rising, and the ski area must balance maintenance expenses with affordable ticket prices to keep skiing accessible to the local community. The challenge lies in upgrading facilities without losing the community-focused spirit that defines Eaglecrest.

Plans for Modernization and Growth

Despite these challenges, Eaglecrest’s leadership is actively pursuing opportunities to modernize the ski area and secure its future. The board and management have outlined several key projects aimed at improving safety, guest experience, and operational efficiency.

Lift Upgrades

Replacing or refurbishing the main chairlift is a top priority. Newer lifts would reduce downtime, increase capacity, and improve rider comfort. Plans include installing a high-speed quad chairlift that could cut ride times significantly, allowing skiers to spend more time on the slopes.

Lodge Renovations

The lodge is slated for renovations to expand seating, add new food and beverage options, and improve rental and retail spaces. These upgrades aim to create a more welcoming environment for families and visitors while preserving the rustic charm that locals appreciate…