Eaglecrest opening its beginner hill Saturday, hopes to open upper mountain Dec. 19
- Mark Sabbatini
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Frigid weather forecast as ski area’s 50th season set to begin with "winter preview" on Porcupine lift runs
By Mark Sabbatini
Juneau Independent
Eaglecrest Ski Area is set to begin its 50th season Saturday with the opening of the Porcupine lift that serves the beginner hill runs at the base of the mountain, General Manager Craig Cimmons said Wednesday.
"We’re calling it our winter preview," he said, adding the "grand opening" will be when the Hooter and/or Ptarmigan lifts are providing access to higher parts of the mountain.
Eaglecrest is planning to be open daily for whatever lifts are operating between Dec. 19 and Jan 4, although the resort will be closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day.
The opening was delayed a week after rainy, warm weather melted much of the accumulated snowpack, but heavy snow during the past weekend and frigid temperatures the past few days are ensuring this weekend’s plans can proceed, Cimmons said. The mountain is scheduled to be open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. between opening day and Jan. 25, after which hours will be extended as more daylight returns until the scheduled end of the season in April.
Cold weather, with temperatures between 10 and 20 degrees that will feel colder due to wind chill, is forecast for Juneau this weekend, according to the National Weather Service Juneau. There is also a chance of snow with light accumulation both days.
Cimmons said opening other areas of the mountain the following week will depend on how the weather affects snow conditions. The extended weather forecast as of Wednesday afternoon calls for the cold spell to continue at least through the middle of next week.
• Contact Mark Sabbatini at editor@juneauindependent.com or (907) 957-2306.
