Eaglecrest to remain closed Saturday due to ‘large break’ in main water line
- Mark Sabbatini
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
Joint failure due to age of pipe, not freezing temperatures, according to ski resort
By Mark Sabbatini
Juneau Independent
Aging infrastructure that is a foremost concern of Eaglecrest Ski Area leaders is forcing the resort to close for a second straight day on Saturday due to a break in the main water line, according to an official update Friday afternoon.
The resort was closed on Friday due to the break, disrupting what was supposed to be the opening of a daily holiday schedule through Jan. 4. The resort’s snowmaking equipment and lone functioning bottom-to-top chairlift are also suffering equipment failures.
A break in a water main joint at the Fish Creek Lodge is "due to age-related failure and was not caused by freezing," according to Friday’s update posted at Eaglecrest’s website.
"This was a large break, and repairs will take time," the update notes, adding information about whether the resort will be open Sunday will be posted Saturday afternoon.
People can still drive to the ski area and access the mountain by hiking up it. Eaglecrest’s website notes that parking is limited to the lower lot only, the EV charging station is closed, and water and restrooms are unavailable.
"Portable toilets are located outside if needed," the website notes.
Ski school staff will call people who have signed up for lessons to rebook or cancel, according to the update.
Eaglecrest opened for its 50th year on Dec. 13, with the Porcupine lift and runs it serves at the bottom of the hill open. General Manager Craig Cimmons, in a Facebook post on Thursday, stated the Ptarmigan lift to the top of the mountain is undergoing repairs expected to be completed soon. Also, he said the water line for the snowmaking system froze, which is preventing it from functioning.
Repairing or replacing infrastructure at the city-owned ski area has emerged as a major concern of officials responsible for its funding and operations. The Black Bear chairlift accessing the top of the mountain was permanently shut down last year, and an economic assessment report presented in January detailed up to $19 million in equipment and building projects to address during the next 15 years if funds are available.
• Contact Mark Sabbatini at editor@juneauindependent.com or (907) 957-2306.
