Skiing

Juneau Assembly members interview Mike Satre (lower right), chair of Eaglecrest Ski Area’s Board of Directors, on Tuesday night. The Assembly reappointed Satre to a third three-year term, along with appointing two other members. (Screenshot from City and Borough of Juneau meeting on Zoom)

Two Eaglecrest board incumbents reappointed by Assembly, along with AEL&P’s CFO as new member

Stability during transition at ski resort following GM’s controversial resignation cited as key factor.

 

A used gondola being installed at Eaglecrest Ski Area may not begin operating until 2027, according to Goldbelt Inc. President and CEO McHugh Pierre, whose company is providing $10 million for installation costs. (Eaglecrest Ski Area photo)

Eaglecrest Ski Area gondola may not open until 2027 due to CBJ delays, Goldbelt CEO says

Agreement with city allows Goldbelt to nix $10M deal if gondola doesn’t open by May 31, 2028.

 

A mountain biker takes advantage of a trail at Eaglecrest Ski Area during the summer of 2022. The city-owned resort is planning to vastly expand its summer activities with a new gondola and the facilities by 2026. (City and Borough of Juneau photo)

Eaglecrest’s big summertime plans, including the gondola, get OK from planning commission

Ski area also planning new summit lodge, snowtubing park, bike trails and picnic pavilion by 2026.

 

Juneau Ski Club U16 racer Eva Meyer competes in a slalom run during the Coca-Cola Classic Sunday at Girdwood. (Photo courtesy Bob Eastaugh)

Meyer, Satre lead Juneau Ski Club down Girdwood course

First competition of the ski season gives JSC firm footing for national qualifications

Juneau Ski Club U16 racer Eva Meyer competes in a slalom run during the Coca-Cola Classic Sunday at Girdwood. (Photo courtesy Bob Eastaugh)
An Eaglecrest Ski Area lift operator helps skiers on Dec. 20. A study published earlier this month states the average wage of $13.06 for Eaglecrest lift operators and attendants is 25% below the average at U.S. ski resorts. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)

Study: Eaglecrest wages effectively 40% below average at U.S. resorts

Higher cost of living cited as significant factor; staff says Juneau’s allure helps attract workers.

An Eaglecrest Ski Area lift operator helps skiers on Dec. 20. A study published earlier this month states the average wage of $13.06 for Eaglecrest lift operators and attendants is 25% below the average at U.S. ski resorts. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
Scant patches of snow remain at the base of Eaglecrest Ski area on Wednesday despite snowmaking efforts that occurred during the weekend, due to warmer temperatures and rain this week. The opening date for the ski area, originally set for Dec. 2 and then delayed until Dec. 9, is now undetermined. (Photo courtesy of Eaglecrest Ski Area)

Eaglecrest opening delayed again, target date now TBD

Warm temperatures and rain thwart efforts to open ski area on Saturday.

Scant patches of snow remain at the base of Eaglecrest Ski area on Wednesday despite snowmaking efforts that occurred during the weekend, due to warmer temperatures and rain this week. The opening date for the ski area, originally set for Dec. 2 and then delayed until Dec. 9, is now undetermined. (Photo courtesy of Eaglecrest Ski Area)
Fresh snow covers the surface of Eaglecrest Ski Area on Friday morning. General Manager Dave Scanlan said Thursday the plan is to open the ski area next Saturday. (Webcam photo courtesy of Eaglecrest Ski Area)

Eaglecrest manager says things look cool for upcoming season, despite delayed opening

Strong numbers for season pass sales, number of foreign student employees, business leaders told.

Fresh snow covers the surface of Eaglecrest Ski Area on Friday morning. General Manager Dave Scanlan said Thursday the plan is to open the ski area next Saturday. (Webcam photo courtesy of Eaglecrest Ski Area)
A snowboarder stays afloat on the skim pond at Eaglecrest Ski Area as they partake in the return of the Slush Cup Saturday afternoon. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

Slush Cup returns to Eaglecrest

The ski area waves goodbye to the 2022-2023 winter season.

A snowboarder stays afloat on the skim pond at Eaglecrest Ski Area as they partake in the return of the Slush Cup Saturday afternoon. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
Juneau crowds flock to Eaglecrest Ski Area on Saturday to enjoy the official opening of the ski season. The mountain was limited to only utilizing the Porcupine Chairlift, but additional lifts are expected to open in the coming months, according to staff. (Jonson Kuhn / Juneau Empire)

Eaglecrest Ski Area successfully lands soft opening

Additional lifts to open soon.

Juneau crowds flock to Eaglecrest Ski Area on Saturday to enjoy the official opening of the ski season. The mountain was limited to only utilizing the Porcupine Chairlift, but additional lifts are expected to open in the coming months, according to staff. (Jonson Kuhn / Juneau Empire)
Components for Eaglecrest’s recently purchased gondola system sit packed up as they’re prepared for the voyage to Alaska from Austria. (Courtesy photo / Dave Scanlan)

Some assembly required: Shipping process for new Eaglecrest gondola is underway

Once they’re crated up, they’ve got a sea voyage of more than 10,000 miles ahead.

Components for Eaglecrest’s recently purchased gondola system sit packed up as they’re prepared for the voyage to Alaska from Austria. (Courtesy photo / Dave Scanlan)
Eaglecrest Ski Area is working to improve its lower Nordic trails, hardening them to provide a better base for grooming equipment during the winter season, among other improvements this summer. (Courtesy photo / Charlie Herrington)

Eaglecrest uses summer to make widespread improvements

The ski area is making improvements for both summer and winter activities.

Eaglecrest Ski Area is working to improve its lower Nordic trails, hardening them to provide a better base for grooming equipment during the winter season, among other improvements this summer. (Courtesy photo / Charlie Herrington)
Allison Smith, a member of the Juneau Nordic Ski Club, passes another skier on her way along Montana Creek Road. Ski trails around Juneau will soon be hiding clues for Juneau Nordic Ski Club's ski-o’cache event. (Ben Hohenstatt/Juneau Empire)

Grab your skis and phone — it’s time for ski-o’caching

Juneau’s Nordic Ski Club offers a new event

Allison Smith, a member of the Juneau Nordic Ski Club, passes another skier on her way along Montana Creek Road. Ski trails around Juneau will soon be hiding clues for Juneau Nordic Ski Club's ski-o’cache event. (Ben Hohenstatt/Juneau Empire)
A snowboarder makes his way through the snow at Eaglecrest Ski Area earlier this month. The City and Borough of Juneau-owned and operated ski area has received snowfall each of the past 30 days. (Courtesy Photo | Jeremy Lavender)

Eaglecrest enjoys best stretch of wintry weather in almost a decade

Ski area sees 30 straight days of snow.

A snowboarder makes his way through the snow at Eaglecrest Ski Area earlier this month. The City and Borough of Juneau-owned and operated ski area has received snowfall each of the past 30 days. (Courtesy Photo | Jeremy Lavender)
Eaglecrest to unveil new ticketing, tracking system

Eaglecrest to unveil new ticketing, tracking system

The new technology will be a boon for analytics.

Eaglecrest to unveil new ticketing, tracking system
The Eaglecrest Ski Area lodge, seen here in 2015, is the planned site of the Old Tower Bar, which would serve beer and wine during ski season. In a unanimous vote Monday, Oct. 15, 2018, the Alcohol Control Board rejected an alcohol license for the business. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Bill could pave way for alcohol at Eaglecrest

The ski area could have the Alaska State Fair to thank.

The Eaglecrest Ski Area lodge, seen here in 2015, is the planned site of the Old Tower Bar, which would serve beer and wine during ski season. In a unanimous vote Monday, Oct. 15, 2018, the Alcohol Control Board rejected an alcohol license for the business. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
The Juneau Ski Club’s FreeRide Team on the top of Eaglecrest on Saturday. Left to right: Eero Wooldord, McKenna McNutt, Sophia Caputo, Gabi Griggs, JoJo Griggs, Austin Smith. (Courtesy Photo | Randy Bates).

‘FreeRide’ program blazes new trail for skiers, boarders

Not your traditional ski class.

The Juneau Ski Club’s FreeRide Team on the top of Eaglecrest on Saturday. Left to right: Eero Wooldord, McKenna McNutt, Sophia Caputo, Gabi Griggs, JoJo Griggs, Austin Smith. (Courtesy Photo | Randy Bates).