Eaglecrest Ski Area in Alaska is a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders. As part of a series on ski resorts, Huffington Post Travel offers our guide to Eaglecrest Ski Area, featuring all the key information snow lovers need to know before they hit the slopes.
The Basics
Located in Juneau, Alaska,
is an ideal location for skiing, because it's affordable and easily accessible. It's two hours by plane from Seattle, and 12 miles from downtown Juneau. The Eaglecrest Snow Bus also transports guests from Juneau every day that the resort is open. But price and accessibility are not the only draws; for families, the area's appeal lies in its small size. Eaglecrest boasts a variety of trails in a range of skill levels, offering something for everyone.
The Mountain
has an elevation of 2,600 feet with a 1,400-foot vertical drop. The average snowfall on the mountain is more than
, making the need for snowmaking minimal -- Eaglecrest produces snow for only 6 percent of the skiable area. Some of the trails at Eaglecrest Ski Area are groomed, creating ideal conditions for skiing throughout the season. The longest run at the resort is 10,560 feet and may not appeal to experienced skiers. Eaglecrest Ski Area generally opens in December and closes in April.
Trails And Lifts
Eaglecrest Ski Area boasts
: 40 percent are intermediate, 40 percent are difficult and 20 percent are beginner level. This makes the resort a good choice for many types of skiers. Cross-country skiers take advantage of several Nordic trails that include three loops. There are four lifts at Eaglecrest, all of which are double lifts. Night skiing and a variety of lessons are also available.
In The News
Eaglecrest Ski Area is a small and out-of-the-way resort that doesn't attract the media very often. However, skiers can get deals by flying to the resort on
by bringing a boarding pass to the Eaglecrest Ski Area for discounts and deals. In 2011, Eaglecrest Ski Area won a marketing award at the National Ski Areas Association Conference for the best Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month Campaign.
Cost
A basic lift ticket at Eaglecrest costs $43 for adults, $38 for seniors, $33 for teens and $25 for children. Weekday, weekend/holiday and season passes are also available, with unlimited season passes ranging from $69 for children to $699 for adults. Eaglecrest rents skiers and snowboarders everything they may need on the slopes, with rates starting at $10 for poles, going up to $129 for an adult, five-day full package. For skiers and boarders who need some pointers, the Eaglecrest Ski Area Snowsports School offers a variety of private and group lessons for all ages, ranging in price from $54 to $229.
Apres-Ski
During a break from the slopes, guests head to the Mountain Lift, located in the Eaglecrest Ski Area's Day Lodge. The cafe serves a variety of hot and cold drinks, including smoothies, and pastries from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lunch and breakfast are served at The Eaglecrest Grill from 8:30 a.m. until 3:45 p.m. For other shopping, dining and entertainment options, downtown Juneau is only a short drive from the resort.
WATCH: Eaglecrest Ski Area
Advertisement
Eaglecrest Ski Area features adventurous skiing and snowboarding combined with breathtaking views.