Juneau, Alaska – After a drama-filled summer, Eaglecrest just caught another tough break.
Last Friday, Eaglecrest Ski Area announced that they discovered that the Black Bear chairlift is dealing with significant mechanical damage. A simple fix isn’t believed to be possible, meaning that it won’t be ready for the opening day (December 7th) of the 2024-25 season. In addition, Eaglecrest believes that the fixes required won’t be finished by the conclusion of the 2024-25 season. They told guests to anticipate it not reopening until the 2025-26 season.
While it’s not Eaglecrest’s main workhorse (that would be Ptarmigan), it’s still an important chairlift. Black Bear is the only lift that directly services the Drifter, Marmot, Vertigo, and Easy Bowl trails. It also gives the easiest access to the East Bowl Chutes. Families also like using this lift over the Ptarmigan Chairlift due to the latter lift’s steep unloading ramp.
The rough offseason at Eaglecrest started with the surprising resignation of Dave Scanlan, Eaglecrest’s General Manager. The Eaglecrest Board asked for Dave Scanlan’s resignation for unspecified reasons. This shocked the local community, as Dave was beloved for his friendliness and intense work ethic. In September, Craig Cimmons from Jay Peak Resort was hired as Eaglecrest’s new General Manager. He faces a ski area with a stagnant gondola project, a basic snowmaking system that “doesn’t meet industry standards,” and an old lift infrastructure. However, its varied terrain, great views, and ample snowfall make it a worthwhile visit for ski bums.
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There was widespread disappointment about this lift closure announcement, with many frustrated with the city’s handling of the ski area. Many want to bring in outside help, but Eaglecrest’s remote location makes bringing people in difficult. For those not in the know, the city of Juneau owns and operates Eaglecrest. One commenter successfully described local’s thoughts on the past several months:
“Disappointed in absolutely everything that has happened at the mountain since the close of last season.”
Image/Video Credits: Eaglecrest Ski Area