Eaglecrest Ski Area: An AK Trip of a Lifetime for Every Skier

 

Written by Taylor Bunn | Edited by Dara Barney

Not sure if you're craving ocean views on the coast this weekend? Perhaps you'd rather hit the slopes? At Eaglecrest Ski Area, you get both. Take the trip of a lifetime to Juneau, AK to shred this mountain and get to know the area. As an Indy Ski Pass holder, you'll have access to this mountain as well as 43 other resorts to improve your skills and experience views across the country. This particular ski area offers unique, big mountain terrain on Douglas Island, access over just a short channel across from the city of Juneau.

About Eaglecrest Ski Area

Open from the beginning of December to late April, this ski area is community-owned and operated, one of the few in the United States. With a vertical drop of 1,620 feet, roughly 640 acres, and an average snowfall of 350 inches, this is an absolute must on your winter bucket list this year. 80% of the trails are for intermediate and expert riders, with about 20% left for beginners, it's a great place for everyone to experience.

There are four lifts and 36 runs available, as well as extensive backcountry access from the two Nordic Skiing loops. So there is plenty of untouched powder to be explored. Drop into wide-open bowls and make your own tracks or hit groomers on any of the 34 marked trails.

You might find yourself starting out the day with a breakfast burrito from the Eaglecrest Grill, or warming up with a bowl of soup before shredding your last couple of runs. You'll be able to take your time throughout the day because lift lines are known to be practically non-existent. The slopes are uncrowded, and the fellow skiers that are on it are all extremely friendly. This incredible mountain has a major positive effect on its riders.

If you're a family of riders, at Eaglecrest you'll find an award-winning Snowsports School. With many professionally-certified instructors on staff, they are ready to teach people of all ages how to conquer any mountain. If you're looking for a family ski resort, you definitely need to pack your bags and get a quick flight over to Alaska this winter

'Vacay' in Eaglecrest

Who says vacations are all about summer, sun and sand? One unforgettable way to spend the winter season is a trip to visit the incredible terrain at this resort. Afterward, delay your trip home and hit up a few more West Coast ski resorts to really hone in your skillset. Save the cost of daily lift tickets or single ski resort tickets and grab this epic pass for an unbelievable value. Just $219 will get you an Indy Ski Pass to more than 40 ski resorts. Good for two lift tickets to each ski area, it gives you just enough time to enjoy the mountain, respect the town and take memories with you that can't be matched.

Pack your bags and get ready for an incredible weekend. Make it a quick trip by flying into Juneau. Juneau is located across a channel from the ski area. It is also known as one of the largest wilderness areas in the United States. There is plenty of wildlife to see while you're here, fish to be caught, and glaciers to explore.

You might be a first-time visitor this winter to shred the gnar, but you'll definitely be back for more. Downtown Juneau is home to a lot of shops, restaurants, and lodging available nearby. Depending on what time of year you're heading there, you could be in for a once in a lifetime experience. Not just because of the untouched powder and/or crisp groomers, but something a little more cosmic. The Eaglecrest Ski Area has been known to be a place to view the Northern Lights.

From Juneau, take a quick 25-minute drive to the mountain on Douglas Island. If you don't want to fly with gear, there are rentals accessible for skiers and snowboarders there. For just $35, you can get the whole ski or snowboard set up for the day.

Grab a Multi-Mountain Ski Pass

How many seasons have you had as a snowboarder or skier? A couple? A handful? Too many to keep track of? No matter how many years you've got on groomers, no matter how many resorts you've been to, you need the Indy Ski Pass. This is the year to explore, to test new terrain and to push the limits.

The best way to become better is to truly practice, practice, and you guessed it... more practice! Get on every mountain possible. The abundance of resorts included in this multi-mountain ski pass are all located in small, quaint towns with affordable lodging options. Plus, they're all in relative location to each other. This is the year to splurge on a vacation or two throughout winter.

Grab the Indy Pass before January 1st for just $219. Yes, this is a real deal. It exists to provide all you skiers and snowboarders with the ultimate value that can't be beaten!

Ski Resorts Near Juneau

If you're looking to extend this trip, and trust us — you will — the Indy Pass makes you a multi-resort pass holder which gives you access to more nearby ski areas. Spend a couple of days exhausting your skis at Eaglecrest, then take a two-hour flight to Port Angeles and enjoy the magnificent views at Hurricane Ridge Ski Area.

Looking to go a little further north into Canada? No problem! Both Apex Mountain Resort and Castle Mountain Resort are available to shred on the Indy Ski Pass. Or, if you're planning on staying in the states, there are a plethora of resorts to choose from! From Washington, Oregon and California, to Idaho, Montana and even Arizona — you can pick from so many ski resorts!

Want to win a trip to Eaglecrest?

Download Snowledge before 12/15 for a chance to win a four-day, three-night Ski & Stay Getaway to Eaglecrest Ski Area in Alaska. You and a friend will enjoy free airfare, two free Indy Passes, and gear from Spyder Active Sports, Hestra Gloves, and Atomic Skis.

Enter to win at Snowledge.com.