Eaglecrest Ski Area
Juneau's community-owned ski area offering 640 acres of terrain, stunning Alaskan views, and affordable prices with minimal lift lines.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Deepest snow, best skiing
Eaglecrest Ski Area
Best Time
Deepest snow, best skiing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Juneau's community-owned ski area offering 640 acres of terrain, stunning Alaskan views, and affordable prices with minimal lift lines.
"A friendly, underrated resort with amazing skiing and views, perfect for all levels."
Pack Your Own Lunch 🥪
Lodge food can be a hassle; packing your own lunch and hot cocoa is recommended.
Consider Lesson Packages ⛷️
3-day lesson packages are cheaper than lift tickets and rentals combined for beginners.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Powder Days
Experience deep powder and incredible big-mountain terrain. Eaglecrest is known for its abundant snowfall.
Ridge Hike & Bowl Skiing
Hike the ridge and ski the East and West Bowls for the best runs and breathtaking views.
Beginner-Friendly Learning
Excellent instructors and a supportive environment make it ideal for first-time skiers and snowboarders.
Summer Hiking Trails
Even in summer, the ski area offers hiking opportunities with stunning summit views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting There Without a Car
Embrace the Weather & Pack Smart
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack Your Own Lunch 🥪
Lodge food can be a hassle; packing your own lunch and hot cocoa is recommended.
Consider Lesson Packages ⛷️
3-day lesson packages are cheaper than lift tickets and rentals combined for beginners.
Check Backcountry Safety ⚠️
When the resort is closed, it's backcountry. Educate yourself on avalanche safety.
Rentals are Affordable 🏂
Gear rentals are surprisingly inexpensive and the equipment is well-maintained.
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack Your Own Lunch 🥪
Lodge food can be a hassle; packing your own lunch and hot cocoa is recommended.
Consider Lesson Packages ⛷️
3-day lesson packages are cheaper than lift tickets and rentals combined for beginners.
Check Backcountry Safety ⚠️
When the resort is closed, it's backcountry. Educate yourself on avalanche safety.
Rentals are Affordable 🏂
Gear rentals are surprisingly inexpensive and the equipment is well-maintained.
Kid-Friendly Lifts 👍
Small lifts have a 'thumbs down' option for kids to signal if they need it slowed.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Eaglecrest's stunning views, affordable prices, and lack of crowds, making it a highly underrated gem. While some find the lodge food and beer service a bit inconvenient, the quality of skiing and the friendly atmosphere consistently impress, especially for families and beginners.
"Beautiful view! Easy enough to hike up gravel road before its covered in snow. Our family went for the first time recently and even our 8 yr old made it to the top without any issues. Be prepared with water, chapstick, gloves, walking sticks or ski poles, dress in warm layers, binoculars and an empty bladder. Lol."
Donna Behan-Flores
"Great place for skiing and snowboarding. Prices are fantastic compared to other ski resorts. Instructors are great. My 6 year old learned to ski her first day of lessons and was taking the lift on her own by week 2. I like that on the smallest lift the kids can give a thumbs down if they need the lift slowed or stopped for loading and unloading.
I'll also note that here are rarely lines at any of the lifts.
Grill is convenient for days when you don't pack a lunch. But we usually bring food and hot cocoa ourselves.
Gear rentals are much more inexpensive than expected. And gear is much better quality. Well taken care of.
If you're new to skiing or snowboarding, definitely take advantage of the 3 day lessons. The cost is cheaper than just renting gear and buying lift tickets for the 3 days."
Tonya Luder
"Hike the ridge and ski West Bowl if it is open. East Bowl held the most pow. What a great friendly underrated resort. Free with my powder alliance pass from a partner resort. Pack your own lunch. Lodge food was so so and a pain. Just pack a lunch. Also beer is from a disconnected tent nowhere near food service.....weird. the skiing was amazing and worth it. Spend a few days here to figure out the area and know where you want to ski on day 2 or 3 of your journey."
Adam Coberley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
While the official ski bus operates only on weekends, some visitors have successfully used rideshares or hitchhiking. Be prepared for windy roads and limited services.
Yes, there is parking available at the ski area. During peak season, it can fill up, so arriving early is advisable.
Yes, you can hike up the gravel road before it's covered in snow. It's a good way to experience the area and get to the top without skiing.
Eaglecrest Ski Area is located about 10-15 miles from downtown Juneau, typically a 30-40 minute drive depending on road conditions.
The primary shuttle service is the ski bus, which typically runs on weekends. Check local schedules for any additional services.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Prices are generally considered fantastic and much lower than other ski resorts. Look for multi-day lesson packages which can be more economical than buying separate lift tickets and rentals.
While lines are rarely an issue, booking in advance is always a good idea, especially during peak season or holidays, to secure your spot.
Yes, Eaglecrest offers attractive packages, particularly for beginners. A 3-day lesson package can be cheaper than just lift tickets and rentals for the same duration.
Operating hours vary by season and day. It's best to check the official Eaglecrest Ski Area website for the most up-to-date information on daily hours and lift operations.
Eaglecrest is a community-owned resort and often has various pass options available. Check their website for details on season passes and any partner resort affiliations.
🎫 ⛷️ Onsite Experience
Eaglecrest Ski Area boasts a vertical drop of 1620 feet, offering a substantial descent for skiers and snowboarders.
The resort features 640 acres of terrain suitable for novice, intermediate, and expert skiers, including bowls and challenging runs.
Yes, Eaglecrest has great instructors who are highly recommended, especially for beginners and children learning to ski or snowboard.
One of the major advantages of Eaglecrest is that there are rarely any significant lines at the lifts, allowing for more time on the slopes.
While primarily a winter destination, Eaglecrest offers hiking trails in the summer with impressive summit elevations of 2,750 ft.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a grill in the lodge that is convenient for quick meals. However, many visitors prefer to pack their own food and hot cocoa.
Alcoholic beverages, like local beer, are available, though sometimes from a separate tent rather than the main food service area.
Absolutely! Bringing your own food and drinks, especially hot cocoa, is a common and recommended practice among visitors.
While not explicitly mentioned as designated picnic areas, the lodge and surrounding outdoor spaces offer places to enjoy packed meals.
The lodge offers standard grill fare. For a more local experience, consider exploring Juneau's dining scene after your ski day.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers panoramic views, especially on clear days, providing stunning backdrops. The bowls and ridge lines are also visually dramatic.
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer beautiful light, especially during sunrise or sunset. Clear 'bluebird' days provide the most expansive vistas.
Capturing the deep powder, the unique snowmobiles, or the stunning Alaskan landscape during different seasons offers unique photographic moments.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can capture action shots on the slopes. Weather-sealed gear is advisable due to potential moisture.
While not guaranteed, keep an eye out for local wildlife. Always maintain a safe distance and respect their natural habitat.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🏂 Snowboarders & Skiers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Eaglecrest: From Beginner to Expert
As you progress, Eaglecrest offers a variety of terrain across its 640 skiable acres. The intermediate and expert skier will find plenty to explore, particularly in the East and West Bowls, which are known for holding deep powder. Hiking the ridge provides access to these bowls and offers spectacular panoramic views, especially on clear 'bluebird' days. The resort's vertical drop of 1620 feet ensures a satisfying descent for those seeking a challenge.
One of the standout features of Eaglecrest is the lack of long lift lines, even during busy periods. This means more time spent enjoying the slopes and less time waiting. For those venturing into the backcountry areas when the resort is closed, it's crucial to prioritize backcountry safety and education, including avalanche awareness.
Beyond the Slopes: Summer and Community at Eaglecrest
Eaglecrest also plays a vital role in the Juneau community, particularly in supporting youth engagement in winter sports. Programs like the Douglas Indian Association's Snow Camp provide Indigenous youth with access to rental equipment, lift tickets, and lessons, fostering a love for skiing and snowboarding. This community focus extends to its affordability, with prices often cited as significantly better than larger, more commercial ski resorts. The resort's commitment to accessibility and community involvement makes it a cherished local asset.
Social
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