Eaglecrest Ski Area is celebrating its 50th birthday tomorrow, offering $7 lift tickets and hosting a Party in the Community at Forbidden Peak Brewery from 5 to 7 p.m. Ptarmigan lift opened Thursday, offering access to ungroomed Westside terrain recommended for expert skiers and riders only.
The celebration follows turmoil among Eaglecrest leadership. The ski area’s board of directors and general manager announced their resignations during a board meeting on Jan. 9. Hannah Shivley, who served as the board chair for less than six months, said she was leaving the role due to health issues. General manager Craig Cimmons, who was hired in August 2024, didn’t attend the meeting.
Erin Lupro, Eaglecrest’s Director of Snowsports School, Rental, Retail & Repair, was named acting general manager. Brandon Cullum was elected the board’s new chair.
The ski area implemented a daily operations report last week. Administrative coordinator Marissa Kehres said the report is a team effort designed to provide the community with clear communication regarding the ski area’s daily operations.
“What you’re seeing right now is what we’re going to try and maintain going forward,” Kehres said. “We want to be as open and as honest as we can with just as much information as we have.”
The operation report offers updates on the state of the porta-potties the ski area introduced due to a broken water line. Kehres said she’s not sure when the water main will be fixed.
Williwaw, Sourdough and Sneaky runs are groomed, and Porcupine chair services groomed beginner terrain. Ptarmigan services expert terrain only, with “mashed potatoes” conditions on unmarked trails due to the heavy snowpack the area has received since the beginning of the season.
“Please note that conditions will be challenging on ungroomed terrain,” Eaglecrest’s website says. “The combination of variable, heavy snow and steep pitches requires advanced technical skill to navigate safely.”
For more information on the mountain’s conditions, visit Eaglecrest’s website at this link.
