This is a developing story.
Eaglecrest Ski Area announced it would be closed on Friday and Saturday, following a break in the main waterline overnight Thursday that cut off water supply to the hill.
The city-run ski area first announced the closure early Friday morning on its website, saying it would provide updates as more information becomes available. The City and Borough of Juneau released a statement Friday afternoon that the city-run ski hill would be closed Saturday, as well.
“The break occurred at a joint due to age-related failure and was not caused by freezing,” the city statement read. “This was a large break, repairs will take time, and the safety of the staff and guests are Eaglecrest’s first priority.”
The Porcupine lift was slated to spin as of Thursday evening.
The broken waterline is the latest challenge in a difficult lead-up to the season. In a video posted to Eaglecrest’s Facebook page Thursday night, General Manager Craig Cimmons outlined several ongoing issues affecting operations.
Simmons said the water line connected to the snowmaking system has frozen, leaving the system unable to make snow.
The team also found major mechanical problems on the Ptarmigan lift — the hill’s main chair — after its gearbox was sent out for rebuilding. According to Cimmons, two critical components were found to be completely worn out.
Rather than reinstall the damaged parts, Cimmons said the team decided to fully replace them, a process complicated by the age of the lift. One replacement part took four months to locate, and another had to be built in-house.
“It’s going to be safer in the end, operating better than it has in a long time, and these problems that we are addressing now are less likely to cause issues mid-winter,” Cimmons said in the video.
Repairs to the Ptarmigan lift are nearly complete, though the lift still needs to pass an inspection before reopening, according to Cimmons.
Despite the setbacks, Cimmons said in the video recent cold temperatures and natural snowfall have given the mountain a solid base.
Eaglecrest held a limited opening last weekend, operating only the Porcupine lift. The “winter preview” marked the start to the hill’s 50th season in operation.
Cimmons was not immediately available for further comment.
