Eaglecrest Ski Area will be opening one chairlift and one trail on Saturday, according to General Manager Dave Scanlan.
The Porcupine Chairlift and adjacent Muskeg trail will be open from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
“That’s the only thing we’re guaranteeing right now,” Scanlan said Tuesday afternoon by phone.
Scanlan said more of the mountain may open, however, but it’s still up in the air. In addition to whatever snow falls naturally this week, Scanlan said snowmaking equipment will be in operation — conditions permitting — Wednesday night or Thursday morning to Sunday morning. The equipment needs sub 30-degree temperatures and 90% humidity to operate, he said.
“The colder it gets, the better production it is,” Scanlan said.
The snowmaking efforts will be centered on the Porcupine chair area and base of Hooter and Ptarmigan chairs, he said.
Skiers and snowboarders getting in early turns should exercise caution and steer clear of the snowmaking equipment, he said.
Lee Henry, left, and Chris Miller, ski and snowboard down Lower Hilary’s at Eaglecrest on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Chris Miller is followed by Izzy as he snowboards at Eaglecrest on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Eric Kueffner, right, and Wade Pancich return to their vehicles after taking advantage of fresh snow at Eaglecrest on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Snowboarder Wade Pancich cleans fresh snow off his windshield after returning from making a few turns at Eaglecrest on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Ted Hanrahan, a ski patroller for the Eaglecrest Ski Area, makes his way down the slopes on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Snow and signs at the base of the Ptarmigan Chairlift on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
• Contact sports reporter Nolin Ainsworth at 523-2272 or nainsworth@juneauempire.com.
