Eaglecrest would like to provide clarity on why Eaglecrest has not been allowing uphill access for hiking into inbounds terrain while the Hooter and Porcupine lifts have been operating.
Due to poor snowpack structure combined with record-breaking snowfall, Eaglecrest Ski Patrol has been working diligently to manage avalanche hazards throughout the ski area. Avalanche mitigation is an ongoing process, and with the deep instabilities currently present, skier compaction alone is not sufficient to manage risk. Effective mitigation requires continuous monitoring of weather and snowpack conditions, careful planning and timing, and the use of explosives.
These efforts have been especially challenging without regular and reliable access to the Ptarmigan Chairlift. Additionally, avalanche mitigation and setup work cannot be conducted safely while members of the public are present in the terrain. At the same time, Ski Patrol must maintain adequate staffing to respond to incidents in all open terrain.
Given the uncertainty around when the Ptarmigan Chairlift will be operational and open to the public, Eaglecrest has chosen to maintain operational flexibility by keeping the upper mountain closed to uphill travel while the ski area is operating. This allows staff to safely operate machinery and conduct avalanche mitigation, including the use of explosives, without endangering the public.
Uphill access has been allowed during partial operations only when upper-mountain setup is complete, or when avalanche mitigation work is not necessary or appropriate at that time.
Our current uphill policy does not restrict access to adjacent backcountry terrain outside of the ski area boundary.
Please refer to our Uphill Policy posted on the website.
“When Eaglecrest is not operating, uphill traffic must stay well away from heavy machinery and snowmaking equipment, hoses, and cables.”
“When Eaglecrest is operating, uphill traffic is restricted to the three routes along the ski area boundary to access backcountry terrain, not Eaglecrest terrain. Please refer to the map. Uphill traffic is not permitted on any other trails. Routes are subject to closure. Pay careful attention to your surroundings, as you are traveling against the normal traffic flow.”
Section 3.B of our Safety and Operations Manual states:
“The ski area is responsible for monitoring the security of the grounds and premises and maintaining order within the scope of what the ski area personnel are authorized to enforce and/or established in this operation plan. Eaglecrest management has the right to close trails, runs, and any facilities within the Ski Area boundary at its discretion.”
This document is updated annually and has been approved by the Eaglecrest Board and the State of Alaska.
