Public Discover: Eaglecrest Statement on Uphill Journey Restrictions

Eaglecrest wish to present readability on why Eaglecrest has not been permitting uphill entry for climbing into inbounds terrain whereas the Hooter and Porcupine lifts have been working.

Due to poor snowpack construction mixed with record-breaking snowfall, Eaglecrest Ski Patrol has been working diligently to handle avalanche hazards all through the ski space. Avalanche mitigation is an ongoing course of, and with the deep instabilities at the moment current, skier compaction alone isn’t enough to handle threat. Effective mitigation requires steady monitoring of climate and snowpack circumstances, cautious planning and timing, and using explosives.

These efforts have been particularly difficult with out common and dependable entry to the Ptarmigan Chairlift. Additionally, avalanche mitigation and setup work can’t be performed safely whereas members of the general public are current within the terrain. At the identical time, Ski Patrol should preserve enough staffing to reply to incidents in all open terrain.

Given the uncertainty round when the Ptarmigan Chairlift might be operational and open to the general public, Eaglecrest has chosen to take care of operational flexibility by conserving the higher mountain closed to uphill journey whereas the ski space is working. This permits employees to soundly function equipment and conduct avalanche mitigation, together with using explosives, with out endangering the general public.

Uphill entry has been allowed throughout partial operations solely when upper-mountain setup is full, or when avalanche mitigation work isn’t obligatory or acceptable at the moment.

Our present uphill coverage does not limit entry to adjoining backcountry terrain outdoors of the ski space boundary.

Please consult with our Uphill Policy posted on the web site.

“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 doc is up to date yearly and has been authorized by the Eaglecrest Board and the State of Alaska.