Eaglecrest Ski Area in Juneau and Best Hotels Nearby

Eaglecrest Ski Area in Juneau includes more than 640 acres of open skiing terrain. The community-owned area is nearly untouched, much like the rest of Juneau’s natural outdoor wonder. It’s just 15 minutes from downtown and offers fresh powder most days.

Learn all about what skiing in Juneau is like and why winter is a splendid time for a visit. We’ll also highlight the area hotels where you’ll enjoy rest and relaxation after your outdoor winter adventures.

About Eaglecrest Ski Area in Juneau, Alaska

According to On The Snow, the best time for skiing in Juneau is December, when the average snowfall is 51 inches. January is the second best with 45 inches and February receives an average of 42 inches. March is still solid ski weather with an average of 35 inches of snowfall. Once you get into April, the average snowfall decreases to 9 inches.

The ski resort has a good distribution of beginner, intermediate and advanced runs, with 37 runs in total. The longest run is 2 miles, making it an ideal resort for people of all skiing abilities.

With 49 years of operation, the resort knows how to guide tourists in selecting equipment and getting comfortable navigating the slopes.

Planning a Skiing Trip

Learn key information you’ll need to prepare for your trip to Eaglecrest Ski Area.

Packing: Before you start your travel, ensure you have the essentials to enjoy your time at Eaglecrest. Be sure to pack a warm coat, snow pants, socks (preferably tall socks that will work well with ski boots), gloves, a hat, a helmet, and goggles or sunglasses. Consider layering up to ensure you have adequate protection from the elements without overheating. The layers closest to your body should be moisture-wicking. You’ll also want a backpack to store your gear in that would fit inside a locker.
Renting equipment: You don’t need to have ski equipment to join in the fun at Eaglecrest, though you can bring your equipment if you have it. Complete a thorough check of your equipment before skiing if you choose not to rent. When renting, the shop will help pair you with gear based on your size and abilities.
Skiing lessons: If you haven’t skied before or it’s been many years since you last took to the slopes, it’s a good idea to consider ski lessons at Eaglecrest. The resort offers lessons for youth and adults. After a 1.5-hour lesson, you’ll have the basic skills to enjoy the slopes on your own.
Monitoring conditions: Visit the resort at the best possible time by reviewing conditions. Eaglecresst posts the conditions in the early morning during operations. Pair that with forecast information to select the best day for your skiing adventure during your travels.
Traveling to the resort: Getting to the resort from downtown Juneau is simple. The resort is on Douglas Island. During weekends and school holidays, the ski area offers a snow bus. Monitor the schedule to learn when you can catch the bus and find out more about prices.
Operating months: If you’ve never been to Alaska, you might think of it as a place with constant winter. And while the weather never warms up like it does in other parts of the U.S., it does get warm enough to where there is little or no snow many months of the year. Make sure you plan your trip to Juneau from December through mid-April. That’s when Eaglecrest is open for skiing. After that, it transforms into a summer camp destination. It’s closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays during ski season so plan accordingly.

Best Hotels Nearby Eaglecrest Ski Area in Juneau

The best option for a hotel near Eaglecrest is one that is in downtown Juneau. While that still means a 12-mile trek to get to the ski resort, it’s the best way to get close while still having the amenities you need. Here’s a look at the top-rated hotels nearby.

Juneau Hotel

Make yourself at home in the large suites that include a full kitchen and washer and dryer. You’ll have the essentials that you need to relax and enjoy a ski trip. Don’t worry about your outerwear getting damp on the slopes. Just toss it in the dryer when you get back so you can take a stroll to one of the many downtown restaurants in comfort.

The hotel is locally owned and operated. Whether you need help navigating transportation to and from Eaglecrest or you need advice on where to go to eat after you’ve worked up an appetite on the slopes, the front desk staff is friendly, insightful and ready to make your stay memorable and enjoyable.