Climbing Eyak Ski Hill in Cordova, Alaska

 

Hiking in Cordova, Alaska

4 MIN READ636 WORDS

View from the top of the Eyak ski hill climb.

Our maiden voyage here in Prince William Sound has been going great. We've had quite a bit of rain, and it definitely feels colder than SE Alaska and the inside passage, but the same idea holds true here, where there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing choices. Everyone has been great about dressing for the occasion and immersing in the rainforest feel. Today we explored the quaint fishing town of Cordova, Alaska. In fact, the town is so small, about 2500 people, that the visit of our 30 passenger ship made the front page of the newspaper. Take a look.

Besides exploring the town at their own pace, I had two activities set up for our guests. There was a historical walking tour, led by the head of the Cordova Museum. And there was a hard charging hike up the Eyak Ski Hill. Everyone enjoyed walking around the town, and the few hardy folks that made it to the top of tripod hill at the summit of the ski lift, got some of the best views around. The hard charger turned out to be a 4.2 mile hike from the docks, and a 1,250ft elevation gain. 18 attempted it and 8 actually made the summit.

Mt. Eyak Ski Hill is a popular ski area located in Cordova, Alaska, offering alpine skiing and snowboarding on Mt. Eyak above the town. The ski area uses an historic 1939 American Steel and Wire single chair lift, as well as a rope tow on the beginner slope.

Trail Information

30 different trail options, including a new easy trail down the hill
20% Easy, 60% More difficult, and 20% Most Difficult trail ratings
Annual snowfall averages 350"
Vertical drop of 800 feet
Hiking Trail

The ski hill is also a popular hiking trail in the summer months
The trail begins at the end of 6th Ave. at Ski Hill and offers stunning views of Orca Inlet, Eyak Lake, and the Copper River Delta
The hike is approximately 2.4 miles from the base to the top, with an option to walk around the south end of Mt. Eyak (about 1.5 miles) and connect with Crater Lake Trail

The historic single chairlift, built in 1939 for Sun Valley, Idaho, still takes skiiers up the hill here in Cordova during the winters.

View down over the town of Cordova

View of Eyak Lake and "Road to Nowhere." This was the old railroad that went way out to the Kennecott mines. Millions of dollars of copper and silver were mined here in the early 1900's.

Early June, yet we still encountered some serious snow at the 1,200ft elevation on our trail.

To get to the start of the ski trail hike you have to walk through about 8 blocks of town, passing one of the oldest buildings still standing, the old school house.

Luckily I told everyone to wear waterproof boots for the hike.

Gaining some elevation, while surrounded on either side by Alaskan wilderness.

Scouting a side trail, this led off to the chain of lakes hike. Next time...

Overlooking some beautiful Alaska scenery, high atop Cordova. This valley heads out to the Copper River area.

Top of the ski lift. I would love to see this in winter and give the slopes a run.

The views were pretty spectacular around every corner.

Walking past kettle ponds and stunted trees near the cliffs edge.

This was the last turn in the road before we got to the base of the Eyak Ski Trail.

The hiking poles came in handy for the walk down. Everyone had to shed layers on the way up, even with the intermittent drizzle.

Another breathtaking view from Prince William Sound.