Discover year-round recreation above Cordova on this gorgeous mountain. In winter, you can lose yourself among the puffy snowdrifts and powder-covered trees as you schuss down the slopes. And in the summer, you’ll find berry picking, hiking, and festivals. Both seasons are magical. Here’s why.
Winter
Local skiers and boarders love this small but mighty mountain that’s open from December through April on weekends and powder days. Why? Let’s start with the average annual snowfall—a whopping 350” of it. You’ll also find the oldest operating single chairlift in North America here; the 1939 American Steel and Wire single lift arrived in 1974 from Sun Valley, Idaho. And rumor has it that Marilyn Monroe sat in one of the chairs!
Then ski 30 different trails, which range from bunny hills to more challenging slopes. Even better, lift tickets won’t break the bank—they’re just $15–$30, depending on your age. Need gear? Rentals are also affordable, at $5–$15. Ski to your heart’s content, then refuel with refreshments from the Snack Shack.
For the latest conditions, check out the Mt. Eyak Ski Area Facebook page.
Summer
When the snow melts, the mountain offers one of the most popular hiking trails in town. It begins less than 5 minutes from downtown, and the views for a fairly short hike are incredibly rewarding.
Start your hike at the end of 6th Ave. at Ski Hill. It won’t take long for those views to reveal themselves. You’ll soon be looking out onto majestic Orca Inlet, Eyak Lake, and the Copper River Delta. Feeling ambitious? Continue on to Top Station. From there, you can walk around the south end of Mt. Eyak (about 1.5 miles) and connect with Crater Lake Trail, or make the steep climb to the top (about 2.4 miles from the base) for an unforgettable panoramic view.
Not a hiker? Come for the fun. Summertime at Mt. Eyak also brings the popular Copper River Salmon Jam festival and other local events.
Year-Round Cabin Rental
Spend a magical night on Mt. Eyak in the Hidden Valley Public Use Cabin, a 16’x20’ structure overlooking Cordova, with amazing views of Orca Inlet.
