By SUZANNE DOWNING
July 7, 2026 – The Eaglecrest Board of Directors has selected Julie Jackson Piper as the next general manager of Eaglecrest Ski Area, bringing back a familiar face as the municipal ski area works through ongoing financial and operational challenges.
The board approved Piper’s appointment during a special meeting on July 7. She will begin her new position on Aug. 31 with an annual salary of $134,014.40.
Piper returns to Eaglecrest after serving since 2018 as recreation manager for the City of Richland, Washington. Her previous experience includes serving as aquatics manager for the City and Borough of Juneau and as Eaglecrest’s youth and community outreach coordinator and snowsports school supervisor. She also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in ski area business management from Northern Michigan University.
Board President Brandon Cullum said Piper’s experience made her the right choice as the ski area enters another pivotal season.
“I am excited to welcome Julie Jackson Piper back to Eaglecrest as our ski area’s general manager,” Cullum said. “Julie is the right person to lead our staff, support the board, and help inspire confidence with the Assembly as we move into the 2026-2027 ski season and work to address Eaglecrest’s longer-term sustainability concerns.”
Piper said she looks forward to helping guide the ski area into its next chapter.
“I am honored to join Eaglecrest’s dedicated staff and engaged Board of Directors as we build upon the mountain’s remarkable legacy,” she said. “Together, we have an incredible opportunity to strengthen our connection with the community, enhance the year-round mountain experience, and ensure Eaglecrest continues to thrive for generations as we begin its next 50 years.”
The hiring comes during one of the most difficult periods in Eaglecrest’s recent history.
The city-owned ski area has struggled with recurring operating losses, aging infrastructure, equipment failures, and uncertainty about its long-term financial future. Earlier this year, the City and Borough of Juneau abandoned plans for a new gondola after project costs escalated beyond expectations, leaving the mountain without what had been viewed as a cornerstone investment for expanding year-round operations.
At the same time, city leaders and Goldbelt, Inc. have been discussing a potential long-term partnership that could include leasing Eaglecrest to the Alaska Native corporation. While no agreement has been finalized, officials have said such a partnership could provide new investment opportunities while helping reduce the financial burden on Juneau taxpayers.
Piper will step into the leadership role as those discussions continue and as the board works to stabilize operations ahead of the upcoming winter season.
The Eaglecrest general manager is hired and supervised by the Eaglecrest Board. According to the board, candidates were first screened by the Juneau Human Resources Department before the board’s Human Resources Committee conducted remote interviews and selected Piper as the sole finalist for an in-person interview last week.
