By BRUCE ABEL
May 16, 2026 – As the Juneau Assembly struggles under the weight of budget constraints, I have some thoughts on the Eaglecrest Ski Area that, potentially, would be a win/win for all involved.
There are three paths for Eaglecrest:
The first is to continue operations under City and Borough of Juneau ownership. If the Assembly chooses this option, they should factor in budgeting a full funding for operations. Anything less will lead to bankruptcy, a situation we are rapidly approaching. Eaglecrest is a business and no business can survive if starved for capitol. Eaglecrest operations have been under-budgeted for years and its current economic collapse is a direct result.
The second option is to temporarily suspend operations. This avenue would be a mistake as fixed overhead, estimated at approximately $500,000, would continue while there would be no income to offset holding costs. Water, sewer, heat, and maintenance would need to be maintained.
In reality, this option would only save wages while risking pushing the value of Eaglecrest into negative territory. The likelihood of reopening rapidly diminishes as restarting operations isn’t simply turning back on the lifts. New staff would need to be trained, start up maintenance on the buildings and lifts would need to be performed all while attempting to regain an alienated customer base. This is the worst option.
The third option is selling Eaglecrest to Goldbelt. This would immediately alleviate it’s under-capitalization, result in substantial lodge and lift improvements and stabilize operations. It also is the only way the gondola has any chance of benefiting the Juneau community. Selling is the only option that immediately and substantively addresses CBJ budget shortfalls and provides improved revenue to the city.
Choosing this option is the most fiscally responsible. I would encourage the Assembly to task Craig Dahl with assembling a small group of Juneau business people to negotiate a favorable deal on the behalf of the CBJ. This would allow Sr. City leadership and the Assembly to focus on other priorities while the Assembly would retain final approval of any sales agreement.
My hope is the Assembly will proceed with selling Eaglecrest to Goldbelt as it is the only option that has an immediate positive impact both operationally for Eaglecrest and financially for the CBJ.
Bruce Abel is a longtime Juneau resident and business owner.
