EAGLECREST SKI AREA
EAGLECREST EXPERIENCE
EAGLECREST EXPERIENCE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The Gondola Project is part of the broader Eaglecrest Experience, a long-term vision focused on preserving Eaglecrest as a sustainable, community-centered mountain recreation area. Since it was first proposed several years ago, the gondola has been envisioned as the central attraction that expands access to the mountain beyond the winter ski season.
The Eaglecrest Experience is designed to make better use of the mountain year-round by expanding summertime opportunities for both locals and visitors. By tapping into Juneau’s summer visitor industry, Eaglecrest can generate much-needed revenue to help support winter recreation, maintain infrastructure, and reduce reliance on a single season. Scenic rides, hiking access, viewing areas, and adventure-based activities would allow more people to enjoy Eaglecrest’s unique location and views, regardless of skiing ability.
Looking ahead, the Eaglecrest Experience also includes the potential for a mid-mountain lodge that invites people to spend more time on the mountain. Thoughtfully designed gathering spaces, food and beverage offerings, and retail elements would celebrate local culture, provide welcoming places to rest and connect that further enhance the mountain experience, while creating new opportunities for education, recreation, and economic sustainability.
Like many ski areas across the country, Eaglecrest must find ways to support winter operations while managing aging infrastructure and rising costs. Expanding year-round use through the gondola and related experiences is intended to stabilize long-term finances, reinvest in facilities, and preserve Eaglecrest as a valued community asset.
The gondola has generated strong public interest, reflecting both enthusiasm and thoughtful questions from the community. These conversations underscore how important Eaglecrest is to Juneau and continue to help shape the Eaglecrest Experience as it evolves.
The gondola cabins acquired for the Eaglecrest Gondola Project require a comprehensive, top-to-bottom refurbishment before they can be placed into public service. While the cabins were determined to be structurally sound, an initial inspection report strongly recommended that they be refurbished to a “like-new” condition prior to long-term use. At the time the system was purchased, the cabins were shipped directly to Juneau rather than being refurbished overseas. As project planning advanced, it became clear that completing a full refurbishment was critical to the project’s success, particularly because the cabins will be the most visible and frequently used component of the gondola system and a central part of the Eaglecrest Experience for both residents and visitors.
Refurbishing gondola cabins is highly specialized work that requires access to manufacturer specifications, specialized tooling, and industrial facilities that are not available locally. There are only two primary facilities in the United States that routinely refurbish tram and gondola cabins to industry standards, and only one of those facilities was able to meet Eaglecrest’s project timeline. No local or regional contractor in Alaska has the experience, certifications, or infrastructure required to safely and correctly perform this level of work. Shipping the cabins to a specialized facility in Colorado ensures the refurbishment is completed properly, reduces technical risk, and supports long-term reliability.
The refurbishment process is a complete rebuild rather than cosmetic work. It includes replacing all glass, removing and replacing all wiring and electrical systems, installing new speakers and interior components, replacing flooring, reupholstering benches, and fully servicing all mechanical parts and operating mechanisms. The refurbishment facilities have access to original factory specifications and are able to replace components from inventory or fabricate parts on site to exact standards when necessary.
When the cabins return to Juneau, currently expected in early 2027, they will be in like-new condition. This means they will meet modern safety and performance expectations, be visually refreshed with new colors and logo, and be well-suited for Juneau’s operating environment. Beginning operations with fully refurbished cabins helps reduce deferred maintenance, lowers long-term operating risk, and ensures a high-quality, comfortable experience for future guests.
Timing is also a critical factor. There is a very narrow window to secure a place in line at one of the few facilities capable of performing this work. Missing that window could delay the gondola project by years. Shipping the cabins now, January 2026, keeps the project on schedule and supports Eaglecrest’s broader goal of delivering a safe, reliable, and high-quality gondola system within the established project timeline.
