EAGLECREST SKI AREA
EAGLECREST EXPERIENCE
EAGLECREST EXPERIENCE
TIMELINE & UPDATES
The Eaglecrest Gondola Project is a landmark infrastructure initiative for Juneau, Alaska’s City & Borough of Juneau (CBJ), aimed at transforming the city‑owned Eaglecrest Ski Area into a year‑round recreational and tourism destination. It represents decades of planning, public investment, and a unique public–private partnership designed to expand access for locals and visitors while diversifying Eaglecrest’s revenue base beyond winter skiing.
2012 – Early Vision
Planning documents like the 2012 Eaglecrest Master Plan first identified the potential for expanded summer and year‑round use of the ski area, setting the stage for future discussions about large‑scale infrastructure such as a gondola.
2018 – Formal Summer Operations Planning Begins
In 2018, Eaglecrest initiated formal efforts to explore expanding into summer operations to make the ski area more financially sustainable. These planning efforts included studying ways to use aerial access to attract more visitors beyond the snowy season.
2019 – Task Force & Development Plan
A Summer Operations Task Force was established to evaluate business models and infrastructure needs. Eaglecrest’s 2019 Summer Development Plan proposed amenities including a passenger gondola, mountain biking trails, and adventure attractions to draw visitors’ year‑round.
2019–2021 – Municipal Strategy Alignment
The City & Borough of Juneau Assembly formally incorporated summer operations planning, including gondola development, into its strategic goals for Eaglecrest, providing crucial municipal alignment with the ski area’s long‑term vision.
November 2021 – Acquisition Opportunity
Eaglecrest identified a used gondola lift being decommissioned in Europe, providing a cost‑effective opportunity to acquire key gondola infrastructure.
December 2021 – Early Funding & Planning
Work began with the CBJ Assembly to fund the purchase, transport, and initial engineering of the gondola system.
February 2022 – Assembly Approval
The Assembly passed an ordinance authorizing up to $2 million from the city’s general fund for the gondola’s purchase and early planning. Public meetings were also held to inform residents and solicit input.
September 2022 – Equipment Arrival
The used gondola system arrived in Juneau from Austria, including cabins and other components that will be reconfigured for Eaglecrest’s specific terrain and use.
Late 2023 – Parts & Design Complexity
Officials reported that additional parts (extra towers, cable sections, and haul rope components) were needed to adapt the system to Eaglecrest’s infrastructure. Those parts ended up costing nearly as much as the original gondola purchase due to configuration requirements and market price increases.
February 2024 – Planning Commission Approval
The Juneau Planning Commission granted a conditional use permit for Eaglecrest’s broader summer development plan, encompassing the gondola, Summit House lodge, mountain bike trails, snow tubing park, and access roads; major milestones before actual construction could begin.
Goldbelt, Inc. Investment
In April 2023, Goldbelt, Inc., an urban Alaska Native corporation with deep experience in tourism and transportation (including the Mount Roberts Tramway), committed $10 million to support the gondola project under a revenue‑sharing agreement with CBJ.
Under this agreement:
- Goldbelt will receive 10%–25% of future summer gondola revenue for 25+ years.
- Goldbelt must be compensated for at least $20 million before the revenue share ends.
- The contribution covers core construction costs (foundations, towers, cabling, terminals) beyond the city’s initial $2 million investment.
Goldbelt’s investment reflects a strategic push to strengthen Juneau’s tourism offerings and integrate the gondola into broader visitor experiences, including opportunities linked to future development on Douglas Island.
- A fixed‑grip pulse lift with 12 enclosed cabins (each seating up to 9 passengers).
- Cabins arranged into pods that circulate on a fixed haul rope.
- A midway station enabling boarding/disembarkation in both summer and winter.
- A maximum capacity of 200 passengers per hour.
- Ride duration is estimated at about 15 minutes from base to summit, stopping at the mid-station on the way.
2025 – Early Construction
In late 2025, work began on access roads and site preparation needed to support the gondola infrastructure. Portions of the mountain above the lodges were temporarily closed for safety and to allow heavy construction equipment to operate.
Current Project Status (as of late 2025 / early 2026)
Gondola cabins shipped out to Colorado (Jan 2026) for major refurbishment (new glass, seats, paint, powder coating), with cabins expected back in early 2027.
Funding and Staffing
- At a CBJ committee meeting (March 2025), the Eaglecrest board urged the Assembly for additional budget support for staffing, wages, and capital needs to help push year-round operations anchored by the gondola. The need to invest in personnel resources was emphasized as crucial alongside gondola construction.
Assembly Engagement
- Project cost challenges, especially due to higher-than-expected parts prices and tariffs, were discussed with Assembly members (Dec 2025), including whether additional city funding would be needed to stay on schedule.
2026-2027
- Spring 2026: Expect key contractor bids and cost estimates to be finalized.
- March/April 2026: Investment reassessment and funding plan date meeting where the Assembly evaluates updated costs and decides how to proceed.
- Summer 2026: Potential start of construction for tower foundations and roads.
- Early 2027: Refurbished cabins return from Colorado and major mechanics installation could begin.
2025–2027 – Installation Phase
Plans anticipate major construction through fall 2027, focusing on:
- Gravel access roads along the gondola alignment.
- Tower foundations and structural supports.
- Terminal buildings at the bottom, summit, and mid‑station.
- Trails, support buildings and viewing platforms.
May 2028 – Target Operational Deadline
Under the Goldbelt agreement, the gondola must be operational by May 31, 2028, or Goldbelt can withdraw from the project, a deadline that reflects realistic planning horizons given construction and permitting timelines.
Budget Pressures
Despite Goldbelt’s major contribution, project costs have risen due to:
- Additional parts and adaptations.
- Unexpected tariffs and freight cost overruns for the gondola and parts.
- Increased costs of construction and materials
- Essential infrastructure to support the Eaglecrest Experience for guests’ services
Scheduling & Timeline Risks
Municipal officials have acknowledged design and scheduling uncertainties; full operations may realistically extend into 2028.
Financial Sustainability
Board leadership has projected that Eaglecrest may operate at a negative fund balance through its transition to year‑round operations, requiring patience and continued support while summer tourism infrastructure matures.
Vision & Impact
The gondola is central to Eaglecrest’s broader vision for an “Eaglecrest Experience”
- Year‑round access to alpine scenery, hiking, and trail experiences.
- Expanded summer tourism, particularly for cruise visitors to Juneau.
- Additional recreational amenities, including hiking trails, visitor centers, shops, and viewing platforms.
City leaders and Eaglecrest believe that once operational, the gondola and associated attractions will create jobs, enhance visitor experiences, and put Eaglecrest on a sustainable path that balances local use with tourism demand.
Eaglecrest is overseen by a seven‑member board appointed by the City & Borough of Juneau. Board meetings regularly address operational, staffing, and capital projects and are open to the public. Municipal managers also brief the Assembly through committees on design, budget, and schedule considerations.
