Eaglecrest interviews GM finalist, holds Goldbelt conversation amid $1.9M deficit

The Eaglecrest Board of Directors publicly interviewed its sole general manager finalist Thursday and held a scheduled conversation with Goldbelt, Inc. the same evening, advancing two major pending matters facing Juneau's city-owned ski area.

Julie Jackson Piper emerged as the finalist from a pool of 37 applicants. She served at Eaglecrest from 2012 to 2015 and later as CBJ Aquatics Manager through 2018. The board recessed into executive session after the public interview to deliberate on confidential information about the candidate. CBJ Human Resources is collecting public feedback forms on the candidate. Forms not submitted at the meeting are due to CBJ HR by 9 a.m. on July 3.

The Financial Pressure

The financial pressure behind both moves is substantial. Eaglecrest ended FY26 with roughly $3 million in total revenue against nearly $4.9 million in expenses, a net deficit of about $1.9 million. The Juneau Assembly has directed the board to produce a budget scenario relying only on operating revenue plus $930,000 in general fund support.

The Goldbelt Partnership

The Goldbelt conversation took place under resolutions the board adopted in June confirming that any engagement with Goldbelt must occur within the framework of continued community ownership. City Manager Katie Koester's letter to Goldbelt CEO McHugh Pierre bars any deal linking Eaglecrest to approval of Goldbelt's proposed West Douglas cruise ship dock, keeping the two negotiations formally separate. Pierre responded by proposing an informal first meeting to learn Eaglecrest's needs, CBJ's goals, and expectations before advancing further.

For Juneau skiers and season-pass holders, the outcome of both tracks will shape ticket prices, capital investment, and whether the ski area can sustain current service levels.

What Comes Next

SE Group strategic planning consultants are on-site July 7 and 8, and a special board meeting is scheduled for July 9. The Assembly has set a November 2026 deadline for a report on capital investments, revenue options, and financing alternatives.