Juneau invites Goldbelt to partner on Eaglecrest with two firm conditions

Juneau's city government has formally invited Goldbelt Inc. to engage on investing in Eaglecrest Ski Area and potentially operating it, opening discussions for a ski area that draws $1.7 million in annual general fund support.

City Manager Katie Koester and Eaglecrest Board Chair Brandon Cullum sent the letter to Goldbelt CEO McHugh Pierre on June 11. Goldbelt responded June 17 that it welcomes an initial meeting.

CBJ's Conditions

CBJ drew two lines it will not cross: the city must retain long-term ownership of Eaglecrest, a requirement tied to Land and Water Conservation Fund restrictions on the property, and no agreement can be conditioned on approval of Goldbelt's proposed West Douglas cruise ship dock. The letter noted that while CBJ cannot sell the property, it would be willing to enter into a long-term lease that meets the fiscal needs of investors.

The West Douglas dock project is currently under review by the Community Development Department for a conditional use permit, and the Planning Commission holds sole authority to approve or deny it. Goldbelt has pursued a deep-water cruise dock on the undeveloped west side of Douglas Island, a proposal that has drawn opposition from conservation groups and some Juneau residents.

Board Framework and Finances

The Eaglecrest Board set the framework in June, approving Resolution 2026-2 supporting engagement with Goldbelt within a community-ownership structure. "The Board does not take pricing increases lightly and understands that increases can be difficult for users," Cullum said at the June 4 meeting.

Goldbelt committed $10 million toward the Eaglecrest gondola project in April 2023 through a revenue-sharing agreement with CBJ. That project is now paused, and the Assembly has begun terminating the original agreement. The board is working with the SE Group on a financial and strategic plan, with a capital needs report due to the Assembly no later than November 2026.

The city letter outlined two possible paths to advance talks: a meeting among Goldbelt, the Eaglecrest Board Chair, and the City Manager to produce an agreed public starting document, or a written proposal from Goldbelt for the relevant bodies to review.