Two Eaglecrest board members, including chairman, resign as ski area's 50th season celebration nears
- Mark Sabbatini
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Mike Satre says he can’t devote sufficient time to the "significant challenges" the resort faces
By Mark Sabbatini
Juneau Independent
The chair of Eaglecrest Ski Area’s board of directors resigned on Thursday, nine days before the struggling resort is scheduled to celebrate its 50th season, stating he no longer can devote sufficient time to the position.
Mike Satre was reappointed to a third three-year term on Eaglecrest’s board last summer by the Juneau Assembly. He said at the time he said the resort’s struggles — including instability in top leadership — prompted his decision to continue. But he submitted his resignation effective immediately in a letter last week to Mayor Beth Weldon and other city officials.
"While I have attempted to balance volunteering with family and work, it is simply no longer possible to give the Eaglecrest Board and the Eaglecrest staff the time and attention they deserve," wrote Satre, who is also the director of governmental affairs for the Hecla Greens Creek Mine.
"The board and staff have also worked hard to address the significant challenges that remain at Eaglecrest. Our aging infrastructure and deferred maintenance backlog are significant hurdles to overcome, but I have confidence that it is being addressed in a safe and systematic manner that will benefit all users in the long term."
Another board member, Thomas Mason, also submitted a resignation that was formally accepted by the board at its meeting Thursday. His first term was scheduled to expire on June 30 of next year.
The resignation of both members was announced at the meeting by Hannah Shively, a board member since 2022, who was subsequently elected the new chair by a unanimous vote.
"Mike has been the chair of the board for several years, and has done an exceeding amount of leadership and behind-the-scenes work as well to enable Eaglecrest success," she said. Also, "TJ as well has been really helpful, has got a great specialty and expertise, and very busy family obligations. So his time is very valuable and the sacrifice of that is much appreciated."
Eaglecrest leaders, including Satre in his resignation letter, say the resort is facing significant financial, infrastructure and staffing challenges — along with a warming climate that’s resulting in shorter and subpar ski seasons. Many of their future hopes are based on the opening of a gondola that will allow year-round mass tourism within a few years, but construction of that project has also run into cost difficulties and delays.
Satre, in his letter, noted Eaglecrest is modifying its pay plan for employees so wages are more competitive compared to other ski areas. Eaglecrest General Manager Craig Cimmons told the board the gondola is now progressing well under the guidance of an official hired by the city to supervise the project. He said season pass sales — which were dismal earlier this summer following a poor ski season, and the news that one of two mountaintop lifts will remain out of operation due to mechanical failures — are now closer to expected levels.
The resort plans to showcase its sunnier side with a 50th season kickoff starting at 10 a.m. Saturday. Events include live music, a barbecue, a zipline community day, a silent auction featuring historical items from the ski resort and vendors.
• Contact Mark Sabbatini at editor@juneauindependent.com or (907) 957-2306.
